Does Going To Rehab Go On Your Record?

Before you enter an addiction treatment program, it’s common to have questions about what the experience will be like. It’s also important to know what will happen after you’ve completed your time in treatment. For example, who will know that you got professional help? Does going to rehab go on your record?

At Lake Avenue Recovery Center, you can expect to receive personalized addiction treatment that addresses your unique needs and reflects your specific goals and preferences. With our guidance and a concerted effort on your part, you can find your path toward successful, long-term recovery. 

Learn more about addiction rehab in Massachusetts or verify your insurance now.  

Does Going to Rehab Go on Your Record?

In an ideal world the answer to the question, does going to rehab go on your record, would be irrelevant. 

Unfortunately, we are not currently living in an ideal world. Stigma, misinformation, and outdated mindsets about addiction and recovery remain unfortunately prevalent. Among the many negative effects of this environment is the fear that you will be ostracized or discriminated against because you received treatment for a substance use disorder.

This type of fear has prompted many people to wonder, does going to rehab go on your record?

The good news is that, in the vast majority of cases, going to rehab will not appear on any records that are accessible without your consent. In other words, the only people who will know about your experience in rehab will be the people you tell directly or authorize to review your records.

At the federal level, the privacy of your rehab records is established in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). 

As explained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), a part of the law called 42 CFR Part 2 mandates that rehab centers cannot legally divulge that you ever had a substance use disorder or received addiction treatment.

Records about your time in rehab can only be shared if:

• You provide written consent for the release of your records.
• A court orders the release of your records.
• A healthcare provider needs to review your records to ensure that you receive appropriate emergency medical treatment.

Many states also have laws protecting the release of rehab records. If state and federal law are not the same, whichever one establishes stricter control over patient records is the one that’s in effect.

Will Going to Rehab Show Up on a Background Check?

The answer to this question is similar to the one asking if rehab goes on your record. In most cases, your history of going to rehab or receiving any other type of treatment will not show up on a background check.

Exceptions to this include if you were ordered by a court to attend rehab. The sentencing documents, including the requirement that you enter a rehab program, are public record unless they are sealed by the judge. 

However, even in this case, the details of your time in rehab will not be divulged. All that will be accessible via a public records search is the fact that you were required to get help.

Do I Have to Tell My Employer That I’m Going to Rehab?

The requirements for telling your employer that you will be entering rehab can vary depending on your specific circumstances.

For example, if you intend to use the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to take unpaid time away from work for rehab without risking your job, you need to provide enough information to prove that you are doing so for a qualified purpose. 

If you are using vacation days to cover the time you will be off work while in rehab, you may not be required to disclose the reason why you’ll be gone. 

Since laws and policies can differ from location to location and employer to employer, it’s best to consult with a lawyer, union representative, or other person who can explain what you need to do prior to taking time off for rehab.

How Can I Be Sure I Need Rehab?

The best way to know if you need rehab is to complete an addiction assessment at a reputable treatment provider in your area. In addition to determining if you have a substance use disorder, the person who conducts your assessment can also help you explore treatment options.

Warning signs that you’ve developed an addiction include:

• Once you start using the substance, you often use it in a larger amount or for a longer period of time than you intended.
• You spend significant amounts of time acquiring and using the substance, as well as recovering from its effects.
• You have lied to or otherwise deceived friends or family members about the amount and frequency of your substance use.
• Your substance use has been a source of conflicts with loved ones.
• You feel like you need to use the substance to wake up in the morning or relax in the evening.
• You have difficulty enjoying yourself if you haven’t been using the substance.
• You’ve continued to use the substance even after having physical, psychological, or social problems due to your prior use.
• You’ve stopped participating in activities that used to be important to you because of your substance use.
• You’ve failed to keep appointments, finish projects, or meet other responsibilities at home, in school, or at work because of your substance use.
• You’ve been using the substance in ways that pose a clear physical hazard, such as by combining it with other drugs or driving while under the influence.
• You’ve developed tolerance, which means that you need to use more of the substance than you used to in order to feel its effects.
• You develop withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using the substance or when you’re prevented from using it for a day or two.

Remember: Addiction is a treatable condition. No matter what you may currently be feeling, you can end your substance use and regain control of your thoughts and behaviors. What’s most important is finding a provider who will take the time to assess your unique circumstances, then develop a truly customized plan that aligns with your history, needs, goals, and preferences.

Learn More About Rehab in Massachusetts

Lake Avenue Recovery Center is a trusted source of customized outpatient care for adults whose lives have been disrupted by addictions and co-occurring mental health concerns.

Treatment options at our rehab in Massachusetts include a high-intensity outpatient program and an intensive outpatient program (IOP) with an evening option. Both programs are staffed by experienced professionals who are committed to providing personalized services in a safe and respectful environment.

To learn more call 508-794-4400 or verify your insurance now.