Keeping Your Job While Going to Rehab
- Laws to Protect Your Job When You’re in Rehab. The following laws are worth being familiar with if you’re thinking about...
- The Importance of Correct Interpretation and Application of These Laws. It’s important that you utilize these laws...
- Your Career After Treatment. Related to worries about job security are concerns about what...
Full Answer
Can I keep my job if I’m in rehab?
Show up late to work. Using drugs and excessively drinking alcohol the night before can cause individuals to show up to work late. Heavy alcohol use can lead to severe hangovers. Stimulant drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and amphetamines can keep individuals from getting much-needed sleep.
Can I keep my job while receiving substance abuse treatment?
Sep 11, 2020 · When exploring how to go to rehab and keep your job, it is helpful to know the different treatment options that are available to you. You may need a shorter stay or one with flexible hours that allow you to continue working as you recover. For instance, there are four primary types of treatment programs: Long-Term Residential Treatment:
What will it feel like to return to work after rehab?
Keep up with Your End — When your employer accommodates you – because of the law AND because of your value as an employee – YOU have to: Complete your treatment Continue with aftercare/support Attend AA/NA or other recovery support groups Comply with any “Return-to-Work” agreement
Do you have to take a leave of absence for rehab?
Dec 23, 2021 · To get your pay-off, you need to fit the following conditions: You are unable to make the income limit of about $1,000 for the month. Your disability is deemed to last more than a year. Your condition has a severe impact on your …
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
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
Should I tell my boss I have a substance abuse 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
What is the average time spent in rehab?
Many treatment facilities typically offer patients short-term stays between 28 to 30 days. However, certain residential facilities may also offer extended stays for an additional fee, provided the patient is showing positive signs of recovery.Feb 2, 2022
Can you get fired for addiction?
Addiction is considered to be a disability and, as such, an employee cannot be fired for being addicted to substances such as drugs or alcohol. In fact, employers are required to accommodate employees who suffer from addiction to the point of undue hardship.
What is a last chance agreement?
Last Chance Agreements (LCA) are agree- ments between an employer and an employee and/or a union that gives the employee who has committed serious mis- conduct one last chance to keep the employee's job.
What happens if I tell my employer I 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
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 rehab has the highest success rate?
Roughly 80 percent of patients report benefiting from improved quality of life and health after completing drug and alcohol rehab. Florida has the highest success rates of drug rehab compared to all other states.May 29, 2019
How long does it take to get rid of an addiction?
It takes 21 days to break an addiction According to psychologists, while it may take approximately 21 days of conscious and consistent effort to create a new habit, it takes far longer to break an existing habit.Sep 3, 2013
Is methadone an opiate?
Opioids include heroin and prescription pain relievers such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, and methadone. Though methadone is in the same family as opioids, its long activity in the body makes it suitable for reducing cravings for other opioids and easier to taper a person off of these drugs.
What Are Common Barriers to Addiction Treatment?
Several different factors may keep a person from enrolling in a drug and alcohol rehab program.1 Common reasons include:
Can You Work While in Rehab?
Going to rehab while working isn’t always feasible for everyone, but many people successfully do it. If a person is severely addicted, he or she may not be able to hold down a job while in rehab. However, sometimes people who seek help early on in their addiction can maintain other life responsibilities (such as employment) while they are in rehab.
How to Go to Rehab and Keep Your Job
If you need to attend drug rehab while you are employed, there are a few federal laws that are designed to protect your job while you are on leave attending rehab. 2 These laws are:
Does an EAP Protect Your Job?
If you choose to use your company’s EAP benefits to receive counseling for drug or alcohol addiction, you cannot be fired for seeking help. However, if a condition of your ongoing employment is that you must comply with treatment, and you do not, you could potentially lose your job.
What to Tell Your Boss If You Need to Go to Rehab
Keeping the previously discussed legal protections in mind, you will also need to be careful about how you approach your boss when taking leave for a substance use disorder.
Is Rehab Confidential?
Yes. If you want your drug and alcohol rehab records to remain confidential, certain federal laws are designed to protect your privacy.
Privacy Protections for Individuals Who Are Working While In Recovery
After rehab, the thought of finding a job and working while in recovery may seem daunting, especially if you don’t want your employer to find out about your substance abuse treatment. However, if you are concerned that a prospective employer will find out you were in rehab, there are also legal protections for that.
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 does substance abuse affect your job?
Signs that substance abuse may be affecting your job performance include: Performance issues. Problems finishing tasks at work.
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.
Who is Trey Dyer?
Trey Dyer is a writer for DrugRehab.com and an advocate for substance abuse treatment. Trey is passionate about sharing his knowledge and tales about his own family’s struggle with drug addiction to help others overcome the challenges that face substance dependent individuals and their families. Trey has a degree in journalism from American University and has been writing professionally since 2011.
What is inpatient treatment?
Inpatient treatment programs require individuals to take a leave of absence from work to focus solely on recovery; however, many inpatient programs will work with people to accommodate their work-related needs. Quality inpatient programs aim to help patients acclimate to treatment however possible, such as providing extra access to computers or additional time for job-related phone calls.
