what to tell a job when you have been in rehab

Should I tell my employer if I’m in rehab?

It’s difficult to tell your employer that you need to leave work for weeks or months to enter rehab. If you are struggling to get the conversation started, try some of these tips: 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 their jobs. The FMLA allows people to take a job …

How do I talk to my boss about my drug rehab?

Jan 20, 2017 · Finding A Job After Rehab. If you’re like many people who recently completed an inpatient program at a drug treatment center, one of your top priorities after rehab will be finding a job.. Rest assured that you’re not alone in your new job search. Diving back into the job market can feel intimidating for a person in recovery.

What will it feel like to return to work after 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 are your top priorities after drug rehab?

Aug 23, 2018 · Disclosing your rehab plans to your employer will help assure your job functions will be covered while you’re gone. Talk to your fellow employees about your current clients and projects, and don’t be afraid to delegate some of the work so you don’t come back to an overwhelming pile when you return. Don’t fear judgment

Should I tell my job 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

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 do you say to someone who just got out of rehab?

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

Is rehab the same as recovery?

They are two different places with completely different roles in the recovery of patients. The primary role of a rehab facility is to help the addict recover from substance abuse. Some rehab centers that follow the spiritual approach while others follow the traditional medication approach to handle substance abusers.Dec 20, 2021

Should I tell my boss I have a drug 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

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

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 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

What do you write on a sobriety card?

Here are some statements that you can use to provide positive reinforcement:“I'm so proud of you”“I'm so happy to see you taking care of yourself”“You are so strong”“I'm happy that you're doing well”“You are inspiring”“You deserve to be happy”“You are deserving of a happy and healthy life”“Keep on fighting”Aug 10, 2020

What does rehab consist of?

Rehabilitation is a carefully crafted process that gives people suffering from addiction their best chance to manage their disorder on a long-term basis. Residential or inpatient rehab is a form of addiction treatment that provides clients with 24-hour care under the supervision of professionals.Mar 3, 2022

What's another word for rehab?

What is another word for rehab?recoveryrecuperationrehabilitationconvalescencehealingmendingrallycomebacksnapbackrestoration34 more rows

What is the purpose of rehab?

What is rehabilitation? Rehabilitation is care that can help you get back, keep, or improve abilities that you need for daily life. These abilities may be physical, mental, and/or cognitive (thinking and learning). You may have lost them because of a disease or injury, or as a side effect from a medical treatment.Mar 15, 2022

How to recover from a job?

Once you’ve secured your position, it’s important to deliver the promises you made to your new employer. The best way to do that is by fully dedicating yourself to your recovery. Some ways you can do this is by: 1 Maintaining a professional image. Dress appropriately for your job and be sure to stay neatly groomed. 2 Getting to know your coworkers. Showing interest in your new colleagues creates a great first impression. 3 Offering your help on projects. This shows initiative that your bosses will be sure to notice. 4 Attending company events. Being part of the team on and off the clock shows you’re a committed and engaged employee. 5 Continuing with your recovery. Take care of yourself by regularly attending counseling sessions and support group meetings.

What to do before starting job search?

Before you start scouring job boards on the Internet or highlighting newspaper classifieds , it’s important to start with the foundation of every job search – your resume. Make sure it’s updated with your most recent job experience, as well as the highest level of education you’ve completed. If you don’t have a resume or unsure of where to start, enlist a family member or friend to help. Many communities also have workforce coalitions that can help with resume writing.

What is America in Recovery?

America in Recovery is one such organization that assists people who struggle to find employment because of their substance abuse history. Their online job board matches candidates with companies that believe in giving second chances.

What is Jeffrey Juergens's degree?

Jeffrey Juergens earned his Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. Jeffrey’s desire to help others led him to focus on economic and social development and policy making. After graduation, he decided to pursue his passion of writing and editing. Jeffrey’s mission is to educate and inform the public on addiction issues and help those in need of treatment find the best option for them.

Is it good to start small?

Starting small can be a good thing if there’s plenty of room for growth in a company. If you’re applying for jobs in a new field, an internship or volunteer position can get your foot in the door. If you start to feel anxious or overwhelmed by your search, don’t worry.

How to maintain sobriety?

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. Avoid telling any coworkers before telling your boss.

How to deal with addiction issues?

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 laws prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities?

Federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on disability. Many people with past or current drug or alcohol problems are protected from discrimination by: 1 1 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 2 The Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

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.

Can an employer take a drug test?

An employer can drug test at any time. If you are applying for a position, you may be required to take a drug test as a condition of your job offer. You may also be required to take drug tests even if the drug test is not related to your position or necessary for the business.

How long is FMLA?

FMLA gives employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during a 12-month period for certain qualifying reasons. 4 One qualifying reason for leave is a serious health condition by which your healthcare provider finds you unable to work at all or unable to perform any one of the essential functions of your job.

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 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.

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 to address recovery?

You could choose to disclose your experiences in a cover letter or application, open up during an interview, wait until after you’ve been hired, or opt against sharing entirely. Busting the stigma.

Who is Robert Yagoda?

Robert Yagoda is the executive director of Beach House Center for Recovery, a drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation center in Juno Beach, Florida. Robert is a licensed mental health counselor and certified addictions professional who has more than 10 years of combined clinical and administrative experience in facility-delivered, drug and dual diagnosis treatment.

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.

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.

“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 medic...

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