Is it wrong for me to contact my spouse’s doctors to share what I know about his addiction?

Question by SerendipityLee: Is it wrong for me to contact my spouse’s doctors to share what I know about his addiction?
Im in a difficult situation trying to help my spouse battle addiction to alcohol. He is a high-functioning-addict, and ironicly a brilliant counceling professional himself. This has added to the difficulty of getting him help because he thinks he can self-diagose & treat himself. Usually that works out to be a bottle of vodka. Anyhow, Ive recently got him to agree to see a few doctors, a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist. I have concerns that he will not provide the full scope of his problems/symptoms & family history, due to pride, stubborness, denial, or even unawareness/forgetfullness. He has life-threatening symptoms that he’s not truely aware of due to memory loss. Im afraid if the doctors are not aware of these things, they cannot properly diagnose (I believe there is a dual-diagnosis) & help him. Is there an appropriate way to speak or provide this information to his doctors? Is this frowned upon? Should I write a letter? Schedule an apointment with the doctor to talk about my spouse? I’ve been told I must have “power of attorney” or something of that sort due to privacy rights, etc. That wont happen. Im confident my husband will not allow me to attend his sessions together, at least at this point. I am hopeful. Im concerned about his health & I love him so dearly. I really appreciate your advice.

Best answer:

Answer by nocturnae
i don’t know if they would frown upon it but i still think you should make the attempt. aside from the hazards associated with alcoholism, he could also have life-threatening interactions with certain medications. good luck… he is lucky to have you.

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