When you think about going into treatment for your addiction, you might have concerns about your privacy. Maybe you’re a public figure or maybe you’re concerned about your boss, clients, coworkers or even certain family members finding out. Don’t let that worry stop you. All medical treatments are protected by strict privacy laws, and that’s especially true of addiction treatment.
Going to rehab is nothing new for public figures and celebrities. Many of them have spoken openly about the importance of getting help for their addictions. That is their choice. If you don’t want the word to get out, it won’t. You can go into treatment without letting anyone know except those you choose to tell.
Privacy and Confidentiality in Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Following is a rundown of the laws that protect your privacy when getting any kind of medical treatment. Please note that none of this should be interpreted as legal advice. If you want detailed information, set your mind at rest by consulting a qualified lawyer.
- The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that forbids medical facilities from revealing information about your treatment to anyone that you don’t designate. Your insurance company will get the information, however, if you use insurance to pay for treatment.
- Under the federal Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records Act, the facility you attend cannot disclose that you were treated for substance abuse.
- Under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulations, employers are not allowed to ask about your substance abuse. If you have a criminal conviction related to drug or alcohol use, however, they are entitled to that information.
- Your state may have local laws that protect patient confidentiality and restrict access to medical records.
- There are exceptions to these laws. If you are involved in a criminal, custody or legal battle, or you have a medical emergency, the information may legally be disclosed to parties who request it.
Will Private Drug Rehab Programs Use Discretion if You’re a Public Figure?
You are entitled to complete discretion when you go into treatment. You can feel confident that going into rehab is something that only you and your loved ones know about. Nobody needs to know your private business when you choose to get help for drug or alcohol addiction. Fear of being found out has held too many people back from getting sober. Don’t let that fear keep you locked in a cycle of addiction and hopelessness.
Choose a Facility That Specializes in High-Profile Clients
Some private addiction facilities specialize in treating high-profile and celebrity clients. If you choose one of those, you can be certain that the staff is used to conducting every step of the treatment with strict confidentiality.
- If you are undergoing medically-supervised detox, it will be done in a comfortable, private room.
- Your individual counseling sessions are strictly confidential.
- You don’t have to reveal your full name at sobriety support group meetings.
- Your admission and evaluation are conducted under the strictest discretion.
We Can Help
Don’t let fears about revealing your substance abuse keep you away from treatment. Our counselors are trained to answer your questions and find the treatment facility that’s right for you. You can call our counselors 24-7 at 855-936-4435.
