how to talk to hr about alchol rehab leave

How do I talk to my employer about rehab?

Mar 28, 2018 · Federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on disability. Many people with past or current drug or alcohol problems are protected from discrimination by: 1. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Drug and alcohol use disorders send millions of Americans to treatment every year.

What is the next step after alcohol rehab?

Mar 22, 2022 · There are a variety of confidential, free, and no obligation ways to get in contact with us to learn more about treatment. Call us at (888) 966-8152 or get a text for information on various treatment options. Verify Your Insurance Coverage for Treatment Check to see if your insurance is in-network at an American Addiction Centers location

What happens outside of alcohol rehab?

How to Talk About Alcohol Rehab with Your Supervisor. You might be anxious or apprehensive to have this conversation with your boss. That’s understandable because you are simultaneously admitting that you have an alcohol addiction issue and that you will be away from work for a given period. In some cases, your boss may not be surprised at all that you are seeking alcohol …

Can I take leave from work to go to rehab?

Mar 08, 2022 · While you cannot force people to seek help from rehab centers for alcohol, you may urge employees to contact their doctors and ask for the help they may need. During this process, it is important to reassure employees that they have your full support as they move forward in dealing with their alcoholism.

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 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 if an employee has a substance abuse problem?

First and foremost, if an employee is reasonably suspected of being impaired in the workplace, the employer should take immediate action to remove the employee from any safety-sensitive work and should investigate the potential impairment by (1) gathering evidence from supervisors (ideally trained in identifying drug ...Sep 19, 2018

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

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

How should employers respond to the potential for substance abuse among their employees?

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.

What to do if an employee shows up drunk?

If an employee comes to work intoxicated but is not exhibiting violence, have security usher him to a safe place at your business. Contact the human resources department and report the intoxication. Call someone in the employee's family or local law enforcement to have the employee taken home.

What situation would qualify an employee for 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the FMLA?

Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the FMLA to care for themselves or a sick relative, and employers must reinstate workers to the same or an equivalent job when they return to work.May 20, 2019

What is the aftermath of addiction?

Excessive use of alcohol and drugs can lead to mental and physical health issues, some of which include anxiety, depression, diabetes, liver disease, and heart disease. Many of these conditions may improve after recovery, but some may linger and diminish the quality of life.Mar 31, 2019

What is total abstinence?

While stimulant addicts are of course at the highest risk when using stimulants, “total abstinence” means avoiding other psychoactive substances as well.

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 is the deteriorative stage of alcoholism?

The late, or deteriorative stage, is best identified as the point at which the damage to the body from the toxic effects of alcohol is evident, and the alcoholic is suffering from a host of ailments. An alcoholic in the final stages may be destitute, extremely ill, mentally confused, and drinking almost constantly. The alcoholic in this stage is suffering from many physical and psychological problems due to the damage to vital organs. His or her immunity to infections is lowered, and the employee’s mental condition is very unstable. Some of the very serious medical conditions the alcoholic faces at this point include heart failure, fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, malnutrition, pancreatitis, respiratory infections, and brain damage, some of which is reversible.

How much does alcohol cost in the workplace?

Numerous studies and reports have been issued on the workplace costs of alcoholism and alcohol abuse, and they report costs that range from $33 billion to $68 billion per year. Alcohol is a major factor in injuries, both at home, at work, and on the road. Nearly half of all traffic fatalities involve alcohol.

What is the role of a supervisor?

Supervisor’s Role. As a supervisor, you have an important role in dealing with alcohol problems in the workplace, along with other agency officials. You have the day-to-day responsibility to monitor the work and on-the-job conduct of your employees. You are not responsible for diagnosing alcoholism in employees.

How many people abuse alcohol?

Alcohol is the single most used and abused drug in America. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 14 million Americans (1 in every 13 adults) abuse alcohol or are alcoholics. Several million more adults engage in risky drinking patterns that could lead to alcohol problems.

What is the theory of alcoholism?

Its basic tenets are that alcoholism is a disease with recognizable symptoms, causes, and methods of treatment. In addition, there are several stages of the disease which are often described as early, middle, and late. While it is not essential for a supervisor to fully define these stages, it is useful to understand them in terms of how the disease presents itself in the workplace.

Is alcoholism fatal?

The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortion in thinking, most notably denial.". Alcohol is the single most used and abused drug in America.

What is the early stage of alcoholism?

The early or adaptive stage of alcoholism is marked by increasing tolerance to alcohol and physical adaptations in the body which are largely unseen. This increased tolerance is marked by the alcoholic’s ability to consume greater quantities of alcohol while appearing to suffer few effects and continuing to function. This tolerance is not created simply because the alcoholic drinks too much but rather because the alcoholic is able to drink great quantities because of physical changes going on inside his or her body.

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.

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 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.

On This Page

In this post, we’ll be continuing our series about the best ways to fill your time before you start addiction treatment. Today we’re talking about one of the most difficult steps you have to take before heading off to treatment: talking to your boss.

