Final answer:
Substance use disorders are subject to more stringent confidentiality due to potential legal issues and social stigma associated with the diagnosis, which are barriers to seeking help.
Step-by-step explanation:
Substance use disorders require more rigorous confidentiality protections than other medical conditions primarily because they are often associated with legal consequences and social stigma. This includes the potential for criminal charges, loss of employment, and the general negative perceptions held by society towards addiction. These factors create significant barriers to seeking treatment and support. The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) characterizes substance use disorders as a compulsive pattern of drug use despite negative consequences, including physical and psychological dependence. This stigma surrounding substance use disorders is further complicated by common comorbidities with other mental illnesses, which may magnify the challenges faced by individuals with these disorders.