‘History of Alcohol Abuse’ Label on My Medical Records
Dear Stanton,
I failed many times trying to get sober by attending meetings, doing all that I was told to do, and allowing everyone to be on my case constantly about my recovery. I was told when leaving a rehab that if I didn’t work a program I would fail and die.
The recovery community seems to think the ONLY way is to work a program and have that be first and foremost in your life. I discovered that I was failing because I am a private person and recovery was always in my face. It was consuming my life as much as alcohol had.
I realized that this actually was almost worse for me, mentally, than my drinking. It was consuming my life in a bad way. So I changed course, strengthened my faith in God and only concentrated on positive things instead of on my sobriety.
Sobriety just came along with my new found faith and attitude about life.
I have been happily sober for over two years. But many do not believe I can maintain this if I am not doing the “status quo” of meetings, mentors, etc…” That said, anytime my past drinking is even mentioned it causes me anxiety. A ‘heavy drinker’ is not the person I am, but I feel like that is how people, especially medical people, define me. I can’t get proper medication to help with my terrible sleep issues because of my history of addiction. “I can’t prescribe anything habit-forming”. EVERY SINGLE medical record begins with “history of alcohol abuse”.
I am sober because I left drinking behind and refused to let my past or my recovery rule my life. These days almost all medical records are tied to one system. Everywhere I go its “history of alcohol abuse”
My question is: “What can I do about getting this ‘history of alcohol abuse’ red flag off my medical record?”
I cannot express how stressful it is to see that it is how I am defined (plus every time I see that on a visit summary it just upsets me and causes anxiety) and I am also prevented from getting proper medication because of it.
Thank you very much!
Jeffrey
Dear Jeffrey,
If it’s any consolation to you, you are the poster person for modern addiction and alcoholism treatment’s failure. Thankfully that has become clear as you have worked your way through to your own life resolution. This is how nearly everyone resolves an addiction.
At the Life Process Program (LPP), we tend to avoid terms like “sobriety” because they can play into the traditional recovery system’s narrative. You have taken an honest look at your life and chosen the path that works best for you. In your case, this is built around your religious values. Those values work better for you than they might for other people, who might prefer something secular – and that’s ok.
Once you find your own course of action, it belongs to you. That it differs from AA or 12-step methods should be their concern, not yours. Unfortunately, they often fail to see you as a complete person, insisting on defining you as an “addict.” (Unlike the LPP Way which advocates for ditching the ‘Addict’ Barcode).
Let me outline what you’ve done—steps that most people follow, and that you should continue:
- Reflect on why your addictive behavior conflicted with your core values—who you are and who you wish to be.
- Reorient your behavior to align with those values, whether they revolve around religion, family, professional goals, health, personal success, or earning the respect of people who matter to you.
- As you shift your lifestyle—including, but not limited to, discontinuing your addiction—recognize and feel who this new you truly is.
- Own your identity. No one can tell you who you are.
- If someone undermines your self-concept and isn’t essential to your life, it’s often more productive to distance yourself from them rather than fight.
- Now that you’re the person you want to be, surround yourself with people who affirm and accept this.
- If there are loved ones you’ve hurt in the past, you may need—and want—to show patience as you rebuild those relationships.
You represent a bigger reality: the addiction treatment system often wants to label people for life, which is harmful and misguided. You’ve undergone a meaningful shift in both your life and identity—precisely the process that the Life Process Program supports.
Removing the “Red Flag” from Medical Records
Regarding your question about the “red flag” of alcohol abuse in your medical records (similar to a reader’s inquiry in 2009), here are some suggestions based on your rights under HIPPA —but please note, this is not legal advice, and you may need to consult an attorney for your specific situation:
- Request a Copy of Your Medical Records
Submit a formal request to your healthcare provider or health system. Under HIPAA (in the U.S.), they must provide access to your records within a reasonable time frame. - Exercise Your Right to Request Amendments
Under HIPAA, you have the right to request a correction or an amendment if you believe certain information is inaccurate or incomplete. Write a formal letter to the Medical Records Department or Privacy Officer explaining why “history of alcohol abuse” no longer reflects your status. Include letters from healthcare professionals or religious leaders who can attest to your recovery. - Request an Addendum When Deletion Isn’t Possible
Even if providers refuse to remove or modify the old entry, they can often include a note reflecting your current status. Although we at LPP don’t favor terms like “sobriety,” you might request a concise statement, such as “Patient has been sober for more than two years, with no relapse or ongoing issues.” If your provider denies your amendment, you’re entitled to submit a “Statement of Disagreement,” which must remain with your records. - Pursue Professional or Legal Support if Necessary
Sometimes providers are hesitant to remove or amend information due to liability concerns or internal policies. You might start by speaking with a patient advocate at the hospital or clinic. If that isn’t successful and the record is causing significant harm—such as denial of necessary medications—you could consult a healthcare attorney. A lawyer versed in HIPAA and privacy laws can guide you on escalation or filing a complaint.
Again, Jeffrey, none of this constitutes legal advice—these are simply practical suggestions for you to explore.
Above all, remember: You are not your addiction. You can acknowledge your past without letting it define your present or future. You’ve embraced a better version of yourself; anyone unwilling to accept that shouldn’t stand in your way. Sometimes you might need to let go of certain people or even a job to protect your identity. If proving yourself to medical professionals takes time, trust that your consistent actions will eventually speak for themselves.
(After all, no one calls someone who quit smoking 20 years ago a “smoker.”)
Sincerely,
Stanton