How Do I Talk To My Doctor About Drugs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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When talking about your drug use, it's OK to build trust first: If you need to—wait until the second or third visit to talk about your use. Be polite and keep an open mind—don't expect the worst. If the doctor is focusing too much on your drug use: Politely remind them about the issue you are asking for help with.

Is everything confidential with your doctor?

Confidential care means that your medical treatment stays between you and your doctor — you don't have to get a parent's permission. ... Most doctors agree to keep things confidential unless they feel their patient is either in danger or is a danger to others — in these cases, the doctor must inform the teen's parents.

Can you tell your doctor you do drugs?

No. Your doctor isn't legally allowed to report drug use to the police. The only situations in which doctors can break confidentially is if there's concern about someone seriously harming themselves or others.

What happens if you test positive for drugs at the hospital?

If the test results in a positive reading, meaning there is drug residue in the body, the results are forwarded to a medical review officer , who reviews the results and looks for any possible valid medical explanation for the results. “As a medical review officer, I would review a patient's medical history.

How can you prevent yourself from misusing the OTC drugs?

Do not use regular spoons or cups. Keep OTC drugs in the original container . care provider. You may need a prescription medicine instead.

Can you go to jail for having drugs in your system?

California law prohibits the possession, use, sale, transportation, manufacturing, or trafficking of methamphetamine. The penalties range from low-level misdemeanor charges that allow for drug diversion, to felony charges that can lead to years in jail or prison.

What drugs do hospitals test employees for?

  • Amphetamines (speed, ecstasy, meth)
  • Cocaine (crack, coke)
  • Opiates (such as codeine, heroin, morphine, opium)
  • Phencyclidine (angel dust, PCP)
  • THC (marijuana, cannabinoids, hash)

What drugs do jobs test for?

  • Amphetamines (meth, speed, crank, ecstasy)
  • THC (cannabinoids, marijuana, hash)
  • Cocaine (coke, crack)
  • Opiates (heroin, opium, codeine, morphine)
  • Phencyclidine (PCP, angel dust)

What are examples of OTC drugs?

Popular examples include pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) , cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin) and antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin 24H). These drugs are usually located on shelves in pharmacies, grocery stores, and even in gas stations.

Are OTC drugs safe?

Over-the-counter medicine is also known as OTC or nonprescription medicine. All these terms refer to medicine that you can buy without a prescription. They are safe and effective when you follow the directions on the label and as directed by your health care professional.

How does over-the-counter drugs affect the body?

Although less potent than other substances, OTC drugs still pose a risk for developing an addiction. Abusing OTC drugs can lead to health problems including memory loss, kidney failure, heart problems and death . Some commonly abused OTC medications include: Cough

What happens if police find drugs in your house?

When drugs are found in your house or car, it's likely you're going to get charged . Unless the police have another suspect, you're the one who will be charged with possession. However, that doesn't mean you're unable to get acquitted or have your case dismissed.

What happens if police find drugs in your car?

If the police pull you over and later find drugs in the trunk of your car, you may be considered to be in constructive possession because you were in control of the items in your vehicle. Even if the drugs or paraphernalia belongs to another person, you may be arrested for possession.

Can you be charged for selling drugs in the past?

If you have used illegal drugs, whether “hard” or marijuana, and possess drug paraphernalia that contains residue from these drugs, you can be charged with possession . This is true even if your drug use was long in the past.

Can you fail a drug test for alcohol?

Today's drug tests can detect even trace amounts of alcohol , and for longer after exposure. So if you use anything with ethyl alcohol, your breath, blood, or urine sample might get flagged for possible signs of drinking.

Does CBD show up on a drug test?

CBD will not show up in a drug test because drug tests are not screening for it . CBD products may well contain THC, however, so you can fail a drug test after taking CBD products.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.