- Know Your Rights. Thanks to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993, employees don’t have to choose between going to treatment and keeping ...
- Do Your Homework Before Talking to Your Boss. Give plenty of consideration to the circumstances of your employment:
- Decide Whether to Reveal to Your Boss That You’re Going to Rehab. As an employee with a health problem, you are entitled to the same degree of privacy ...
- Be Clear About Your Motivations and Treatment Details. If you choose to divulge that you’re going to rehab for drugs or alcohol, consider mentioning ...
Full Answer
Should I tell my employer if I’m in rehab?
Mar 28, 2018 · 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. When you talk to your boss, you can let them know what your plans are so they feel confident in the positive steps you are taking to get better. Be straightforward.
How do I talk to my boss about my drug rehab?
It's important that you talk to your employer about taking a leave from work, however you may not have to disclose that you're going to inpatient rehab. Call 800-681-7369 toll-free to speak with a drug abuse counselor.
Will I Lose my job when I go to rehab?
Aug 23, 2018 · HOW TO KEEP your job IN REHAB. Once you’ve made the decision to go into rehab and have gone through proper channels at work to inform your supervisor or boss that you have a substance abuse issue that requires treatment, secured the appropriate referrals, confirmed insurance coverage and/or other financing routes, and arranged for your current and ongoing …
What happens when an employee returns to work after addiction treatment?
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 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
What is the average time spent in rehab?
Many treatment facilities typically offer patients short-term stays between 28 to 30 days. However, certain residential facilities may also offer extended stays for an additional fee, provided the patient is showing positive signs of recovery.Feb 2, 2022
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
What rehab has the highest success rate?
Roughly 80 percent of patients report benefiting from improved quality of life and health after completing drug and alcohol rehab. Florida has the highest success rates of drug rehab compared to all other states.May 29, 2019
How long does rehab last after stroke?
The rate of recovery is generally greatest in the weeks and months after a stroke. However, there is evidence that performance can improve even 12 to 18 months after a stroke.
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.
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 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 .
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.”.
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.
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.
Is it important to find a drug treatment center?
It is essential to your long-term sobriety that you find a drug/alcohol treatment facility that encompasses a holistic plan to meet your needs. Furthermore, it may be beneficial to find a treatment center that is willing to work with you financially and/or takes your insurance.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
