Addiction, Recovery Forum - need alcohol abuse taken off my medical record

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When does drinking cross the line and become a serious problem? Learn what makes alcoholism different than alcohol abuse and what drinking to excess means....

Q: need alcohol abuse taken off my medical record

asked by: ardmore1800 on February 14th, 2008

New User

I always drank socially, then for about 6 yrs it got out of control. On one occasion I brought it up to my doctor, admitting the amount that I consumed per day was up to a liter of bourbon.
My doctor told me I could not quit on my own and would need to go to rehab... To me this was out of the question. I wasn't going to be lumped into being a stereotypical case, and decided to quit for myself. I went through withdrawl 4 times... What really made me quit was the stomach problems I was having. Severe Indigestion. However I'd now say that my body was more addicted than my mind. I have always changed my habits with foods and drugs... Anyway, that's my story and I don't think every case of drug or alcohol addiction should be regarded the same... I haven't drank for a year and I have no desire, even when other people are.

My problem today is that I cancelled my health insurance prior to all of this, because the premiums seemed to high, and now I have untreated alcohol abuse on my medical records.
Each time I apply for insurance I get turned down and nobody has told me what to do.

How do I prove to the doctors and insurance companies that I don't drink? Get tested???? And will my insurance forever cost more than a person without this history?

Replies(1)

mominashoe

replied on February 16th, 2008

Moderator

I think that once you have had a problem with something it's going to stay in your history..... There's nothing you can do to change it. I think it's great that you've been alcohol free and are keeping good with yourself though.

By staying alcohol free I think you will better your chances of getting insurance. What you've thought of (getting tested) is the best thing to do. You can set up periodical appointments for blood tests with a clinic so that you will have a medical proof and evidence that you are staying away from it. You might also have a trusted doctor write a letter of commendation to be sent to your insurance company as well, with a list of the meds you are taking and health habits you have formed to make yourself better.

I know this will probably take time and it also takes money to have blood tests, but I can't think of any other option for you.

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