These strategies can help:
- Talk to your manager before speaking to any coworkers, so they hear your perspective first.
- Explain your concerns about your work performance and your hope that overcoming addiction can make you a better employee.
- Come prepared with your rehab plan so they know you are serious about recovery and can understand how much time and what other accommodations you may need.
- Consider how your work functions will be managed in your absence. ...
Full Answer
What to say to someone in rehab?
Mar 28, 2018 · Be honest. You can open up to your boss about how treatment will help you become a better employee. If you are suffering in active addiction, there’s a good chance your work has already suffered to some degree and that both your boss and your fellow employees suspect a problem.
Should I tell my boss if I’m going to rehab?
Apr 18, 2019 · 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 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 do I talk to my employer about rehab?
Feb 16, 2022 · 15 Here’s WhatNOTto Say to Someone in Rehab. 15.1 “Are you sure that you need rehab?” 15.2 “What was your rock bottom?” 15.3 “I Know Exactly What You’re Going Through.” 15.4 “Wow, You’re in Recovery? So is _!” 15.5 “You can never drink or get high again?!” 16 Encouraging Words to Say to Someone in Rehab. 16.1 “I am ...
Will I Lose my job when I go to rehab?
Jan 17, 2019 · It’s true—going to rehab changes your life, but it also takes you away from your everyday life for a bit. In light of this, you might be asking yourself if rehab will be worth the price you pay. Consider this: substance abuse and addiction can cause a lot of consequences for your life, from your personal life to your health to your job.
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 to say to a recovering?
8 Things to Say to Someone in RecoveryI Love You. ... You're Not Alone. ... Everyone Needs Help Sometimes. ... How Are You Feeling? ... How Can I Help? ... Let's Hang Out. ... I'm Proud of You. ... I Know You Are Struggling, But There's Always Hope.May 29, 2019
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 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 should you not say to someone in recovery?
What Not To Say To Someone In Recovery“I know how you feel.” ... “How long have you been sober?” ... “Joe is in recovery, too.” ... “Can't you have just one (drink/hit)?” ... “Why did you get into that stuff?” ... “I never thought you had a problem.”Jul 6, 2020
What do you say to someone in physical rehab?
Reassure your loved one that recovery takes time and remind him how far he's come. When he says, "I wish I didn't need help just to walk to the end of the driveway," tell him, "But a week ago, you couldn't even walk out your front door."Sep 15, 2016
What do you say to a one year sober?
“Happy Sober Anniversary” Sample Messages“I'm so happy to see you taking care of yourself.”“You've grown into such a strong and independent person.”“I'm so proud of you and the progress you've made.”“You deserve to be happy.”“I'm happy you're doing so well. ... “You are deserving of a happy and sober life.”More items...•Jul 21, 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
Should I tell my boss I have a drinking 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
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 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 ...
Protection Under The Family Medical Leave Act
If you’re ready to head to rehab, it’s understandable that you might be concerned about keeping your job until you get back.
The Importance Of Drug And Alcohol Rehab
It’s true—going to rehab changes your life, but it also takes you away from your everyday life for a bit. In light of this, you might be asking yourself if rehab will be worth the price you pay. Consider this: substance abuse and addiction can cause a lot of consequences for your life, from your personal life to your health to your job.
What Happens In Treatment?
Once you get through the hurdle of telling your boss, you’ll probably want to know what exactly will happen in treatment. Each rehab center is different from the next, but the great ones integrate a number of treatment methods for a well-rounded healing experience.
Talk To An Expert About Treatment Preparation Today
A lot of planning goes into preparing for treatment. It may be discouraging at times.
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.
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.
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.
Why do people avoid rehab?
Many people avoid rehab for substance abuse because they fear losing their job or experiencing social stigma at work. Today, federal laws and workplace policies are in place to protect people who want to recover from addiction. Understanding your rights as an employee and having a plan can help you keep your job during treatment.
What to do if you are on FMLA?
Your employer may ask you to fill out paperwork regarding your unpaid time off if you’re using FMLA. They may also ask you to sign a Return-to-Work Agreement, explaining what’s expected of your return. These agreements may include: Complying with all treatment recommendations from your rehab provider.
What is the best treatment for addiction?
People with a less severe addiction may consider outpatient rehab or telehealth counseling as alternatives to inpatient care. These types of programs are more flexible, potentially with minimal interruptions to your work schedule.
How long is FMLA?
Several federal laws protect your right to work in recovery. The most important of these is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for serious health conditions, including addiction.
How many hours do you need to work to qualify for unemployment?
To qualify, the employee must: Work for their employer for at least 12 months and at least 1,250 hours over the past 12 month period. Work at a location where the company employs at least 50 people within 75 miles or is a public agency, elementary or secondary school.
Does the ADA protect you from discrimination?
This will largely depend on your employer and the company culture where you work. The ADA protects individuals from discrimination based on a disability, including being in recovery after drug or alcohol use. However, people in recovery should be prepared for others to treat them differently after rehab.
Can you be fired for taking FMLA?
So, while you cannot be fired for taking FMLA, you can still be fired for the underlying substance abuse issue, depending on your employer’s specific policies.
Finding The Right Words
Perhaps you were part of an intervention that was successful in convincing your loved one to take this important step toward recovery. Now as he or she enters rehab you need to know what to say to someone going to rehab, but you are at a loss for words. Here are a few suggestions that might help you put together the right words.
Doing The Right Things
Now that your loved one has entered a treatment facility, it's important to know how to talk to someone in rehab and be encouraging. Drop-out rates are fairly high, and you don't want your friend to follow that path. You need to be supportive without becoming co-dependent.
How To Act When You Phone Or Visit
When visiting someone in rehab, you have to be patient. Your friend's addiction caused a lot of damage to his or her thinking, habits, and actions. Rehabilitation undoes that damage, but it is one step at a time. Don't expect to see instant improvement and changes in personality and attitude. It doesn't happen that way.
