If a person is a former addict is it necessary to tell a new doctor if not completely comfortable with doing so?

YES: Its as vital a fact about you as is your NAME and AGE and if you cannot tell the new Doctor find one YOU CAN relate to! Please do NOT hide this illness any more than you would hide any OTHER CHRONIC illness to a new Doctor Hope this helps Good luck and BE WELL ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Ideally yes: Not telling your doctor is actually one of the ways people in recovery put themselves at risk of receiving medications that can re-activate the addiction. It may be that the doctor has a negative opinion about people with addiction, but if that is the case, that person should NOT be your doctor and you need to know about it. I strongly urge you to share all information with your physician.

YES: Its really important to tell doctor any addiction issues in the past reason : As there are medication which doctor would avoid if there is past addiction hx. If a person is reluctant its important to provide proper safe/ confidential support.