[WhoaPlease]

I have never in my life said this outloud. but am considering talking to my therapist about it as it has been worse now. I self medicate and have for along time. can a therapist report it? I know thye can report if ppl are in danger, themselves or others, but what about a quiet addiction to prescribed meds? I am ready to tell someone and get help but for now I would really like it to stay between him and me. is this a reportable issue?

[Crazy Hitch]

(((WhoaPlease)))

Hang in there and kudos to you for taking this positive step forward.

You are certainly not the only one that your therapist will help support and move forward from this addiction.

I think that you would have more to lose than to gain by trying to work through this.

I don't know "what" exactly you are addicted to so I don't want to give either false hope or false alarm as to what exactly the outcome may be.

_____________________

With my pdoc I am aware of the fact that if I disclose the fact that I am addicted to illegal substances; it is mandatory that she discloses this during the time at which I am taking said substance to the Motor Vehicle Authority so that my licence is suspended. It would have to a substance that without a shadow of a doubt would SEVERELY make me unable / inappropriate to be behind the wheel.

[footnote; I am certainly not taking any illegal substances; I am merely clarifying ]

[WhoaPlease]

Thank you Hooligan. I've been constantly checking this thread hoping someone would respond. I feel so exposed even having it here. I have checked his info on his website as to what are reportable offenses, and the only thing that comes close is if he knew I was planning to kill myself. No, I'm not. But I am taking pain meds to escape, not so much for pain.

[alk2601]

Originally Posted by WhoaPlease

Thank you Hooligan. I've been constantly checking this thread hoping someone would respond. I feel so exposed even having it here. I have checked his info on his website as to what are reportable offenses, and the only thing that comes close is if he knew I was planning to kill myself. No, I'm not. But I am taking pain meds to escape, not so much for pain.

Hi Whoa, I share your addiction and have seen numerous therapists, none of which have even considered reporting it. Now if you were taking pills to try to commit suicide or to self-harm (some people take fistfuls of pills in hopes that it will kill or hospitalize them, but stop before they know for sure whether it will kill them) that might be a different story. I've never heard of a therapist reporting someone for having an addiction. So don't worry, I'm sure you will be fine. It may be a good idea to bring up your concerns with your therapist though, just for more peace of mind.

Also, kudos to you for starting the process of getting help. I know first-hand how hard that can be.

[waggiedog]

Hello dear WhoaPlease and thankyou very much for allowing us to share your worries concerning self medicating. I've been doing this for 30 plus years in one shape or form to another, either with prescribed meds or over the counter and at one point drugs ''aquired'' off the street. Recently I got myself into a de~tox, then out patient re~hab to get off narcotic pain meds. I did do the course by being prescribed substute meds called Subutex (Suboxone in some countries). I have relapsed due to depression caused by my Borderline Personality Disorder and Eating disorders, which is why I got into self medicating. PLEASE don't feel ashmed or afraid to ask for help. In the UK a therapist will only report a suicidal plan, but they will be concerned for your physical health. If you ever need a listening ear, I'd be happy to help if I can. XXX

[WhoaPlease]

No, I surely don't want to od and kill myself, I want to feel the feeling. it's like the only time I have no anxiety, little inner pain. I don't drink or smoke pot or do any other street drugs. just scripts, which I know is bad enough. I feel so dirty. I like it and don't want to stop but know I need to. I was afraid my t would report to my doctor. I have held this secret deep inside me until this very post. until now, I've never even said or written it "out loud". I don't even talk about it in a journal. I don't talk about it at all, anywhere. until now.

[WhoaPlease]

I also want to thank you posters for being so understanding about it. this is the first time I've admitted it to myself outside of my own thoughts. I was scared.

[mountain human]

You've done the hardest part--taking the 1st step. You're now going in the right direction. To your original question, a mental health professional is mandated to report threats of self-harm, harm to others, and child abuse. Ask your t what he/she is mandated to report and what is considered confidential.

[WhoaPlease]

Thank you. I chickened out. Maybe next week. I don't think he can talk to my MD or family about this, I'm not suicidal, just like most alcoholics aren't attempting suicide every time they take a drink. They usually drink because they like the feeling. I do this because I like the feeling. But I know it's wrong. And I'm horribly ashamed by it. It's hard to believe there really are people out there who can feel euphoric on their own, without pills. I don't want to die. I want to feel good. That is why I'm doing it. But I also know it's wrong, and as long as I'm using I won't get better no matter how much therapy I do. I'm lying by not saying anything.