Many people struggling with addiction or substance use disorder (SUD) want to seek treatment but feel they cannot. They may worry about confidentiality, insurance coverage, and the potential for stigma when friends and family find out that they need help for drug or alcohol misuse. However, finding an accepting and supportive community is integral to long-term recovery. If you are worried about confidentiality and whether someone can find out you are in rehab, keep reading to learn how federal law protects your privacy.
At My 5 Palms, we do our best to break down all barriers to addiction treatment. We understand that you may be concerned about others finding out you are in rehab, so we ensure that our staff follows all guidelines regarding client confidentiality. Call us at 1.844.675.1022 or contact us online with questions about privacy while receiving help from our addiction therapy programs.
Why Would You Worry About Others Knowing You Are in Rehab?
Many people who need help with addiction never enroll in treatment. Sometimes, this is because they deny having a drug or alcohol problem. They may also be concerned about how they will pay for treatment or if their health insurance plan will cover the cost. But in most cases, people are worried about their friends, family members, employer, or coworkers finding out about their treatment because:
- They think others will judge them for having a substance use disorder.
- They fear how the stigma of addiction will affect their social life or reputation in the community or at work.
- They fear that going into rehab will cause them to lose their job.
Although more people now understand that substance use disorder is a chronic condition that affects how the brain functions and is not indicative of a person’s character, there is still a stigma remaining.
Can Someone Find Out If You’re in Rehab?
If you are seeking addiction treatment, it is essential to know that federal law protects the confidentiality of your medical records. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was signed into law in 1996 and has been updated several times. Its privacy and security rules apply to all healthcare providers and health plans, including doctors, hospitals, health insurance companies, and group health plans. HIPAA requires these organizations to keep confidential information about your medical condition or treatment, including addiction treatment.
However, there are a few exceptions:
- If the person has been listed on your signed HIPAA form
- If the person is a medical provider who needs your medical history to provide the appropriate care
- If the person is an officer of the court collecting your medical records as part of a court order
Besides the above, you can feel confident that your privacy will be protected while attending rehab.
How Would You Find Out Someone Is in Rehab?
You would most likely find out someone is in rehab if they tell you. Most people who get addiction treatment let their loved ones know about it. If their friends or family members share that information with someone else, it could spread beyond their immediate social circle.
Find Confidential Addiction Treatment in Florida at My 5 Palms
When you choose My 5 Palms for your addiction treatment, you can trust that we will maintain your privacy. Can someone find out if you’re in rehab at My 5 Palms? Not likely. We follow all HIPAA guidelines and will not release any information to anyone, including family and friends, who are unauthorized to access your records. For more details on HIPAA privacy laws and how you can choose who can receive information about your care at our facility, contact My 5 Palms today at 1.844.675.1022 or through our online form.
