need advice re methadone clinic detox

[lpapile1983]

Hi I signed out of my clinic AMA and was told it was irreversible once I signed out of it. I've been having personal problems with my counselor since I started the program. Now I'm being detoxed and I have been having some trouble getting in another program, is it really irreversible and is my counselor allowed to use her personal issues against me when other programs call her for my records because I tried bridge plaza and after speaking to her seems like they were not letting me in I had an appointment for Friday and had no money to get there I called and left a message for Manny whom I was supposed to be meeting with and when I got to my program the head nurse told me that they called Jamaica and that since I missed the appointment I was continuing detox I am down over hundred mg and an so scared of getting stock not finding a program BC anyone who calls her gets her opinion of me and goes by that everyone tells me just stop going and walk in to another program in a week sick and they'll take me but I can't suffer for a week!! Any help? And please no criticism or preaching just valid real answers if you have any thank you

[pillguy]

These clinics are typically private businesses.  Once you check out they can refuse to take you back in.

At my facility, if someone left due to a dirty UA or problem with staff they were permanently prohibited from returning.

[NeverAgain127]

I can see a private clinic refusing treatment, but handing over private medical records to another facility is a different matter.

To the OP here...you are covered under a law called HIPAA.  Google it; it means that you're medical information, treatment history, etc. are all private and cannot be shared with ANYONE without your permission.

Now...does that mean that you might have signed forms at the place you just left waiving those rights?  Sure.  Private docs shove forms under patients noses all the times without explaining what it is.  

If I were you, I would be more PRO-active, and less RE-active.  Don't let this beyotch at the facility you just left have any more power over you.  

You may not be allowed back into this particular clinic, but see if there are others that might be available.  And I'd be totally upfront about what happened:  "I had a personal issue with one of the staffers which was jeopardizing my recovery, and so I made the decision to leave."

One more thing:  How do you know that "anyone who calls her gets her opinion of me."  If this individual is talking about your private medical issues with people on the phone, she is breaking the law.  You have a right to privacy.  You might want to call the clinic and ask to speak to the head of Human Resources.   Tell them you have NO intention of trying to re-enter, but you do have concerns that a person answering the phone has been giving out your private medical information, and that is a clear violation of HIPAA.  

Try to be calm, honey.   Take deep breaths.   Drink a lot of water, rest, pray.   Tell yourself that it will work out, you will find another place, God is going to take care of you.   Fear does nothing; it is your addictions best friend.  Tell the fear to shove it...

Write down a plan of action, and start looking for new clinics.   Again...try to be as low-key as possible, and don't get into a blame-game about this person at the other clinic...that is just stooping to her level.   Right now, you need to focus on the future, forget the past.

You can do this...tell yourself over and over "everything is going to be okay."

God Bless, little one.  Please come back and tell us what is going on.

Hugs,
-Robin

[pillguy]

Agreed. Wonderful post.  OP would do well to read your respond closely.

[gnarly_1]

Hi  well going from one methadone clinic to the next can be a bit slipery  they always want to know why you left....as for getting sick you should be good for a wile if your stil around 100mg so dont freak out  honesty is the best policy  I would tell the new clinc you had ishes with the staff and leave it at that  methadone clinics are all about the money so most will take you....have you thought about just detoxing and giving it a go clean???  I was at the clinic for almost 7yrs and feting off the cra p was one of the best decisions of my life  many of our members have gotten off the liquid handcuffs  if you want to give it a try where here to help  let us know what happens..............Gnarly