how to go to rehab and keep your job

How To Go To Rehab And Keep Your Job

• There Are Laws That Will Protect You. Your employer can’t fire you just because you need to attend a month-long stint at rehab. ...
• Financing Treatment. Most insurance companies cover much of the cost of addiction treatment. ...
• Going Back to Work After Treatment. ...

Full Answer

Can I keep my job if I’m in rehab?

There are several federal laws and workplace policies in place to protect people who want to recover from addiction challenges and stay employed. In addition, there are rehabilitation programs that allow individuals to live at home and continue to work while receiving addiction treatment. Here’s how you can seek treatment and keep your job. Use Your Company’s EAP …

Can I keep my job while receiving substance abuse treatment?

Jun 30, 2020 · Stay in treatment for the full duration of the rehab program. Take the time to attend follow-up treatment and aftercare. Go to a self-help or support group such as 12-step. And, if you have disclosed your addiction to your employer, you should follow any program they’ve given you to return to work.

Should I quit my job to go to treatment?

Employees on the verge of being discharged for any reason cannot save their jobs by asking to go into treatment for addiction. Employees must approach their employer, manager, or a human resources department representative to explain their situation and ask for time away before facing discipline or termination.

Can my employer fire me for going to rehab?

Sep 14, 2016 · Complete your recommended treatment plan – do not leave residential rehab early. Continue with ongoing aftercare – outpatient drug rehab, drug tests, etc. Attend 12-Step fellowship meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Comply with any “Return-to-Work” agreement that your employer may have prepared.

Does my job have to let me go to rehab?

You can be fired for going to rehab if you don't follow the formal FMLA process for requesting a leave of absence. If you enter a treatment facility first, then tell your employer afterward, you're not protected under this law.May 22, 2017

How can I work while in recovery?

Here are some tips to help you find balance once you return to work.Don't Immediately Aim to Become an Over-Achiever. ... Show Up Early. ... Check in with Your Recovery Needs. ... Practice Good Time Management. ... Take Care of Yourself, Inside and Out.Aug 19, 2019

What is the success rate of people who go to rehab?

An estimated 43 percent of all people who go to drug rehab successfully complete their treatment programs, while another 16 percent are transferred to other rehab centers for additional treatment. Rehab success rates for those who complete drug and alcohol detoxification are a combined 68 percent.May 29, 2019

Can you get fired for being a drug addict?

While employers are free to terminate and can refuse to hire anyone whose alcohol or drug use impairs their ability to perform the duties of their job, employers cannot fire or take other negative employment actions against an employee because of their status as an alcoholic or drug addict. California and federal laws ...Apr 30, 2017

Is rehab more effective than jail?

They exist for the specific purpose of helping addicts find and maintain time clean and sober. That's not to say it's impossible to quit drugs while in jail but there are far better alternatives. Drug rehab is a much more effective solution for those who receive possession charges.Dec 9, 2021

What's the success rate of AA?

Alcoholics Anonymous' Big Book touts about a 50% success rate, stating that another 25% remain sober after some relapses. A study conducted by AA in 2014 showed that 27% of the more than 6,000 members who participated in the study were sober for less than a year.Mar 3, 2022

How many rehabilitation centers are in the US?

$42 Billion U.S. Addiction Rehab Industry Poised for Growth, and Challenges. Drug and alcohol addiction rehab in the United States is big business — worth $42 billion this year. There are now 15,000+ private treatment facilities and growing.Feb 5, 2020

Is Drug Addiction a disability?

Are Substance Use Disorders Considered Disabilities? In short, yes. Diagnosable drug and alcohol addictions, or substance use disorders (SUDs), are considered disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act.

What do you do if your employee is on drugs?

If you suspect an employee of being impaired on the job:Take immediate action to remove the employee from any safety-sensitive work and begin gathering evidence of the incident.If applicable state laws and your employer policy allows, send the employee for a drug or alcohol test.

Is alcoholism considered a disability?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people who abuse alcohol may be considered disabled if the person is an alcoholic or a recovering alcoholic. According to an experienced employment lawyer, different states also consider alcoholism to be a disease.

