Should I tell my boss if I’m going to rehab?
Apr 18, 2019 · Go to your boss and tell him or her that you have a personal matter that requires your immediate attention. You do not have to disclose details. Explain that you want to keep your job, but that you simply must take a few weeks off. Ask your boss for guidance. Go to your boss and explain that you have a medical situation that you need to address and that you will need …
How do I talk to my boss about my addiction?
Feb 16, 2021 · Here are a few tips for talking to your boss about rehab: Let your employer know how much your job means to you and that you want to stay in your job and perform well. Tell your boss that you have a medical condition for which you need treatment. You will probably have to be upfront about your ...
Will I Lose my job when I go to rehab?
Mar 28, 2018 · Avoid telling any coworkers before telling your boss. Office gossip spreads, and you’ll want to be able to craft the message you relay to your boss without it getting distorted through other channels first. Have your treatment plan lined up. You can reach out to rehab centers that offer treatment to people who are working or who are taking leave.
How can I Manage my Addiction on the job?
Apr 20, 2021 · First Of, Determine If You Should Tell Your Boss. Before anything, let us congratulate you for taking the right steps into seeking treatment. As you start to think about how to tell your boss you’re going to rehab. You must understand that you’re not alone. Almost 76% of people with a substance use disorder are employed. These are what we ...
What do you tell people when you go to rehab?
Disclosing some of your dishonesty and shortcomings will likely prove to your friends and family that going to rehab is an earnest decision. It is also possible your friends and family already know you haven't been truthful with them and coming clean can also establish a sense of trust.Aug 18, 2021
Should I tell my boss IM in recovery?
Why Should You Tell Your Employer You're in Recovery? It's not always important to disclose your history of addiction to an employer. If you're strong in recovery and your job doesn't interfere with your success in any way, you probably don't need to mention it.Oct 13, 2021
What happens if you tell your employer you have a drug problem?
In the US, your employer can discipline or fire you if your alcohol or drug use impairs your ability to do your job. However, employers cannot discipline or fire you simply because you tell them you have a substance problem.Aug 28, 2019
What do you say to someone who just got out of rehab?
8 Things to Say to Someone in RecoveryI Love You. ... You're Not Alone. ... Everyone Needs Help Sometimes. ... How Are You Feeling? ... How Can I Help? ... Let's Hang Out. ... I'm Proud of You. ... I Know You Are Struggling, But There's Always Hope.May 29, 2019
Should I tell my boss I have a drinking problem?
By law, employers must maintain confidentiality regarding any information they receive regarding the addiction or substance abuse treatment of any of their employees.Oct 7, 2016
Can my employer sack me for being an alcoholic?
Employers must act in accordance with any staff policies on drug and alcohol abuse and ensure a fair performance management process is followed. To dismiss an employee for alcohol related reasons an employer could potentially rely on conduct, capability or some other substantial reason depending on the circumstances.Jan 17, 2020
Is alcoholism considered a medical condition?
Alcohol use disorder (sometimes called alcoholism) is a medical condition. It involves heavy or frequent alcohol drinking even when it causes problems, emotional distress or physical harm. A combination of medications, behavioral therapy and support can help you or a loved one recover.Jun 2, 2021
What should you not say to someone in recovery?
What Not To Say To Someone In Recovery“I know how you feel.” ... “How long have you been sober?” ... “Joe is in recovery, too.” ... “Can't you have just one (drink/hit)?” ... “Why did you get into that stuff?” ... “I never thought you had a problem.”Jul 6, 2020
What do you say to a one year sober?
“Happy Sober Anniversary” Sample Messages“I'm so happy to see you taking care of yourself.”“You've grown into such a strong and independent person.”“I'm so proud of you and the progress you've made.”“You deserve to be happy.”“I'm happy you're doing so well. ... “You are deserving of a happy and sober life.”More items...•Jul 21, 2021
How many hours do you have to work to be considered for addiction?
You must have worked 1,250 hours during the 12 months before leaving. Work at a facility that employs 50 or more employees within 75 miles. To be considered for a qualifying condition, you must have a chronic serious health condition, which addiction is classified as by many medical providers and employers.
What is the FMLA for rehab?
Another provision in the FMLA is the return to your previous job position when you get out of rehab. If not returned to the exact job, it must be one that is closely equivalent. As you transition back into the workplace, it’s critical to continue with aftercare therapy programs to minimize relapsing. Recovery is a lifelong journey, requiring the proper support and treatment.
What are the laws regarding drug use?
Below is an overview of laws that are useful to know about your drug or alcohol use: 6 1 If you are currently using illegal drugs, you do not qualify as an individual with a disability if your employer decides to take action concerning your drug use. 2 Your employer cannot discriminate against you if you have a history of drug addiction but are no longer actively abusing substances. 3 The FMLA protects you if you take leave for a serious health condition. 4 You can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off from work per year under the FMLA to attend rehab. 5 Your employer can ban the illegal use of drugs at your workplace. 6 It is not a violation of the ADA for an employer to give tests for the illegal use of drugs. 7 You can be fired or denied employment if you are currently using illegal drugs. 8 Your employer can conduct drug tests to detect the use of illegal drugs.
