Which of the following addresses the confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patients?

The choice that addresses the confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patients is 42 CFR, specifically 42 CFR Part 2. This regulation establishes strict confidentiality requirements for individuals receiving substance use disorder treatment. It aims to protect the privacy of patients by imposing limitations on the disclosure of their treatment records without patient consent.

42 CFR is crucial because it recognizes the sensitivity of substance use issues and the fear patients may have about the repercussions of disclosure. Therefore, it provides a legal framework ensuring that details about a patient's treatment, participation, and identity remain protected, creating a safe environment for individuals seeking help.

In contrast, while HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) provides privacy protections for health information more generally, 42 CFR offers more stringent rules specifically for substance abuse treatment records. Other options, such as the Hero Code and the Substance Abuse Act, do not specifically focus on confidentiality regarding alcohol and drug abuse patients. Thus, 42 CFR is the most relevant regulation in this context.