Should I tell my boss if I’m going to rehab?
Feb 16, 2021 · Here are a few tips for talking to your boss about rehab: 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 …
Will I Lose my job when I go 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.
What happens when an employee returns to work after addiction treatment?
Apr 20, 2021 · First Of, Determine If You Should Tell Your Boss. Before anything, let us congratulate you for taking the right steps into seeking treatment. As you start to think about how to tell your boss you’re going to rehab. You must understand that you’re not alone. Almost 76% of people with a substance use disorder are employed. These are what we know as high …
Can I be fired for going to rehab?
Jun 14, 2021 · Showing that this company has become a part of your identity is vital. Express that you have a medical condition. You have to tell your employer that this medical condition requires treatment that will pull you away from work for some time. Be sure to disclose the amount of time you might need.
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
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
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 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
Can you get fired for being a drug addict?
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
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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 .
First Of, Determine If You Should Tell Your Boss
Before anything, let us congratulate you for taking the right steps into seeking treatment. As you start to think about how to tell your boss you’re going to rehab. You must understand that you’re not alone. Almost 76% of people with a substance use disorder are employed. These are what we know as high-functioning addicts.
Can I Be Fired for Going to Rehab?
Believe it or not, odds are you won’t get fired for going to rehab. If anything, the workplace is one of the very few places that enables individuals to start healing from addiction. Many employees are unaware of the legal protections afforded to them and the many mental health resources at their disposal.
Preparing for Treatment
Once you’ve done all your homework and you’re ready to discuss it with your employer, it might be helpful to come up with a plan to prepare for treatment. The more prepared you are, the better you’ll be able to answer any questions about treatment, timelines, next steps, and more.
Going Back to Work After Rehab
A great option is to consider signing a return-to-work agreement, which might help you secure your job after returning to work. These agreements are subject to your unique needs and case, but it usually includes:
How to Find Help
As you can see, a lot of planning goes into checking into rehab – it isn’t as simple as walking through the door. But, we can help you every step of the way. From answering your questions to helping you figure out how to tell your employer you’re going to rehab.
What is the first thing to take into consideration when rehabing?
The first thing to take into consideration is your rights . It’s important to know your rights regarding rehab and your work if you’re going to have this conversation. While it can be a scary conversation to think about, knowing more about this subject makes it easier to complete this step.
How long do you have to work for the same employer?
Have been working with the same employer for at least 12 months . These 12 months don’t need to happen consecutively; you could have worked 12 months on and off as long as you worked those months with the same employer. Have worked at least 1,250 hours during your time with your employer.
How to prepare for a hard conversation?
Practicing a hard conversation a few times before you do it helps prepare you for it. Those nerves you’re feeling could alleviate a bit if you practice or visualize the conversation. Visualization is something you can do on your own, but you can practice the conversation with a trusted friend or family member.
Why is it important to return to work?
Returning to work is important, however, because it helps reduce the chances of relapsing.
How long can you be on FMLA?
This law gives employees the right to leave for up to 12 weeks in order to participate in a rehabilitation program. It’s important to highlight, however, that employees have to qualify for this.
Why do you need to go to a recovery center?
Perhaps you’ve reached out to a recovery center because you’re ready to fight your substance use disorder. This is a hard decision to make, and now, you have to tell your employer about it. Many substance users convince themselves that they’re okay because they continue to have a job. It’s estimated that 70% of substance users hold a steady job, ...
Can you practice hard conversation at home?
It’s possible that your employer will be a little more flexible with your schedule to accommodate this treatment. If you feel like you need to, practice this conversation at home as much as you can. Practicing a hard conversation a few times before you do it helps prepare you for it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What Alternatives do you Have?
There are several alternatives to telling your employer that you need time off for addiction treatment. Some of these alternatives are:
If you Decide to Be Honest about Drug Rehab
As the information about drug addiction and illness become more accepted, more employers are accepting of drug treatment as an alternative to losing a valuable already trained employee.
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.
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 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 ...
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.
