If you want to go to rehab for a problem with addiction, you have a couple of options when it comes to how to tell your boss. 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.
Can my employer require me to go to rehab?
While you are reading your handbook, spend some time learning about FMLA, or the Family and Medical Leave Act. If you need to take time off of work to go to rehab, FMLA will offer job security and will give you up to 12 weeks off. Unfortunately, FMLA is unpaid, meaning that you will not be receiving any money from your employer while you are gone.
What will it feel like to return to work after rehab?
Apr 20, 2021 · Lying about your health isn’t the best way to go around this situation, so the more you know, the better. Tips for Telling Your Employer You’re Going to Rehab. Know that you have information about your employee rights; you really need to …
Can I quit my job for drug rehab?
Apr 18, 2019 · 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 disclose …
Is going to rehab a good way to protect your job?
Mar 22, 2022 · While you do not need to tell your employer your actual diagnosis, you do need to provide enough information to show that your leave is a FMLA-protected condition, and being transparent allows them to help support your recovery when you return. 6 It’s also wise to tie up loose ends on current projects and alert coworkers that you’re taking a leave of absence.
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
Should I tell my employer I have a drug problem?
According to the law, employers who meet certain conditions must make accommodations for those entering rehab and hold your position for you. By law, employers must maintain confidentiality regarding any information they receive regarding the addiction or substance abuse treatment of any of their employees.Oct 7, 2016
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 decide on rehab?
Top 5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Rehabilitation CenterDoes the facility meet your rehabilitation needs? ... Does your health insurance cover the therapy or services you need? ... Does the facility setting work for you? ... How experienced are the Physicians, Nurses and Staff? ... What are the quality outcomes of the facility?
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 questions should I ask a rehab facility?
Rehabilitation success depends upon it.Is the Facility Accredited? ... Does the Facility Monitor Care Quality? ... Is the Facility Clean and Appealing? ... Does the Facility Specialize in Rehabilitation Care? ... Are Board-Certified Medical Staff Available at All Times? ... What Is the Ratio of Qualified Nurses to Patients?More items...•May 31, 2020
What does a rehabilitation center do?
Good rehabs use evidence-based practice, customize treatment and services to individual client needs. Diverse centers use different methods, the basics of which include: Behavioral Healing, Educational Gatherings, Group Settings, Medication Assisted Treatment, Psychological Counselling & Support Group Attendance.Oct 17, 2017
Why is physical therapy good?
Physical therapists help people manage pain and improve movement problems. Some pain and movement problems can become chronic and lead to surgery. Physical therapy helps to reduce the symptoms of many chronic diseases and conditions. It also can keep many problems from getting worse.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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 FMLA for addiction?
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. Once you enter a rehabilitation program, you’re protected by the ADA and cannot be fired for reasons related to your addiction or the treatment process, even if it causes you to miss work. If you are fired, you can file a charge of discrimination against your employer. This applies to all state and local government employers and private companies with 15 or more employees. Under the FMLA, qualified employees can take 12 weeks of medical leave for issues that include addiction disorders each year. Unfortunately, this leave is generally unpaid unless the employer chooses to provide paid leave. This may not be an option for part-time or contract employees or for those who cannot afford to go several weeks without pay.
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.
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.
Is addiction a mental illness?
However, there are laws that protect people with addiction disorders from workplace discrimination and particularly from being fired for addiction, which is considered to be a legitimate mental illness.
Can you be fired for addiction?
Once you enter a rehabilitation program, you’re protected by the ADA and cannot be fired for reasons related to your addiction or the treatment process, even if it causes you to miss work. If you are fired, you can file a charge of discrimination against your employer.
What happens if you go back to work?
When you go back to work, bear in mind that if your employer discriminates against you because of your condition, that is against the law. They have a legal duty to treat you like any other person with a medical condition— and are also bound by HIPAAA laws that protect your health privacy.
What is the ADA?
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Addiction and mental illness are disabilities that deserve certain anti-discrimination protections in a job setting, according to the ADA. Employers that employ 15 or more people are bound by the ADA’s provisions. These include job protections for those who are currently enrolled in a rehab program ...
How long is FMLA?
employees are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected medical leave.
Can an employer fire you for being absentee?
Because your employment is likely “at will,” meaning you are employed by your own free will, an employer can fire you if they detect absenteeism or negligence on the job. This outcome becomes more likely the longer you let a mental health problem go untreated, leaving you vulnerable to absenteeism and negligence on the job.
How long does it take to get into rehab after substance abuse?
Under the ADA, your employment is protected as you undergo treatment. As for FMLA, it gives you the 3 months that you need to complete residential treatment.
What is RTWA after rehab?
This is drafted in the presence of the employee, employer, union representative, or addiction treatment professional.
What to do if you can't get paid leave?
If you can’t get paid leave from your job, you may try to apply for disability benefits up until you get back to work. With this, you may get the finances that you need to fund your treatment – or support your family.
How many weeks of FMLA do you get?
The FMLA applies to private businesses with more than 50 employees. This law sees to it that qualified employees are entitled to 12 weeks of medical leave – one that you may use for your addiction treatment.
Who is Raychel Raychel?
Raychel has been a nurse for more than a decade. She loves to passionately research, explore and write about substance abuse and treatment. She holds a Master's degree in Public Management with a minor in Health Governance. She was also a member of her hospital's Research Ethics and Continuous Quality Improvement committees.
How many substance abusers are employed?
The stereotype According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, three-quarters of substance abusers are employed, but only about 1 in 10 are in treatment.
What are the biggest fears of substance abusers?
One of the biggest fears for many active substance abusers is the worry about the repercussions to their job or position if they admit to having a problem and need to take time off to go to treatment.
Why do addicts isolate themselves?
It is very common for addicts and alcoholics to isolate themselves from family members, friends, coworkers, and even their pets because of their addiction. Guilt, shame, remorse, and resentments often fuel the idea that an addict needs to be alone in order to continue their using. Ask yourself:
What is the book of Alcoholics Anonymous?
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous has an entire chapter dedicated to the definition and common signs of alcoholism and addiction, and anyone who struggles with substance abuse can probably identify with them.
Do addicts get in trouble with the law?
Many people in addiction reach a point when their using brings them to dangerous extremes. Most addicts and alcoholics never assume that they will get in trouble with the law or spend the entirety of a paycheck on their habit. Ask yourself:
Is addiction a disease of the mind?
Professionals tell us that addiction is a disease of the mind. In other words, that no matter how much we want to stop or want to “just have one”, we have an overwhelming craving and desire that wins every time. Ask yourself these questions:
“Can My Employer Fire Me For Going to Rehab?”
Laws to Protect Your Job When You’Re in Rehab
- The following laws are worth being familiar with if you’re thinking about going to rehab. 1. Family Medical Leave of Absence Act (FMLA)– Under the terms of the FMLA law, a substance use disorder and/or other mental illness qualifies as a “serious health condition” for which some U.S. employees are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected medical leave. When our Director o…
The Importance of Correct Interpretation and Application of These Laws
- It’s important that you utilize these laws properly— as in proactively before you can be legitimately cited for job negligence and/or drug or alcohol abuse in the workplace. For example, exercising FMLA benefits for drug addiction requires that you let your employer know in advance with a physician’s note. Taking this initiative to have a conversation with your employer—as opposed t…
Your Career After Treatment
- Related to worries about job security are concerns about what happens in a job after treatment. Many people wonder what returning to work will feel like, in terms of how they will be received by their boss and colleagues and what “reintegration” will be like. Be assured that there is life after rehab, including in the career that you took time away from and the work relationships you put o…