Should I tell my co-workers I’m recovering from addiction?
Sep 23, 2021 · Friends. When it comes to friends or family, they probably already have a good idea of what’s going on with you. If that’s not the case, grabbing coffee or a bite to eat and explaining that you’re struggling to get your substance abuse under control and will be seeking help will probably be a relief for you and them–as well as a chance for them to uplift you in your decision.
Should I tell my boss if I’m going to rehab?
Mar 28, 2018 · How To Tell Your Employer You Are Going To Rehab. Drug Testing for Pre-Employment or Existing Job. Employee Assistance Programs. If you are currently working and thinking about taking leave to address a substance use disorder, there are federal laws and policies in place to help protect you from losing your job.
How do I talk to my employer about rehab?
Dec 11, 2017 · As you slowly begin to open up more about your recovery, you will feel more comfortable discussing your situation with others. While it is a big step to talk about your recovery with friends and co-workers, some people may not sympathize with you. They may judge you and give you uncomfortable looks. And, in some cases, friendships will end.
Will I Lose my job when I go to rehab?
Aug 23, 2018 · Tie up loose ends. Disclosing your rehab plans to your employer will help assure your job functions will be covered while you’re gone. Talk to your fellow employees about your current clients and projects, and don’t be afraid to delegate some of the work so you don’t come back to an overwhelming pile when you return.
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
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
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
How do you convince someone to go back to rehab?
Convincing someone to go to rehab can be difficult. But in many cases, it can be done....Here's how:Get educated. ... Plan an intervention. ... Avoid negative emotions and attitudes. ... Consider professional intervention. ... Don't wait until it gets worse.
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.
Can you get someone fired?
If you feel like you need to get someone fired, schedule a meeting with your manager or supervisor. If you can, bring along written evidence of the other person's wrongdoings, as well as statements from any other coworkers who might feel the same way.
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
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 do you keep away yourself from any kind of addiction?
Take Small Steps To Setting Patterns. Patterns don't take hold instantly. ... Stay Away From Temptations That Help Feed Your Addiction Or Bad Habits. Staying away from temptations is a lot easier than you think. ... Replace Your Old Habits With New Similar Ones. ... Love Yourself.Apr 17, 2018
How do you convince someone to go to AA?
Steps To Take To Convince Your Loved One To Get HelpLearn About Alcohol Use Disorder, And Avoid Making Excuses. ... Practice What You Will Say, And Be Specific. ... Choose The Time And Place. ... Approach And Listen With Honesty And Compassion. ... State The Consequences, But Offer Support. ... Be Prepared To Act Or Intervene.More items...•Feb 10, 2020
How to maintain sobriety?
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. Avoid telling any coworkers before telling your boss.
How to deal with addiction issues?
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.
What laws prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities?
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 1 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 2 The Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
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.
Can an employer take a drug test?
An employer can drug test at any time. If you are applying for a position, you may be required to take a drug test as a condition of your job offer. You may also be required to take drug tests even if the drug test is not related to your position or necessary for the business.
How long is FMLA?
FMLA gives employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during a 12-month period for certain qualifying reasons. 4 One qualifying reason for leave is a serious health condition by which your healthcare provider finds you unable to work at all or unable to perform any one of the essential functions of your job.
How to help someone with addiction?
By talking to friends and co-workers about recovery, you may help reduce the stigma associated with addiction. And more people may understand the struggles you experience each day.
What to do when you no longer drink?
Your past is your past. If you no longer drink or use drugs, be proud of it. Do not express shame or guilt. Make it clear that you have overcome substance use problems and that you now have a new outlook on life.
Where did Matt Smith graduate from?
He graduated with a degree in journalism from East Carolina University and began his professional writing career in 2011. Matt covers the latest drug trends and shares inspirational stories of people who have overcome addiction.
Do you have to talk about your past?
But you don’t have to talk about the details of your past. You don’t have to discuss other outcomes of your addiction — such as family problems, physical consequences or co-occurring disorders — if talking about these subjects makes you feel uncomfortable.
Why do people avoid treatment for substance abuse?
One of the most common reasons people avoid treatment is fear of stigma and prejudice. But you shouldn’t hold yourself back because you’re afraid of what other people may think. Contrary to these fears, recovering addicts often find support and praise from their peers once they go back to work.
How long can you take FMLA?
Many employers have policies in place to protect employees who seek substance abuse treatment. And according to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), most employees who have been in their job for at least 12 months are permitted to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for a family or medical reason within each calendar year. You can use this time for addiction recovery treatment. The FMLA also assures you will have your job when you return. After all, it costs employers more to hire and train a new employee than to give a valued one the time off he or she needs.
How to keep your job?
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.
Why do women not get help for addiction?