Why is it important to talk to your boss about addiction?
Because issues with addiction can spiral out of control, it is important that you talk to your boss as soon as you can. Having an upfront, honest conversation can save you from losing your job down the line. Do your research. Learn about your company’s policies.
How long can you take off from work for drug rehab?
You can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off from work per year under the FMLA to attend rehab. Your employer can ban the illegal use of drugs at your workplace. It is not a violation of the ADA for an employer to give tests for the illegal use of drugs. You can be fired or denied employment if you are currently using illegal drugs.
What to talk about when you are ready to talk to your boss about entering treatment?
When you are ready to talk to your boss about entering treatment, you may have concerns about job security and confidentiality. In general, people with substance use disorders face stigma in the workplace. Employers may be afraid to hire people with a history of addiction.
What is the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits most employers from refusing to hire, firing, or discriminating against qualified potential employees based on their disability. The law protects workers in recovery from alcoholism or drug addiction and qualifies addiction as a disability. 6
What happens if you test positive for drugs?
If you test positive for drugs during a drug test, this information will be kept confidential, like any medical record. 6 You may also be tested after returning from treatment. If you test positive, your employer may consider you a “current” drug user and terminate your job. 6.
What to do if you can't find your sobriety?
Understand your legal rights. Knowing your rights under the law will make it easier to ask for the help and resources you need to get better and/or receive the accommodations you need to maintain your sobriety .
How long do you have to leave work to go to rehab?
It’s difficult to tell your employer that you need to leave work for weeks or months to enter rehab.
How long can you take FMLA?
The FMLA allows people to take a job-protected leave of up to 12 weeks for family and medical reasons, one of which can be drug or alcohol rehab.
Who is Anna Ciulla?
Anna Ciulla is the vice president of clinical and medical services at Beach House Center for Recovery. Anna has an extensive background in psychotherapy and clinical management. Her clinical approach is a three-part blend of evidence-based best practices for treating addiction; solution-focused, strengths-based care; and a strong belief in the healing power of spiritual connection. Learn more about Beach House's rehab programs by visiting their website.
Do you have to tell your employer about your health?
As an employee with a health problem, you are entitled to the same degree of privacy as any other employee. You are not legally required to tell your employer the specifics of your condition.
Who is Michael Scott in The Office?
In one memorable episode of The Office, Steve Carrell’s character Michael Scott organizes a workplace intervention for his alcoholic employee Meredith — and his so-called “surprise party for people with addictions” is a total disaster.
How to prepare for a hard conversation?
Practicing a hard conversation a few times before you do it helps prepare you for it. Those nerves you’re feeling could alleviate a bit if you practice or visualize the conversation. Visualization is something you can do on your own, but you can practice the conversation with a trusted friend or family member.
How long do you have to work for the same employer?
Have been working with the same employer for at least 12 months . These 12 months don’t need to happen consecutively; you could have worked 12 months on and off as long as you worked those months with the same employer. Have worked at least 1,250 hours during your time with your employer.
Why is it important to return to work?
Returning to work is important, however, because it helps reduce the chances of relapsing.
How long can you be on FMLA?
This law gives employees the right to leave for up to 12 weeks in order to participate in a rehabilitation program. It’s important to highlight, however, that employees have to qualify for this.
What is the first thing to take into consideration when rehabing?
The first thing to take into consideration is your rights . It’s important to know your rights regarding rehab and your work if you’re going to have this conversation. While it can be a scary conversation to think about, knowing more about this subject makes it easier to complete this step.
Why do you need to go to a recovery center?
Perhaps you’ve reached out to a recovery center because you’re ready to fight your substance use disorder. This is a hard decision to make, and now, you have to tell your employer about it. Many substance users convince themselves that they’re okay because they continue to have a job. It’s estimated that 70% of substance users hold a steady job, ...
Is it important to be aware of your rights at Granite Recovery Centers?
At Granite Recovery Centers, we believe it’s important to be aware of your rights because we know you’re scared to approach this topic with your employer.
What Alternatives do you Have?
There are several alternatives to telling your employer that you need time off for addiction treatment. Some of these alternatives are:
If you Decide to Be Honest about Drug Rehab
As the information about drug addiction and illness become more accepted, more employers are accepting of drug treatment as an alternative to losing a valuable already trained employee.
Overview
How to Keep Your Job Before, During and After Rehab. In an Employer Brief the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notes that 76 percent of people with substance abuse problems are employed.
Before Rehab
Understand your addiction and how it affects your job performance. As this article from HelpGuide.org explains, there are certain signs and symptoms of drug abuse that indicate it’s time to seek help.
During Rehab
Ask boss for confidentiality. In its “Are You In Recovery from Alcohol or Drug Problems? Know Your Rights” SAMHSA explains that employers must maintain confidentiality regarding any information they receive about your addiction or treatment.
After Rehab
Know your rights when you return to work. In its “Are You In Recovery from Alcohol or Drug Problems? Know Your Rights” SAMHSA explains the on-the-job rights employees have.