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).
Is substance abuse a concern for employers?
Substance abuse in the workplace is a major concern for employers, as employees who work under the influence of drugs or alcohol typically cost more to employ, are less productive and can create potentially dangerous situations for others or themselves. Employees who abuse drugs or alcohol are 3.5 times more likely to be involved in a workplace accident and have health care costs double those of other employees.
What to remember after treatment?
One helpful thing to remember on your journey is that life goes on after treatment. You have a lot to look forward to, and this includes a smooth transition returning to work. In fact, you will likely return to your job stronger and more efficient than ever. As DrugAbuse.gov puts it,
How long does it take to get treatment for long term addiction?
Residential treatment involves a multi-week stay at a facility, where you live, work, and play in a structured environment. Many of these programs consider 90 days as the minimum amount of time needed to address long-term addiction issues.
What is an IOP?
This treatment option serves as a middle ground between inpatient and outpatient. IOPs are a great choice if you do not require 24-hour supervision or medical detox. They usually offer more support and more services in comparison to basic outpatient treatment. Also, they provide a specific number of weekly hours for structured individual, group, and/or family therapy. As a plus, they also provide education on mental disorders and substance use.
Should I go to rehab or keep my job?
Now that you understand how to go to rehab and keep your job, it is a good idea to consider professional treatment. The sooner you get help for your addiction, the better the outcome.
Is outpatient treatment more expensive than residential treatment?
Moreover, outpatient treatment has various services it offers. If costs are an issue this option is typically less expensive than residential treatment. This makes it a great option for people with jobs or other day-to-day responsibilities that require their participation. Typically, this will consist of group meetings several times a week. In many outpatient options, group and individual therapy play a major role in the process. There are also outpatient programs created to treat patients with medical or mental health problems in addition to their specific drug disorders.
How Can Career Concerns Hamper Drug Treatment?
One of the biggest worries for many addicts/alcoholics is the fear of what might happen to their career if they admit to having a problem.
Getting Help AND Protecting Your Job
If you are battling addiction, you CAN get the professional help you need while keeping your career safe.
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.
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.
What is RTWA after rehab?
This is drafted in the presence of the employee, employer, union representative, or addiction treatment professional.
Who is Raychel Raychel?
Raychel has been a nurse for more than a decade. She loves to passionately research, explore and write about substance abuse and treatment. She holds a Master's degree in Public Management with a minor in Health Governance. She was also a member of her hospital's Research Ethics and Continuous Quality Improvement committees.
How many substance abusers are employed?
The stereotype According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, three-quarters of substance abusers are employed, but only about 1 in 10 are in treatment.
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.
What is a return to work agreement?
This is a written document containing all of the employer’s expectations for employees coming back to work after completing a treatment program for an addiction disorder. This is typically used in the case that the employer approached the addicted individual for failure to meet work responsibilities or inappropriate behavior related to substance abuse. If the employee then invokes the right to attempt treatment before being fired, it’s likely that a Return-to-Work Agreement will be arranged.
What is FMLA for addiction?
Both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protect addicted individuals from discrimination and help them get the treatment they need without losing the jobs they need to survive. Once you enter a rehabilitation program, you’re protected by the ADA and cannot be fired for reasons related to your addiction or the treatment process, even if it causes you to miss work. If you are fired, you can file a charge of discrimination against your employer. This applies to all state and local government employers and private companies with 15 or more employees. Under the FMLA, qualified employees can take 12 weeks of medical leave for issues that include addiction disorders each year. Unfortunately, this leave is generally unpaid unless the employer chooses to provide paid leave. This may not be an option for part-time or contract employees or for those who cannot afford to go several weeks without pay.
How much does drug abuse cost the US?
After all, drug and alcohol abuse costs the US over $700 billion each year, mostly from workplace accidents, crime, healthcare, and loss of productivity.
What is a medical professional?
A medical professional may be able to provide more information on state disability benefits and guide individuals through the application process. It’s also important to know that employers are required to maintain confidentiality regarding their employees’ medical issues.
How many people in the US were addicted to drugs in 2009?
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, there were 23.5 million people in the US aged 12 or older who needed addiction treatment in 2009, but only 2.6 million of them received any treatment. Knowing your rights in terms of addiction treatment while employed can be the first step toward getting needed help.
Is addiction a mental illness?
However, there are laws that protect people with addiction disorders from workplace discrimination and particularly from being fired for addiction, which is considered to be a legitimate mental illness.
Can you be fired for addiction?
Once you enter a rehabilitation program, you’re protected by the ADA and cannot be fired for reasons related to your addiction or the treatment process, even if it causes you to miss work. If you are fired, you can file a charge of discrimination against your employer.
“Can My Employer Fire Me For Going to Rehab?”
The Importance of Correct Interpretation and Application of These Laws
- It’s important that you utilize these laws properly— as in proactively before you can be legitimately cited for job negligence and/or drug or alcohol abuse in the workplace. For example, exercising FMLA benefits for drug addiction requires that you let your employer know in advance with a physician’s note. Taking this initiative to have a conversation with your employer—as opposed t…
Your Career After Treatment
- 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 o…