Question for UK people

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As I said in my introduction, I've been taking clonazepam unprescribed for around 6 months. I was also introduced to the Ashton manual which describes taper plans etc.

 

My question is if I go to my GP/doctor and confess about my unprescribed drug use will they:

A) Be able to disclose any of this information to law enforcement

B) Would they be on board with prescribing me the medication I need to taper down

 

I really want to see a doctor and do this the proper way but those are my two fears.

 

Thanks everyone 

[[nf...]]

bump

I really want to visit my doctor tomorrow but I'm concerned

[[ch...]]

I live in the UK, and as far as I am aware, your Doctor is bound by confidentiality . so no they cannot and would not tell the police as far as I am aware.

 

I would not know if your Doctor can prescribe for you,  as they seem to have strict guidelines recently imposed, but they might if it's to taper off,. I would think they would actively encourage that.

 

If they felt they could not then they would refer you to an NHS  psychiatrist who can prescribe,  and can then write to your GP to  prescribe for you , which covers their back.

 

This is only my opinion of course, but I would think it much the safest way to get off your benzo,. If I were you  I would see your Doctor,  I am sure they have heard of far worse,  but it has to be your choice. 

 

 

Jen

 

 

[[ch...]]

Forgot to add,  It might  be  a good idea to print off a copy of the Ashton Manual and take it with you.  Hopefully it will show them that you are serious about getting off the benzo, and it will help you,  Also be sure if you really wish to taper that it's at your speed. 

 

Wishing you all the best

 

Jen

[[nf...]]

Thank you so much for your reply!

 

Do you know how long the process would take of being referred to a psychiatrist if my doctor could not prescribe? The problem is, I don't have many left. I had NO idea how dangerous this drug was until I started running out and looking up whether it was safe to just quit using them.

 

(Which, I have found it is definitely not!)

 

And yes, that's exactly what I plan to do - to print off the Ashton manual and take it to my GP.

 

That's what I'm going to do, I just needed to be sure that doctor-patient confidentiality did apply in this situation, since I know there are some exceptions and I can't afford to get into trouble

 

I definitely want to see my doctor and do this the correct way so my life isn't completely ruined (and possibly ended) by this drug.

[[ch...]]

I could not tell you how long it takes to be seen by an NHS psychiatrist,  I think the waiting time is long,  you could of course see one privately and I have no doubt be seen very quickly. The first port of call is your GP though I would think as you will need to be covered for some time, 

 

 

Your GP may well be open to covering you if you are in the system as long as it's for tapering purposes

 

They would not leave you without medication, 

 

Please do not worry about confidentiality . No one would seek treatment if they broke that rule. 

 

I hope this helps .

 

 

Jen