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?
Apr 18, 2019 · 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 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. Go to your boss and explain that you have a medical situation that you need to address and that you will need …
Should you tell your boss about workplace gossip?
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 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.
Can you work in rehab?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals in addiction recovery from being discriminated against in the workplace. This means that your employer can't fire you based on your decision to attend rehab.Oct 29, 2021
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 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
Is alcohol addiction a disability?
Under federal disability rights laws, alcohol addiction, whether current or past, is typically considered a disability due to the effects it has on a person's brain and neurological functions and is protected by the ADA.Mar 10, 2022
Is drug Addiction a disability in Canada?
Drug and alcohol addictions are disabilities under the Code.
Can you fire an employee for drug use?
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.
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.
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.
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 discuss FMLA with your boss?
Explain that you are going to be recovering from a medical condition for the next several weeks and you will not be at work. Your boss cannot ask you to discuss your medical condition. This is confidential information.
Do you have to tell your boss you need to go to rehab?
Here is some great news – you may not have to tell your boss if you need to go to rehab. Yes, it’s true! A substance use disorder is recognized as a legitimate medical condition in the eyes of the law. This means you may not have to disclose the specifics of your situation to your boss or manager. In many cases, you can work directly ...
Can an employer take action against an employee for substance abuse?
Furthermore, “the employer may not take action against the employee because the employee has exercised his or her right to take FMLA leave for substance abuse treatment.”.
Is it safe to talk to your boss about addiction?
Yes, it is risky to be open and honest about having an addiction problem with your boss. However; they might surprise you and be your number one supporter. You will never know if you don’t try. Please keep in mind that your life is more important than your job.
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.
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 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 many people are working while under the influence of drugs?
According to reports, an estimated 10% to 25% of the American population is working while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 3 If you are working and dealing with addiction, you may be apprehensive about seeking treatment due to stigma or concerns about losing your job.
Can an employer discriminate against an employee based on disability?
Also learn some tips on how to prepare to talk to your boss about taking medical leave for treatment. 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.
What is the best way to recover from addiction?
It is most beneficial for your recovery that you attend 12-step program meetings , either through AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or any other drug-affiliated 12-step program, such as NA (Narcotics Anonymous) or CA (Cocaine Anonymous), while in treatment.
What is the return to work agreement?
When you return to work, it is essential that you fulfill any requirements set forth in the Return-to-Work agreement that your employer may have set forth before you left for treatment. This may entail that you willingly comply with any drug tests you may need to take upon your arrival.
How long can you work on FMLA?
Lastly, it is possible that you may qualify for 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave due to medical reasons (going to drug/alcohol rehab) within a 12-month period under the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act).
How many people are employed with substance abuse?
Furthermore, despite some common stereotypes and misconceptions around addiction being a main concern with people who are already unemployed, the reality is that an estimated 76% of people suffering from a substance abuse disorder are actually employed.
Can you leave treatment early?
This means that once entering treatment, you make a promise to yourself and your well-being that you will under no circumstances leave treatment prematurely. If you followed the tips on preparing your work for your absence, there should be no reason to leave treatment early anyways.
Does receiving treatment strengthen your job?
Receiving treatment can only strengthen your job performance upon returning to work. As such, do not worry about judgement from your boss or coworkers, it is likely that they personally know people who suffer from this disease and may have compassion for you.
Can not seeking treatment cause you to lose your job?
The irony is that not seeking treatment can actually cause you to lose your job in the first place. Have the tough conversation with your employer. You may be pleasantly surprised when they end up encouraging you to take the next steps to improve your well-being by walking on a path of sobriety.
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.