Should I tell my boss if I’m going to rehab?
Feb 16, 2021 · Let your employer know how much your job means to you and that you want to stay in your job and perform well. Tell your boss that you have a medical condition for which you need treatment. You will probably have to be upfront about your condition. Employers may require a medical health certification to verify your condition.
How do I talk to my boss about my addiction?
Entering a rehab center in South Florida is one of the best things you can do to change you and your family’s life. But before talking to your boss about leaving for rehab, there are a few things you need to do to prepare yourself for whatever the outcome of your conversation may be.. Going in prepared and knowing the answers to any possible questions your boss may have in mind …
Will I Lose my job when I go to rehab?
Dec 16, 2021 · Avoid telling any coworkers before telling your boss. Office gossip spreads, and you’ll want to be able to craft the message you relay to your boss without it getting distorted through other channels first. Have your treatment plan lined up. You can reach out to rehab centers that offer treatment to people who are working or who are taking leave.
Should you tell your boss about workplace gossip?
Apr 18, 2019 · Be honest. Go directly to your boss and tell him or her, “I need to let you know that I have an addiction to drugs/alcohol. I am tired of living my life like this. I need help and I want to go to rehab, but I don’t want to lose my job. What can we do?” Go to your boss and tell him or her that you have a personal matter that requires your immediate attention. You do not have to …
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
Can you be fired for being an alcoholic in Canada?
Human rights laws prohibit discrimination on the grounds of disability. 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.
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
Can you get fired for using drugs outside of work?
While it is true that employees guilty of drug use, even outside work, leave themselves exposed to dismissal on grounds of either capability, conduct or “some other substantial reason” (especially if use of the drugs in question is itself illegal) that decision cannot be automatic.Aug 30, 2011
Which of the following is an example of dismissal for just cause?
Theft and fraud constitute serious misconduct which, even if isolated, may amount to just cause for termination. Examples of such behavior include improper use of company funds, wrongful use of the employer's property, abuse of sick leave and conducting personal business on company time.Nov 11, 2014
How do you fire an alcoholic?
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
How long do you have to leave work to go to rehab?
It’s difficult to tell your employer that you need to leave work for weeks or months to enter rehab.
Who is Michael Scott in The Office?
In one memorable episode of The Office, Steve Carrell’s character Michael Scott organizes a workplace intervention for his alcoholic employee Meredith — and his so-called “surprise party for people with addictions” is a total disaster.
How long can you take FMLA?
The FMLA allows people to take a job-protected leave of up to 12 weeks for family and medical reasons, one of which can be drug or alcohol rehab.
Who is Anna Ciulla?
Anna Ciulla is the vice president of clinical and medical services at Beach House Center for Recovery. Anna has an extensive background in psychotherapy and clinical management. Her clinical approach is a three-part blend of evidence-based best practices for treating addiction; solution-focused, strengths-based care; and a strong belief in the healing power of spiritual connection. Learn more about Beach House's rehab programs by visiting their website.
Do you have to tell your employer about your health?
As an employee with a health problem, you are entitled to the same degree of privacy as any other employee. You are not legally required to tell your employer the specifics of your condition.
Enter Rehab
Once you have spoken with your employer, the next step is to enter rehab. Make sure to follow your full course of treatment, this is important for your personal recovery. After you have completely recovered, make sure you follow the post-treatment aftercare plan provided for you.
Aftercare
This aftercare is typically provided on an outpatient basis and is often offered on weekends so you can go back to work and resume your responsibilities. Post-treatment plans provide you with access to ongoing counseling, therapy (individual, group, and/or family), life skills courses, and more.
What to talk about when you are ready to talk to your boss about entering treatment?
When you are ready to talk to your boss about entering treatment, you may have concerns about job security and confidentiality. In general, people with substance use disorders face stigma in the workplace. Employers may be afraid to hire people with a history of addiction.
Why is it important to talk to your boss about addiction?
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 are the laws regarding drug use?
Below is an overview of laws that are useful to know about your drug or alcohol use: 6 1 If you are currently using illegal drugs, you do not qualify as an individual with a disability if your employer decides to take action concerning your drug use. 2 Your employer cannot discriminate against you if you have a history of drug addiction but are no longer actively abusing substances. 3 The FMLA protects you if you take leave for a serious health condition. 4 You can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off from work per year under the FMLA to attend rehab. 5 Your employer can ban the illegal use of drugs at your workplace. 6 It is not a violation of the ADA for an employer to give tests for the illegal use of drugs. 7 You can be fired or denied employment if you are currently using illegal drugs. 8 Your employer can conduct drug tests to detect the use of illegal drugs.
How long can you take off from work for drug rehab?
You can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off from work per year under the FMLA to attend rehab. Your employer can ban the illegal use of drugs at your workplace. It is not a violation of the ADA for an employer to give tests for the illegal use of drugs. You can be fired or denied employment if you are currently using illegal drugs.
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.
What to do if you can't find your sobriety?
Understand your legal rights. 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 .
How to tell your boss you have an addiction?
Be honest. Go directly to your boss and tell him or her, “I need to let you know that I have an addiction to drugs/alcohol. I am tired of living my life like this. I need help and I want to go to rehab, but I don’t want to lose my job.
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.
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 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.
How many hours does an IOP meet?
Our IOP program meets for three hours a day, five times a week.
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.
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.
Why is it important to go to rehab?
Recovery can be an amazing time for personal growth, learning, and building relationships with those who face similar problems. For many people who are career-oriented, going to rehab for can also be a time of high-stress and increased mental health struggles. In order for you to have the best experience possible, it is important to take the time you need to focus on yourself, your mental health and your recovery. You will be a better worker and a better human being once you get free from addiction.
What to do when the big talk comes?
When the big talk comes, show that you are aware of your low productivity, concentration, and other problems in your tasks and performance. Show that you are serious about treating the problem and share some of the next steps you are willing and ready to take.
Who is Lee Weber?
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
Overview
How to Keep Your Job Before, During and After Rehab. In an Employer Brief the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notes that 76 percent of people with substance abuse problems are employed.
Before Rehab
Understand your addiction and how it affects your job performance. As this article from HelpGuide.org explains, there are certain signs and symptoms of drug abuse that indicate it’s time to seek help.
During Rehab
Ask boss for confidentiality. In its “Are You In Recovery from Alcohol or Drug Problems? Know Your Rights” SAMHSA explains that employers must maintain confidentiality regarding any information they receive about your addiction or treatment.
After Rehab
Know your rights when you return to work. In its “Are You In Recovery from Alcohol or Drug Problems? Know Your Rights” SAMHSA explains the on-the-job rights employees have.
