Really Need Advice!!

[scared0398]

Hello Everyone,
I have finally got up enough courage to post here. I have been addicted to pain medication for about 3yrs.  I take about 5-6 loratabs a day. I have never had any problems with any kinds of drugs in my life up to now. I was prescribed this medicine after the birth of my third child, then prescribed more after my tubal, then i had dental work done. At the time I wasnt aware of how addicting they were but little by little i noticed wow i have soo much energy i can take care of the kids, clean the house, cook dinner, etc. I am not prescribed these anymore so i buy them. Which is even more unbelievable to me. I want to be done with this!! My question is: can i go to a doctor and spill the beans and keep it confidential? I am very interested in tapering down with the help of a doctor and family support. I have to say i do not have a week to ten days to be down for the count. So i feel tapering would be the best way but only with dr. supervision. Has anyone else spilled the beans to their dr. and had good results?

[sudie58]

tell the dr. exactly what you told us in your first post, it is honest and from the heart, tell him youve had enough , know you made a mistake and can he help you come off them, and that you would like to taper, i am sure you will get the help you need, the doctor has seen a lot , and most probably a lot worse than you, try to stay positive, and you have made your first step to recovery, and your life back, it will be ok.

[scared0398]

Thank you all so much! I feel like some of the stress has lifted not all but some lol. Has anyone here spoken with a dr. about tapering? Im not asking for a schedule, i know that has to come from a dr. but how to approach the whole conversation

[sudie58]

they sign a hippocratic oath, you are quite safe, honesly, dont be worried.

[anonymous421]

Welcome!  I am new here too... You made the first right step.

Here's what I found to your question...

"There are important regulations which safeguard the confidentiality of patients in treatment. Federal law requires doctors, psychologists, and drug treatment centers to keep confidential any information obtained from patients. However, under certain conditions, the law does allow disclosure. (The information might be necessary so other doctors can treat the patient, or so insurance carriers can provide benefits.) "

[sudie58]

yes, drs. are sworn to confidentuality, so dont worry about that, i am glad you have made the best decision, take care,

[scared0398]

Thank you so much for your response. It really feels good to read all the stories and find you are not alone!! I will be making an appointment soon. I have a wonderful friend who is a nurse prac. and i am going to confide in her and get her to recomend a doctor that i can speak to. I just feel so ashamed by all this and want to find an understanding doctor that I can speak honestly with. I just want to ask again is everything that is said in an appointment confidential?

[sudie58]

just to say, keep posting , and let us know how you go,

[sudie58]

hi and welcome, i think thats a very good thing to do, you need help and drs. are generally going to be sympathetic, they may say you have been silly, but you know that anyway,
your not the only one and you wont be the last, i was addicted to codeine, benzos so i know how you feel , the good thing is you have had the courage to post on here , and admit you have a problem , thats half the battle, i wish you all the best , make that appointment, its a huge first step, god bless    sudie