Doctor-patient confidentiality in Germany - taking another person’s sleeping pills?

I am a rape survivor and I am now seeking professional help. I have been using someone else's prescribed sleeping pills (Noctamid) for about a year to help me sleep. I'm worried that if I tell my psychiatrist I'm taking these pills, I will be charged with a crime. I am grateful for the support and information I received from my last post.

Advice from EMTs: Don't lie to medical staff about what drugs you've taken. It's important to be honest when they're giving you treatment, and even when they're trying to diagnose you. No one will be punished for taking drugs; medical staff just need to know which drugs are in your system.

No need to worry; the doctor needs to know in order to adjust treatment.

I doubt any attorney would want to take this to court, so try to get help quickly.

Always tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs or medication. Not disclosing this information can be dangerous if your doctor prescribes something that does not mix with what you are already taking. Doctors are here to help, not to judge, and they will not report you.

Psychiatrists and psychologists have a policy of confidentiality - unless you are putting someone else's life in danger, you will not be prosecuted for anything you tell them.

It is not illegal to take someone else's medication or to take hard drugs.

If you're worried, tell the doctor what medications you take. If they ask where you got them, it's okay to say you don't want to discuss it. No need to go into specifics if you don't want to.

Congratulations on taking this step! It can be difficult to find the right therapist, but they are here to support you. You don't have to worry about them revealing your personal information and the best way to get the most out of therapy is to be open and honest. Wishing you and your children the best of luck!

Doctors have a responsibility to keep their patients' information confidential. If they break this rule, they can lose their license or even face criminal charges. However, there are some exceptions. For instance, if a doctor knows about a planned murder or human trafficking, they can break confidentiality. But if the crime is not as serious, like taking someone else's sleeping pills, confidentiality must remain.

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