Once you have decided to get help for drug or alcohol addiction, different questions may start popping up in your head. You might wonder if you should tell others you are going to rehab or if it can be kept private. If you are like most people, you may not want anyone who is not directly involved in your treatment to find out about it. So, can someone find out if you are in rehab? Keep reading to learn how a drug rehab can protect the privacy of their clients.
At Promises Brazos Valley, we value your comfort and confidentiality. We understand that your recovery journey is your business, and nobody else needs to know—unless it is with your permission. If you have concerns about your privacy while receiving treatment at our facility, call us at 979.426.0086.
Can Someone Find Out If You’re in Rehab?
Understandably, not everyone wants the world to know when they are in rehab. Addiction, or substance use disorder, is a chronic condition that requires medical treatment and support. But unfortunately, there remains a stigma about addiction and needing help. Sadly, this scares some people from getting the treatment they desperately need.
If you are worried about others finding out you are in rehab, here are a few facts about client privacy to help ease your mind:
- The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 prevents providers from disclosing client treatment information without consent.
- If you wish for your provider to share information about your addiction treatment with anyone else, you would fill out and sign a form providing the names and contact details of the individuals. Anyone not on that form could not get any information about your treatment, including confirmation of whether you are a client at the rehab.
- HIPAA protection extends to affiliated healthcare entities, such as your health insurance company, billing departments, or claims processing centers. Nobody, including your employer, can obtain any information about your treatment from these organizations.
In most cases, it would be impossible for anyone else to know you are receiving addiction treatment. Other than those with whom you consent to receive information, there are a few exceptions. If you are involved in a medical emergency, your medical records will be available to the medical staff attending. Also, if a court order is involved with your treatment, your care team would provide the information specified in that order to the court.
How Would You Find Out Someone Is in Rehab?
Usually, you would only find out someone is in rehab if they tell you. Often just family and close friends know that a person is enrolled in an addiction treatment program. However, if the person’s loved ones share that information with others who do not respect their privacy, that information could spread beyond one’s immediate circle.
If you find out someone you know is in rehab, it would be most considerate not to share that information with others unless the person has given you the okay to do so. A person would not want others to know they are receiving addiction treatment for many reasons. Instead, try to support them on their recovery journey and respect their wishes for privacy.
Find Safe and Confidential Rehab at Promises Brazos Valley
When you enroll in addiction treatment at Promises Brazos Valley, you can be sure that we will prioritize your privacy throughout your treatment. Can someone find out if you’re in rehab at our facility? Only if you want to let them know. If you wish your loved ones to be involved in your recovery, we will only share information with those you specify on your HIPAA consent form. To learn more about overcoming addiction at our confidential drug rehab, contact Promises Brazos Valley today at 979.426.0086.