One of the main reasons why women do not get help for a problem with addiction is because they are afraid of losing their jobs. The thought of having to tell a boss that you have a substance abuse disorder can be terrifying. Most professional women automatically assume they will be fired if they need to go to rehab. This is just not true.
What is IOP therapy?
The program meets at night to allow women to put in a full work day and then get addiction treatment for just a portion of the day . Although some cases require a medical detox or inpatient treatment, many women appreciate the flexibility of IOP.
How long can you take FMLA?
This allows those who have a problem with substance abuse to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off to go to rehab if necessary.
Can addiction be life threatening?
Addiction can be a life-threatening situation. Addiction affects women in profound ways. However; we recognize that you need a job to pay the bills. Let’s talk about how to keep your job AND go to rehab.
How to get FMLA?
To get FMLA, you will have to get a written recommendation by a doctor or addiction expert for substance abuse treatment. You cannot simply go to your company and say you want to go to rehab. Keep this in mind. Talk to HR about the necessary paperwork. They will help you determine how to get the documentation you need.
Can you take FMLA for substance abuse?
Here is what the United States Department of Labor has to say about taking FMLA for substance use disorder treatment: “Treatment for substance abuse may be a serious health condition if the conditions for inpatient care and/or continuing treatment are met. FMLA leave may only be taken for substance abuse treatment provided by a health care provider ...
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.
My Journey to Alcoholism
I had never been a big drinker, but when I got divorced and had to face sharing custody with my children, my world just fell apart. The truth is that I used alcohol to cope. On nights I didn’t have my kids, I would drink to the point of being unable to feel anything other than sick.
Choosing Rehab for Alcoholism
Telling people that I needed help was so hard, harder even than admitting to myself that I had a problem. My biggest fear, by far, was that I would lose my girls.
Talking to My Family
The first person I had to tell about my decision to go to rehab for alcoholism was my ex. I knew I could avoid all this potential conflict and consequences by secretly going to some outpatient therapy or a support group. But I knew I had to face it and couldn’t go through rehab alone.
Talking to Friends About Rehab
With my family firmly on my side, I realized I would have to tell other people too. My absence would be noticed. I briefly considered lying, but I knew my best future would be one in which I was honest and truly myself. I told just a few close friends and gave them permission to tell others.
Telling My Boss
It should have been most difficult to talk to the people I care the most about, but to be honest, I was terrified to tell my boss that I needed time off for rehab. The first thing I did was some research into my rights to privacy and leave. I learned that I could use the Family Medical Leave Act to get an extended, if unpaid, leave of absence.
What is the responsibility of an employer after addiction treatment?
This sets a control over accountability and helps monitor the worker’s progress, and is a safeguard for signs of relapse.
Why do addicts work after treatment?
This occurs with an intoxicating substance when avoiding discomfort or pain, and the same relief is often found by overworking. A person returning to the workplace after treatment may find themselves working extra hard in order to “prove themselves,” or simply to occupy their time so they lessen their opportunity to be around situations where substances are available.
What are the triggers for relapse?
Three common relapse triggers are: 1 Emotions — Excessive anxiety or depression is usually behind a relapse. Part of the reason most people turned to an addictive substance is to avoid or cover up these destructive feelings. Uncomfortable situations that cause stress and anxiety need careful management and monitoring. 2 Happy Occasions — Parties and celebrations are opportunities for an addict to let their hair down. They encourage excuses like, “It’s just one drink, it won’t hurt.” They might even lead to relapse into whatever substance abuse existed previously. A sober second-thought about attending functions where alcohol or drugs are readily available pays off. 3 Uncomfortable Social Situations — Undue stress, such as associating with “undesirables” or people from past relationships, can trigger an addictive relapse. Being aware ahead of time of where the event is and who’s going to attend serve as prevention against a stressful event and spiraling into relapse.
What is a support team for addiction?
Most larger workplaces have in-house workplace support teams composed of other employees who have an interest in helping someone return to work after rehab for addiction. They may be peers who have experienced similar issues, or concerned superiors who go out of their way to ensure a recovering addict has the best re-integration support possible.
Why is it important to have an open conversation with support people?
An open conversation with support people is vital for keeping a “reality check” and alerting when things are headed off-track.
What is the key to a return to work program?
“Slow but steady” is the prescription for responsibility. Being responsible is a sure way to integrate back into the workplace and reduce your chances of relapse.
Is relapse a failure?
Relapses are a normal part of the addiction recovery program and should not be seen as a failure. Part of addiction treatment is putting the addict back in an environment where temptations exist. The temptation to relapse is to be expected and occurs in many cases. It’s how the relapse is handled that determines if it’s a temporary setback to be overcome or a major downfall in the recovery steps.
