confidentiality

[BeyondScrewed]

I have a ROARING opiate addiction. I absolutely have come to the realization that I cannot do this on my own and that I need help. However I have some problems and concerns. First, my wife knows about my prescriptions but does not and cannot know about the rest. And for ny of u who say to just be honest and she will be supportive, no she will not. And I'm scared of her using it as ammo to take away my son. Also, the same applies for my doctor. If he found out what ive been doing he would cut me off. And at the level I'm at, that would be disasterous.
So here is my real question.....I am trying to find a good psychiatrist (hoping I can find an addictionoligist) so I may possibly have someone that I can be honest with. Is the doctor patient confidentiality ABSOLUTE? would he/she be legally, morally, and/or ethically required or able to call my prescribing dr to tell him that I'm abusing my meds and taking xtras? Yes of course eventually I want them to be gone, but first I need to eliminate the xtras, then I can work on my own scripts.
I'm so very scared, nervous, desperate and alone. I cant live like this anymore.
Also where is a good place to find an addictionologist?
Someone please help me.       :'-(

[CWKavinRAS]

Every state has different laws, but I believe that unless you are a threat to yourself or another person your psychiatrist cannot discuss anything with your wife or prescribing doctor.
When you sit down on your first consultation, you ask all questions pertaining to any issues that might cause you anxiety or mistrust. Is important to know the truth in order to succeed on a course of treatment. We treat patients in our hospital in So. California and I do not have any referral in New York City.
First and foremost you need to decide what kind of detoxification and treatment you are looking for..There are a number of different ones. Once you choose treatment you look for the best doctor that can provide it . Best of luck.

[steph_murray]

I am an addict myself from opiates and benzos. The honest to god way ur gonna get off the pills is to be honest with everyone about everything. It is very hard to do but you gotta do what you gotta do and trust me it will all be worth it in the end. I am now going on 9 months clean and life is soooo much better. Try going to an NA meeting and talking about ur situation. They are only there to listen and give advice, not to judge. And I was on suboxone and it does work very well but if you can find a doctor in your area its worth it. I mean yeah you gotta pay for the doctor visit but your insurance will cover the cost of your meds. And for help I went to rehab. Good luck and I wish you the best.

[Eran26]

Hi, I know exactly what your saying. I can't afford to tell my prescribing doctor either due to the level I am at. I get sick if I go even one day without. I too am looking for a doctor I can go to for this addiction. I hear Suboxone is a very good way to kick the habbit. The only problem with that is, there's very few doctors allowed to prescribe this medication. And most of them do not take the insurance that I have. And for self pay, they want about $300 per visit! Ouch!!!! Can't afford that. If you find out a good way to kick the habbit and get things going for you in the right direction, will you please let me in on the secret? And I will do the same for you.