Full Answer
Can I quit my job for drug rehab?
Take A Leave Of Absence From Work Through FMLA. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows full-time employees to take 12 weeks of medical leave each year. In order to take advantage of this law, your employer must have 50 or more employees within 75 miles of the organization’s worksite.
Can I take a leave of absence from my job for addiction?
6 minutes ago. Need to go to rehab. How do I quit my job? I’ve been in active addiction for nearly a year. I’ve decided I need to go to rehab, as it is the only way I will get better. I am depressed and worried about my health. Issue is I work full time. A few months ago I had told my boss I would be leaving at the end of the year, as I ...
What happens to your career when you go to rehab?
Mar 22, 2022 · Preparing for Rehab Treatment. If you are considering entering a substance abuse treatment program, know your rights and talk to your employer or your employer’s human resources department about taking leave under the FMLA, if applicable. While you do not need to tell your employer your actual diagnosis, you do need to provide enough information to show …
Can my employer require me to go to rehab?
Mar 16, 2021 · Let your employer know that you are ready to conquer your addiction and that in order to do so, you will need their support so that you can seek the treatment that you need. Your Career After Treatment. Once you have completed your treatment and are ready to return to work, some employers may require that you complete a Return-to-Work Agreement.
Will my job 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 do you transition to rehab?
Tips to Dealing With Transitioning After RehabCreate and follow a daily routine.Develop a new positive mindset.Set realistic expectations.Address depression and anxiety right away.Find new hobbies and schedule time for them.Connect regularly with support groups and attend regular meetings.More items...•Aug 15, 2016
What happens when you get out of rehab?
After completing detoxification and inpatient rehabilitation, a person in recovery will return to normal life. This includes work, family, friends, and hobbies. All these circles and events can trigger cravings and temptations. Research suggests most relapses occur in the first 6 months after treatment.Dec 14, 2021
Where do you go after hospital?
Rehabilitation services are provided in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities (SNF), inpatient rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, rehab units within hospitals, and other specialized settings.
What did Chris feel was the contributing factor to finally getting sober?
32. What did Chris feel was the contributing factor to finally getting sober? Chris believed the factor of finally getting sober was going to the pot sink, and having to wash dishes for 18 hours a day at rehab. 33.
What percentage of people with substance abuse issues hold jobs?
They have bills to pay, families to support, and careers to build. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 76 percent of people with substance abuse issues hold jobs. Many people fear that getting treatment at all will hurt their careers or get them fired. However, there are laws that protect people ...
Who to speak to about disability?
Once all the necessary information has been gathered, it’s best to speak to your employer or human resources officer as soon as possible.
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.
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.
How many people received disability in 2010?
In 2010, there were nearly 11 million Americans receiving disability benefits from the government, so anybody applying for it will not be alone.This is a better option for those who have a more serious, ongoing addiction disorder that has already been interfering with their work.
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.
What is the ADA and FMLA?
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.
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 long does an employee have to work to be protected under FMLA?
Under the Family and Medical Leave of Absence Act, employees' jobs are protected for up to 12 weeks for a 12 month period during leaves of absences for medical reasons of your own or your immediate family, including for the treatment of a serious medical condition. For those who suffer from addiction, this may mean that they will need a referral for treatment from a healthcare provider in order to have their addiction qualify as a "serious health condition." In order to qualify for FMLA for rehab, an employee must have worked for the company or organization for more than 12 months and must have worked more than 1250 hours in the past 12 months. Further, only those employers who have more than 50 employees within a 75-mile radius are required to adhere to FMLA laws. Even with these specifications, many employees find that their jobs are protected under FMLA law. However, disclosure regarding addiction treatment is imperative to job protection under the law.
What is the ADA?
Together, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Mental Health Parity and Addictions Equity Act, the Affordable Care Act, and the Family Medical Leave of Absence Act help to protect those who seek treatment for addiction while employed.
Does Medicare cover mental health?
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, mental health and addiction treatment must be treated in the same manner as physical health treatment under the Mental Health Parity and Addictions Equity Act (MHPAEA). For those who suffer from addiction, this means that your employer-provided health insurance benefits are required to cover addiction treatment just as they would treat for diabetes or high cholesterol. While the MHPAEA does not require that employers include mental health and addictions coverage in their insurance package, the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. "Obamacare") does require insurers to include addictions treatment as part of their 10 essential health benefits. Because of these laws, addiction is considered to be a serious health condition that can be covered under the Family and Medical Leave of Absence Laws.
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 FMLA for addiction?
FMLA provides job-secured leave for medical reasons while allowing you to keep your original health coverage. This is a protection available to most employees and covers a wide range of family and health issues. For addicts, this act allows up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. During this time, you can seek professional help and return to work with no changes to your pay or position.
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.
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.
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.
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“Can My Employer Fire Me For 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 going to rehab. 1. 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. employees are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected medical leave. When our Director o…
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…