The reality is that your career and abilities improve when you go to rehab. When you go to a treatment center, you start your treatment at detox. Your body is cleansed of the toxins from alcohol and drugs and your health and cognitive functions improve, making you sharper.
Full Answer
Will I Lose my job if I go to rehab?
Aug 04, 2020 · Though in general, you would not be fired for going to rehab, there may be other circumstances surrounding your second rehab stay that could come into play. For example, if you fail a drug test, violate a company policy, fail to comply with a Return-to-Work Agreement or your work performance declines due to drug or alcohol use, you can be terminated from your …
What happens when you go to rehab?
Mar 22, 2022 · Your right to return to your job at the end of your FMLA leave. Returning to Work After Treatment When you return to work, you must be able to return to the same position you left or one that is nearly identical, according to FMLA regulations. 6 Your employer may ask that you complete a return-to-work agreement upon your completion of rehab.
Can my employer require me to go to rehab?
Jul 16, 2020 · People who are considering rehab are often worried about the consequences of substance abuse on their careers. In a lot of cases, people may not seek out appropriate treatment because they are concerned that taking time off may have a negative effect on their job. The fear of losing their job and their income can be very stressful.
Can I work during inpatient rehab?
Mar 16, 2021 · If you are currently suffering from an addiction and are employed, you may be asking the question, “will I lose my job if I go to rehab?” When it comes to seeking substance use disorder treatment while employed, most will find that their jobs are protected and that they are able to receive the treatment they need while maintaining their job. In the United States, there …
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
Should I tell my boss I have a substance abuse problem?
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
How does substance abuse affect employment?
Substance abuse in the workplace can lead to decreased productivity and increased physical injuries and fatalities. Approximately 16% of emergency room patients injured at work have alcohol in their system. The likelihood for workplace accidents skyrockets when employees are under the influence.Mar 9, 2022
How can I work while in recovery?
Here are some tips to help you find balance once you return to work.Don't Immediately Aim to Become an Over-Achiever. ... Show Up Early. ... Check in with Your Recovery Needs. ... Practice Good Time Management. ... Take Care of Yourself, Inside and Out.Aug 19, 2019
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 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.
How many drug addicts are unemployed?
About 1 in 6 unemployed workers are addicted to alcohol or drugs -- almost twice the rate for full-time workers, according to the government's National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The survey shows that 17% of unemployed workers had a substance abuse disorder last year, whereas 9% of full-time workers did so.Nov 26, 2013
How long does it take to get rid of an addiction?
It takes 21 days to break an addiction According to psychologists, while it may take approximately 21 days of conscious and consistent effort to create a new habit, it takes far longer to break an existing habit.Sep 3, 2013
What are some behaviors that would indicate that a worker may be under the influence of drugs?
Some signs that someone may be under the influence of a drug include:Enlarged pupils, bloodshot or glassy eyes.Increased energy and confidence.Loss of inhibitions.Loss of coordination.Aggressive behaviour.Trembling, twitches.Paranoia (being extremely suspicious)More items...
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 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.
Can you leave a job for substance abuse treatment?
Federal law offers many forms of job protection to people seeking treatment for substance abuse. Most people can’t just leave a job for several weeks of addiction treatment. And despite certain stereotypes, the vast majority of addicted individuals are employed and live relatively normal lives.
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.
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.
Is it better to be honest with your employer?
It’s often better to be honest and straightforward with your employer, especially since employees are protected by confidentiality. If your employer comes to you first about a reduction in workplace performance quality, you can protect yourself from being dismissed from your job by being honest about your addiction disorder.
What happens if you go back to work for substance abuse?
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.
Why do I have to hold down my job?
But foregoing treatment isn’t the answer to protecting your job or your health. While having to hold down a job is a common excuse for not getting treatment for an addiction or mental health problem, the excuse is also, tragically, a mistaken one. That’s because there are legal protections in place that will protect your job while you get ...
What are the laws to protect your job?
The following laws are worth being familiar with if you’re thinking about going to rehab. 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.
What are the worries about job security?
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 on hold.
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.
Does the ADA protect you from drug abuse?
The ADA may not protect your job, however, if you are currently using illicit drugs or drinking while at work, or if your drug or alcohol problem is currently ...
Is it ok to step away from work to get treatment?
No job—no matter how important—should stand between you and the treatment you need to get better. In some cases, a decision to step away from work in order to get treatment may in fact mean the difference between life and death. Call our counselors today to get the answers you need.
What happens when you go to rehab?
When you complete rehab, you work on your addiction issues and other mental health issues that have probably taken up much of your thought and energy.
Why do you go to rehab?
You give your co-workers peace of mind by choosing to go to rehab to address your alcohol or drug problem. Your decision to get treatment shows that you recognize your alcohol and drug problem was getting in the way of work. You might even see that you are respected more because of your decision.
How many people know someone who has been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at work?
Many professionals struggle with alcoholism and addiction. Surveys show that 60 percent of American adults know someone who has been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at work. Even drug abuse among healthcare professionals is becoming commonplace. Chances are, someone knows that you do.
What to do when you are not telling your coworkers?
If you choose to not tell your coworkers, that is your decision. However, being honest with yourself and living a life of self-acceptance is one of the most important changes you must make in recovery.
How can case managers help you?
Case managers can help protect your job. You’re living a double life. You go to work and have a family and friends. But the other side is darker. You drink or do drugs to get through your day. You even sneak in a buzz or high in the middle of your work day to get you past the grind. You’re not alone, though.
Can you take FMLA after rehab?
After you arrive at rehab, the physician there will contact your employer and explain that you are taking FMLA. Your employer will not know you are in drug and alcohol rehab, only that you are in the hospital for private medical reasons.
Does health insurance pay for drug rehab?
Remember that most employers provide health insurance for their employees. Health insurance will pay for drug rehab in most cases. So why not go to rehab while you still have a job, instead of trying to pay for rehab ...
What is the ADA protection against being fired for going to rehab?
The Americans with Disabilities Act is federal law that prohibits discrimination against employees who have disabilities.
How many weeks of unpaid leave is required for a school employee?
When employers are considered FMLA eligible under these guidelines, they must provide employees who are eligible with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave yearly when the employee cannot work due to a serious health condition.
Can you lose your job if you don't get help?
Committing to treatment is a tough decision, but if you don’t get help, you could lose your job anyway due to your substance use. Let’s take a look at how the law can protect you from being fired for going to rehab.
Can you be fired for going to rehab?
You can’t be fired for going to rehab under these circumstances, according to the ADA. That’s because chemical dependency is considered a disability. The ADA law looks to the time a person is actually terminated to determine whether that employee is currently abusing drugs or alcohol.
How long do you have to work to get a work leave?
To receive treatment for a serious medical condition. You may be eligible for work leave if you have worked for your employer for a minimum of 12 months (and at least 1,250 hours within those twelve months), and your employer employs 50 ...
How long can you be on FMLA?
According to the United States Department of Labor under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) full-time employees at companies who have over 50 employees in your area can be given up to 12 weeks of unpaid medical leave if they have a legitimate reason. If you have not been intoxicated at work and wish to enter rehab, ...
Does the ADA allow extra time off?
While the ADA ruling does not provide extra time off work, it does offer protection for your job if you are able to find treatment that works with your schedule and days off. Before you approach your employer about going into rehab, you want to thoroughly understand these acts and your employer’s paid leave policies, ...
“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…