In the realm of addiction, communication, and clarity of intent are of the utmost importance for lifelong sobriety. When someone suffering from addiction has an outlet where they can communicate their innermost struggles and setbacks, they give themselves the chance to succeed moving forward. Therapists use confidentiality and discretion as powerful tools that assist the patient in the journey towards sobriety. But in terms of current substance abuse, what can therapists do to remedy their patient’s troubles? If you are someone who is currently struggling to overcome your addiction and don’t know where to turn, here’s what you need to know about discretion and privacy when interacting with an addiction therapist or counselor.
You Can Discuss Your Current Behaviors With Your Therapist
In the majority of cases, individuals who are seeking therapeutic assistance with their addiction are encouraged to discuss their current behaviors with their therapist. While their first inclination may be to shy away from the topic or avoid discussing their daily habits surrounding their substance abuse, therapists are not legal enforcers. Instead, we encourage you to reach out to your therapist and be brutally honest about your current and past behaviors. Have you used drugs within the last few days or weeks? Have you dealt with instances of relapse or falling back into previous patterns? Are old addictions starting to arise once again? If so, seeking guidance and coping strategies from your therapist is critical for your sobriety and health.
Rare Instances and Edge Cases
However, there are instances when a therapist or addiction counselor must contact law enforcement or legal guardians of the patient. While these occurrences are fleeting, here are some instances when a therapist would be inclined to seek outside assistance for the patient:
- If a patient has threatened their own life
- If a patient has threatened the lives and well-being of others
- If the therapist feels the patient is a danger to the general public
- The patient is abusing young children
- The patient has shown signs of elderly abuse
- If the patient is underage and showing signs of substance abuse
- If the patient has admitted to violent crimes or theft
If your addiction is currently manifesting itself as illicit drug use and abuse, these actions are kept private. When you have clear communication with your counselor or therapist about your current behavior, the recovery process can begin on a positive note. The patients who experience the best results are those who practice honesty and integrity, even when it’s uncomfortable.
The Sworn Oath
A badge of honor that most therapists wear with pride is their ability to keep the private lives of their patient’s discreet and quiet. While there is no legally-binding oath that therapists make when they enter the field, discretion is taken seriously and with the utmost respect. More importantly, clarity and honesty provide a safety net for individuals who are struggling with substance abuse. In some cases, the therapist is the only positive outlet that the patient has in their life. Knowing this, the bond between a therapist and their patient is something to behold. As you can see, you do not need to be ashamed or embarrassed by your current drug use, illicit or otherwise. Whether you are coming to the end of your usage or you’re in the throes of addictive behavior, having a healthy relationship with your therapist built upon reliability and honesty is a must.
Start Your New Life Today!
Are you tired of having a chip on your shoulder? Does the thought of struggling another year from addiction sound exhausting? Do you want to live up to your full potential and start leading life on your terms? If so, we’re ready to help. Our services are available to patients on a 24-hour, 365-day basis! Our friendly staff of medically-trained experts is waiting to hear from you. Whether you’re dabbling with the idea of becoming sober or you’ve been trying to get clean for years, our therapists have seen it all. If you’re ready to make 2021 and beyond the start of a new, drug-free life that’s filled with joy and success, let us help you get started. Call us at 833-846-5669.