Is there a way to get help detoxing without it going on your medical record?

Question

I have been smoking heroin for a while now and I want to stop so badly but the withdrawals are so horrible I can't make it through, I have only tried going cold turkey. I want to go to the doctor so I can get suboxone or something to help me get through them but I don't want it on my medical record and forever be labeled an addict. Is there some place like a clinic or something I can go to where I can get help without it going on my medical record? Rehab is not a option. Or does anyone know of tips or home remedies that help? I want to stop more than anything, so please any ideas would be so helpful.

justneedtotalk · Answer

Hello, this is a tricky subject.  If you get help or a referral from your doctor to go to treatment then it will be in your medical records.  If you just check yourself into a treatment center and pay cash then that is your best way because if you use your medical insurance, there will also be a record.  At the treatment centers you are protected under the HIPA laws and as long as you do not authorize the release of information, then they by law cannot disclose your treatment records.  The Suboxone route is not my first choice.  If you don't have insurance the initial visit will cost you around $350-$400 dollars and you pay each month around $150 depending upon the clinic.  Only certain clinics have the licensed doctors to prescribe the medicine so they basically have a monopoly.  After that you have to pay about $450-$600 dollars a month for the medication itself.  It is extremely expensive without insurance but if you go the insurance route then there will be a record of it.  They still cannot release your records without your approval but there is always a paper trail.  I know that the treatment centers have a pretty good program for heroin withdrawal and yes it will be painful for a week but once your through the "hell week" you are on the road to true recovery.  No matter what people tell you, Suboxone is definitely the less painful way but at some point you have to detox off of it and it has a lot longer half life and the withdrawal is a lot longer just not as bad.  I would take a short and bad withdrawal over a long withdrawal any day!  Good luck and just you considering your options is a good sign.....Just don't be a "I will call them tomorrow" kind of person because the next thing you know you are either dead, in jail, broke, and or find yourself a year deeper into your addiction!  I am here if you have any questions and God bless and good luck.....

gnarly_1 · Answer

HI.....well as addicts we all fear the withdrawal...it keeps us chained down to our drug of choice.....addicts will continue to put it off and addiction only gets worst with time 3 to 5 days is worth getting the rest of your life back please dont go the methadone route it is a much harder detox.....look it is always worst in our minds then it turns out to be....addicts tend to forget this is a deadly disease and eventually will kill you as for help the room of /N/A are a great help at tonight's meeting we had 2 guys in there first week the one was really dope sick with 3 days clean the other with about a week the guy with a week gave the guy with 3 days a lot of hope...both of them encouraged me to keep working the program....dont ever want to go threw that again please take 10356 advise lesa has been threw it and knows I spent 7 yrs on methadone and the kick almost killed me you try being dope sick for 90 days where here to support you this forum and N/A are a great combo to kick where here for you
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>GNARLY<<<<<<<<<<<<<

WalkTall · Answer

To reiterate, please try to avoid 'trading up' to suboxone. If you're on a maintenance med like subs or methadone, you'll find that your withdrawals are much more difficult and protracted when, and if, you're able to kick. 

It's much easier to detox from the short-acting opiates you're taking.  The worst is over in 5 to 7 days.  You can do this at home with comfort meds and hot baths, but you've got to be prepared for the long-haul.  Cravings, PAWS, boredom, and many other things draw us back to the opiates - our relapse rates are, therefore, high. 

I recently took a very unconventional (and kinda expensive) detox route, that eliminated 90% of withdrawals, PAWS and all cravings.  For me, it was a miracle, but for some reason the topic seems taboo here, so I'll leave it at that, unless you want to message me or see my status. 

Bottom line, no matter what your course, if you're ready to get clean, you've got to be in a place, mentally, where you're ready to fight for it.  It takes a lasting determination and constant awareness.  Not talking days, or weeks... permanently.   NA, therapy/counseling, open communication, and the Big Book are all good outlets to keep your mind right.

10356 · Answer

Your welcome my Fearless Leader :))

10356 · Answer

Hello Missladyy 

Welcome to the forum.. There is always a way out of active addiction.. Rehab would show on records Although this is the Best route for Heroin addiction a 3 month stay with a halfway house is the strongest foundation but if you choose to go it at home this too is possible.. Yes they have Sub Dr.s that are very expensive and as I see it you are just trading up.. Change People places and things.. You have to distance yourself from whom you associate. I would recommend NA meetings for support We can not do this alone Na would give you the Support you need to stay clean.. There are a few things you can do to help yourself.. warm baths/showers as many as you can force yourself to take  heat wraps help with the ache in the back as well as RLS in the arms and legs if you can not afford those hot water bottle heating pad.. There is a product called Hylands restful leg it helped me with the RLS.. Valerian Root is a Natural Valium It will help some with the Anxiety but what helps more with that is walking, walking helps with all the symptoms/ You might feel like a zombie doing it but force yourself.. Stay Hydrated ! It makes everything so much worse when you are dehydrated, Gatorade will help restore lost electrolytes.. Crackers dry toast Brat diet If not sip Boost but add a Protein drink when you can hold things down, You need the Amino acids and vitamins.. Imodium will be your best friend but not too much as you want to rid the toxins.. Now after all this a Positive attitude will get you the Furthest.. You are Conquering the Devil..You can do this You have it in you Just get the right mind set Prepare and go to war.. I wish you the very best and I will be sending a Prayer that the Good Spirits guide you back to yours,  lesa

dominosarah · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum.  Have you googled Sub doctors in your area?  I would look for one who offers counseling along with a short term sub treatment.  Using is only a symptom of what goes on with us.  How long have you been using?  I am not sure about the medical records but i told my Doctor i was a recovering addict.  I couldnt leave any avenues open.