What happens if you go back to work for substance abuse?

When you go back to work, bear in mind that if your employer discriminates against you because of your condition, that is against the law.

Why do I have to hold down my job?

But foregoing treatment isn’t the answer to protecting your job or your health. While having to hold down a job is a common excuse for not getting treatment for an addiction or mental health problem, the excuse is also, tragically, a mistaken one. That’s because there are legal protections in place that will protect your job while you get ...

What is the ADA?

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Addiction and mental illness are disabilities that deserve certain anti-discrimination protections in a job setting, according to the ADA. Employers that employ 15 or more people are bound by the ADA’s provisions. These include job protections for those who are currently enrolled in a rehab program ...

What are the laws to protect your job?

The following laws are worth being familiar with if you’re thinking about going to rehab. Family Medical Leave of Absence Act (FMLA) – Under the terms of the FMLA law, a substance use disorder and/or other mental illness qualifies as a “serious health condition” for which some U.S.

What are the worries about job security?

Related to worries about job security are concerns about what happens in a job after treatment. Many people wonder what returning to work will feel like, in terms of how they will be received by their boss and colleagues and what “reintegration” will be like. Be assured that there is life after rehab, including in the career that you took time away from and the work relationships you put on hold.

Can an employer fire you for being absentee?

Because your employment is likely “at will,” meaning you are employed by your own free will, an employer can fire you if they detect absenteeism or negligence on the job. This outcome becomes more likely the longer you let a mental health problem go untreated, leaving you vulnerable to absenteeism and negligence on the job.

Does the ADA protect you from drug abuse?

The ADA may not protect your job, however, if you are currently using illicit drugs or drinking while at work, or if your drug or alcohol problem is currently ...

How Addiction Can Affect Job Performance

Misusing drugs and alcohol may not affect job performance at first, but as time passes and addiction develops, most people become unable to do their work. Their ability to focus diminishes and their performance starts to decline. In addition, being addicted to drugs and alcohol can cause individuals to:

How To Keep Your Job As You Seek and Receive Addiction Treatment

If you or someone you love needs to seek treatment while maintaining their job, there’s hope. There are several federal laws and workplace policies in place to protect people who want to recover from addiction challenges and stay employed.

Helping You Get The Treatment You Need Without Sacrificing Your Job

Having a job doesn’t mean you have to avoid addiction treatment. You can take advantage of your company’s EAP, take a leave of absence, apply for disability, take advantage of federal policies, or enroll in an outpatient program. We can help you get the help you need without sacrificing your job.

Why do I leave my job?

Absences because of substance abuse. Punctuality problems. Inability to keep a job/frequently changing companies. A prolonged pattern of such behaviors can ruin your work reputation and lead to your termination. Employers are protected by federal law that allows them to create a drug-free workplace.

How do I know if I'm being abused in the workplace?

Signs that substance abuse may be affecting your job performance include: Performance issues.

How much does substance abuse cost the US?

Substance addiction costs the nation about $276 billion per year, mostly in lost work productivity and health care costs. Many employees in the workforce struggle with substance addictions. Additionally, it is more cost-effective to provide treatment and rehabilitate a substance-addicted employee than to replace the individual. Therefore, many employers provide employee assistance programs (EAPs).

What is EAP in employment?

Therefore, many employers provide employee assistance programs (EAPs). EAPs provide a variety of options and services for substance abuse and mental health related problems, including on-site, in-person and telephone-based services.

What are the added pressures of high stress occupations?

The added pressures of high-stress occupations can contribute to the development and progression of a substance addiction. For professionals with demanding or high-stress positions, there are treatment programs tailored to their needs. Professional programs include general treatment and specialty treatment groups that address the unique challenges that may contribute to substance abuse issues. Facilities that offer such programs typically work with professionals to provide a plan that suits their mental and physical health needs as well as their job-related obligations.

How many hours can you work to qualify for FMLA?

For an employee to be eligible for FML, he or she must have worked at least 1,250 hours and held employment at the company for a year or more.

What is a facility admission team?

Facility admission teams work with individuals entering treatment to address any concerns they may have. Case managers will also act on clients’ behalf to assist with legal and job-related tasks, as well as update individuals’ employers and properly document an employee’s treatment progress.