When to Talk to Your Boss About Alcohol Rehab

The timing is important when you talk to your boss about going to alcohol rehab. On most occasions, you don’t want to tell them before you have a date lined up for treatment.The reason for this is if treatment takes longer than you planned, you may find yourself without a job before you were expecting it.

How to Talk About Alcohol Rehab with Your Supervisor

You might be anxious or apprehensive to have this conversation with your boss. That’s understandable because you are simultaneously admitting that you have an alcohol addiction issue and that you will be away from work for a given period. In some cases, your boss may not be surprised at all that you are seeking alcohol addiction treatment.

How do you know if you're drinking at work?

Physical signs are some of the first warning signs that an employee may be drinking at work. For example, maybe the person smells like alcohol or is not walking the way he or she usually walks. Maybe your employees’ behavior is not as consistent as the behavior of other employees.

When alcohol abuse interferes with an employee’s work performance, potentially creating safety issues and impacting other employees, it

When alcohol abuse interferes with an employee’s work performance, potentially creating safety issues and impacting other employees, it is the responsibly of human resources staff members to remedy the situation. It is up to you to assess the situation and provide the necessary support for possible alcoholism treatment.

Why do people drink on the job?

Dangerous environments or job duties, and even poor conditions at work may be other causes for employees to start drinking on the job. Lack of supervision or training, which may also cause poor job satisfaction or stress, may also contribute to WUI.

How does drinking affect your job?

Drinking on the job may impact more than just the performance of the employees who are drinking. It may also impact their coworkers. Sometimes drinking may create conflict among employees, leading to disagreements, fights, and violent behavior.

What percentage of the workforce is working under the influence?

Working under the influence also referred to as WUI, is estimated to occur in about 15 percent of the U.S. workforce. While employees in certain industries may be more likely to drink on the job and others less likely, the signs are common across many industries. As a human resources manager, it is important to be able to recognize ...

Why do people avoid rehab?

Many people avoid rehab for substance abuse because they fear losing their job or experiencing social stigma at work. Today, federal laws and workplace policies are in place to protect people who want to recover from addiction. Understanding your rights as an employee and having a plan can help you keep your job during treatment.

What to do if you are on FMLA?

Your employer may ask you to fill out paperwork regarding your unpaid time off if you’re using FMLA. They may also ask you to sign a Return-to-Work Agreement, explaining what’s expected of your return. These agreements may include: Complying with all treatment recommendations from your rehab provider.

What is the best treatment for addiction?

People with a less severe addiction may consider outpatient rehab or telehealth counseling as alternatives to inpatient care. These types of programs are more flexible, potentially with minimal interruptions to your work schedule.

How long is FMLA?

Several federal laws protect your right to work in recovery. The most important of these is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for serious health conditions, including addiction.

How many hours do you need to work to qualify for unemployment?

To qualify, the employee must: Work for their employer for at least 12 months and at least 1,250 hours over the past 12 month period. Work at a location where the company employs at least 50 people within 75 miles or is a public agency, elementary or secondary school.

Does the ADA protect you from discrimination?

This will largely depend on your employer and the company culture where you work. The ADA protects individuals from discrimination based on a disability, including being in recovery after drug or alcohol use. However, people in recovery should be prepared for others to treat them differently after rehab.

Can you be fired for taking FMLA?

So, while you cannot be fired for taking FMLA, you can still be fired for the underlying substance abuse issue, depending on your employer’s specific policies.

How long does it take to leave rehab?

Leaving Rehab After 7 to 14 Days. If the person wants to leave during this time frame, it’s typically for one of two reasons. Either they believe they are cured or they want to use drugs or alcohol again.

How long does it take to get a drug addict to check in?

It can be days, weeks, months, or years before you notice your loved one has an addiction problem. It can take even longer to get them to check into a drug or alcohol treatment center.

How long does it take to leave opioid treatment?

Another thing to note: Leaving treatment after 7-14 days puts opioid users at risk for overdose. Prior to going to treatment, they have built up tolerance. They have years of practice and knowledge of the amount they need to get the feeling they crave.

How long can you stay at an airport?

All you do is find them another treatment center. They can stay at most airports safely for 12-24 hours while you arrange to get them to another treatment center.

Is recovery an event?

Recovery is not an event, it’s a way of life. To me, the “I am cured” reason for leaving rehab is just as risky as the person who swears they are being mistreated and wants to leave. The person claiming they are being mistreated isn’t lying to themselves—they are lying to you.

What drugs are most commonly treated in rehab?

Some of the addictions that are most commonly treated in rehab centers are alcohol, cocaine, PCP, heroin, prescription opioids, crystal meth, ecstasy, prescription sedatives, and more. Deciding to go to rehab can be a difficult choice and you’re likely to have a lot ...

