A new study shows a many as four out of five Americans don’t come clean to their doctors about their unhealthy behaviors.
Between 60 and 80 percent of people admit they avoid telling their doctor details that could be relevant to their well-being.
Kelsey Seybold's Dr. Shane Magee said patients are only hampering your own healthcare if you don't share the whole story.
"Drinking and drugs are often a common area of lying, some of it's because the patient may feel shame that they're doing [it], and also, the illegal drugs afraid that they're going to get caught," said Magee.
He said in reality, doctors aren't going to tell the police on you, unless the use endangers someone else.
University of Utah population health sciences researchers found shame and fear appear to be the cause for the deceit.
"Whether it's through IV drugs, or who they choose to have sex with or infections they may have, or particularly psychiatric illnesses, too, they're afraid it's going to get on their record and then follow them around," said Magee.
Truthful communication is the best way to prevent wrong drug interactions or a treatment plan.
He said doctors can only know and provide the proper care if they know the whole story.