Review Your Options

You may have a great deal of options for rehab and treatment depending on your employer and your area. For example, many employers offer substantial rehab and treatment coverage as part of medical plans and worker’s insurance. If your workplace offers these benefits, it’s important that you know about them and that you utilize them.

Leverage FMLA Leave

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) functions as a government-mandated protection for individuals in need of long-term medical care, including substance abuse recovery. FMLA comes into play when you have been with an employer for at least one year and your employer has over 50 employees.

Americans With Disability Act

The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) defines substance addiction as a disability, meaning that you can apply for and get short-term disability when seeking out treatment.

Ask Insurance for Coverage

Addiction is considered to be an illness, which means that, under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, insurers cannot deny you coverage. Substance abuse treatment is defined as a human right under the ACA. Your insurer is not obliged to cover every aspect of treatment, every treatment provider, or every level of care.

Can an employer terminate an employee for failing a drug test?

Also, employers can terminate employees at any time for inadequate performance, regardless of the ex tenuating circumstances.

Can you be fired for substance use disorder?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), no one can be denied a job or fired from one simply because they have a disability—and a substance use disorder is officially classified as a disability, even for those who are in recovery and no longer using drugs or alcohol.

Can an alcoholic be in rehab without a job?

While patients in off-hours outpatient rehab programs might be able to seek treatment for addiction without neglecting their job duties, this is impossible for those who need inpatient residential treatment services. Therefore, recovering addicts and alcoholics in this situation require more protection than the Americans with Disabilities Act can provide, and that protection is guaranteed for most employees by the Family and Medical Leave Act, or FMLA.

How to honor a bargain?

Honor Your Part of the Bargain—When your employer grants you an accommodation they are doing so for two reasons – because of the law, yes, but ALSO because you are a valued employee. For your part, YOU have to:#N#Complete your recommended treatment plan – do not leave residential rehab early.#N#Continue with ongoing aftercare – outpatient drug rehab, drug tests, etc.#N#Attend 12-Step fellowship meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.#N#Comply with any “Return-to-Work” agreement that your employer may have prepared. 1 Complete your recommended treatment plan – do not leave residential rehab early. 2 Continue with ongoing aftercare – outpatient drug rehab, drug tests, etc. 3 Attend 12-Step fellowship meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. 4 Comply with any “Return-to-Work” agreement that your employer may have prepared.

What are the biggest fears of substance abusers?

One of the biggest fears for many active substance abusers is the worry about the repercussions to their job or position if they admit to having a problem and need to take time off to go to treatment.

Preparing to Go to Rehab When You Have a Job

Before you go to rehab, it is vital to let your company know why you are taking a leave of absence. You will probably not be required to go too much into details, but it’s better if they know in advance and avoid any unnecessary hassles.

Can You Get Fired for Getting Treatment?

From a legal point of view, you should not get fired from seeking treatment for substance abuse diseases.

Rehab Options While Working

Outpatient rehab is more suited for professionals who can’t afford to miss work or have a more flexible approach to their treatment. Outpatient consists of patients visiting treatment centers 2-3 times a week for a few hours. The idea is that their treatment does not disrupt their working routine.

How long does it take to get into rehab after substance abuse?

Under the ADA, your employment is protected as you undergo treatment. As for FMLA, it gives you the 3 months that you need to complete residential treatment.

What to do if you can't get paid leave?

If you can’t get paid leave from your job, you may try to apply for disability benefits up until you get back to work. With this, you may get the finances that you need to fund your treatment – or support your family.

What is RTWA after rehab?

This is drafted in the presence of the employee, employer, union representative, or addiction treatment professional.

How many weeks of FMLA do you get?

The FMLA applies to private businesses with more than 50 employees. This law sees to it that qualified employees are entitled to 12 weeks of medical leave – one that you may use for your addiction treatment.

“Can My Employer Fire Me For Going to Rehab?”

See more on fherehab.com

Laws to Protect Your Job When You’Re in Rehab

The Importance of Correct Interpretation and Application of These Laws

Your Career After Treatment