How many hours do you need to work to get FMLA?

have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months prior to the start of the FMLA leave. work at a location where at least 50 employees are employed at ...

What are the requirements for FMLA?

Eligibility for a leave of absence protected by FMLA is dependent on several different variables, and not everyone will be protected. There are certain groups of people who will be protected no matter what—these include State, local and Federal employers, and local education agencies (schools). For the rest of the population, in order to be eligible for FMLA leave, an employee needs to work for a covered employer and: 1 have worked for that employer for at least 12 months. 2 have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months prior to the start of the FMLA leave. 3 work at a location where at least 50 employees are employed at the location or within 75 miles of the location.#N#(U.S. Department of Labor)

What is a substance use disorder?

Substance use disorders are when a person’s drug abuse leads to negative consequences at home, in school, or in the workplace. People are usually well intended and can be the best of employees or friends, but an addiction leads them to do things they wouldn’t normally do.

How do drugs affect the brain?

Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives.”.

What is FMLA in medical terms?

What Is The Family Medical Leave Act? The Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) is a federal law that requires employers to provide protected employees with a leave of absence for up to 12 weeks in a 12 month period for certain medical and family reasons.

Can you be fired for going to rehab?

In some cases a person can be fired from a job for going to rehab, however, an employee can not terminate a person who has opted to use FMLA to go to treatment. “If, however, the employer has an established policy, applied in a nondiscriminatory manner that has been communicated to all employees, that provides that under certain circumstances, ...

Leaving Rehab Early is Usually a Mistake

Those individuals who decide to leave addiction rehab early are usually making a mistake. It can mean that all the good work they’ve done up until that point gets wasted. This is because this type of treatment is a process and in order to get the most from it the individual has to see the process through to the end.

Common Reasons for Why People Leave Rehab Early

There are some common reasons for why people leave rehab early including:

Leaving Rehab as Sabotaging Recovery

In most instances leaving rehab early is a form of self sabotage. By taking this action the individual is likely to relapse back to alcohol or drugs. Some of those who leave a treatment facility will be back to their addiction within hours.

Dangers of Leaving Rehab Early

It may be that there is a tiny minority of people who check out of rehab early and do manage to stay sober, but in the vast majority of cases it leads to negative consequences. The dangers of an early exit from this facility include

No Real Justification for Leaving Rehab Early

Those who decide to check out of treatment early will usually be doing themselves a disservice. The excuses that the individual will use for taking this action will rarely stand up to much scrutiny – considering the risk the individual is taking such excuses sound lame. There is no real justification for leaving rehab early because:

How to Deal with the Urge to Check Out of Rehab

It is common for people to have periods during their stay in rehab when they just want to leave. The best way to deal with this urge will be to:

How does alcohol rehab work?

Alcohol rehab provides a safe and structured environment to focus on recovery. However, situations outside the facility may seem nerve-wracking and stressful. It’s important to ease yourself back into the swing of things. Take your time to organize a balanced schedule and set boundaries that will help you maintain sobriety.

How long can you stay alcohol free after rehab?

Remaining alcohol-free for six months after rehab is a huge milestone. While you may have had a mix of good and difficult days, you will really begin to see the progress you’ve made. Realizing how far you’ve come will re-energize and motivate you to stick with your recovery plan.

How long does it take to recover from alcoholism?

Recovering from alcoholism is a lifelong process. Maintaining your sobriety requires time and hard work – both during and after treatment. Here’s a breakdown of the 30-day, three-month, six-month and one-year recovery milestones.

How does alcoholism affect relationships?

There are many factors that can contribute to strained relationships while in an active addiction. Patterns of manipulation, cheating, stealing or abusive behavior are common among those suffering from the grips of addiction. Over time, these actions can negatively impact relationships with loved ones.

What happens after you go to rehab?

Life after rehab can feel like a rollercoaster of highs and lows.

How many years of sobriety do you have to be to relapse?

However, individuals who make it past the first year of recovery significantly increase their chances of staying sober. After two years of sobriety, the relapse rate drops to 40 percent. Every additional alcohol-free year reduces the risk of relapse.

What to do on your first anniversary of sobriety?

The first anniversary of your sobriety is a significant event. This is a great opportunity to celebrate with those who have supported you along the way. Reward yourself by going out to dinner, getting tickets to a concert or sports game, or participating in a fun activity of your choice.

Alcoholism in The Workplace: A Handbook For Supervisors

• Introduction
  The National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence defines alcoholism this way: Alcohol is the single most used and abused drug in America. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 14 million Americans (1 in every 13 adults) abuse alcoho…
• Alcoholism in the Workplace
  As far as the Government as an employer is concerned, an employee’s decision to drink is that individual’s personal business. However, when the use or abuse of alcohol interferes with the employee’s ability to perform his or her duties, the employer does have legitimate concerns, incl…

See more on opm.gov

Next Steps

Considerations During and After Treatment

Other Topics

Conclusion

Appendix - The Disease of Alcoholism