Can I talk to a theripst/counsellor about a substance abuse problem without getting in trouble with the law?

It hard for me to say this, but I think I have developed a substance abuse problem. I recently moved to another city for my job, after which my ex broke up with me. I've been feeling really lonely and really desperate to meet new people. Long story short I met some people into drugs and I gave in because I wanted to be accepted, and now everything is blowing up in my face. I need to talk to someone. But I'm scared of admitting this to anyone. If I tell a therapist will the police be at my door tomorrow? Maybe I should just keep this to myself? Please give honest feedback, don't tell me there's something wrong with me or that drugs are bad. That's not helping. Thanks.

Yes, you can talk to a therapist with complete confidence that your sessions will be kept confidential. The only time that a therapist is mandated by law to contact authorities is if you make an overt threat of immediate harm to yourself or others or if you were a child abuser and active. They can't contact authorities just because you say you are using illicit drugs because that would be construed as heresay in a court of law. Go to your therapist with complete confidence and open up your heart and mind. It's a great thing that you're doing for yourself. Good luck in your pursuit of that healthy, happy life.

Your therapist will not tell you to go to the police after the fact. If you walked into a police station and said that you are turning youself in because you used to use drugs they might want to know if you are currently under the influence. If you're not then they wold pat you on the back, tell you to keep up the good work, stay clean and then politely show you the door!

In the US, you hold the right of confidentiality with a therapist. Therefore. the therapist would not tell the police about ypu drug use.

There are however, circumstances where the therapist would be obligate to inform someone:
1. If there is evidence of abuse of a helpless individual (child elder).
2. If there is immediate harm to yourself or someone else (you are going to kill someone or yourself).

You can talk to your therapist about your concerns before you begin therapy.

I don't know where you live but in Britain we have helplines such as Frank - you can find them on google. They have trained advisers who can offer you CONFIDENTIAL advice. They are the best people to ask in this case. However, I think that counsellors/therapists and doctors keep what you tell them to themselves - unless you tell them you are going to hurt somebody or attempt suicide - they are bound by confidentiality policies.

I told doctors about drugs Iv taken when I went into hospital,and I didnt get into any trouble.If you go to a therapist for substance abuse Im pretty sure they wont report you cause otherwise how would they treat anyone with a problem.I dont think theres anything wrong with you cause you took drugs.Good Luck.

No worries with the law. Under those circumstances what you share with a therapist is strictly confidential.
The only time a therapist or counselor could, under ethical guidelines EVER inform legal authorities is in the event you were actually going to commit suicide or cause physical harm to someone, else.
By all means seek counseling if you feel that you need to.

They have medical confidentiality.
Which means they aren't allowed to tell the police about the substance abuse. But I guess he'll tell you to go to the police.
And after you talked with a therapist, you will go there on your own.
Because you'll realize that you've done something wrong.

They have signed a confidentiality agreement that states
they cannot fell the state anything about what they have heard unless
-You tell them your going to hurt yourself
-your going to or have hurt other
-Someone is going to or has hurt you

So yes you are completely free to talk to a therapist/counselor

Most therapists have a confidentiality agreement that they will only break if you are an immediate threat to yourself or someone else. I'm not sure how that plays out in terms of illegal substances, but I would think it's only if you told them you thought you might hurt someone.

there is no way you could get into legal trouble by admitting past drug use to a therapist. they will only break confidentiality if you say that you are going to hurt yourself or someone else.

Yes u can.