Full Answer
Should I tell my co-workers I’m recovering from addiction?
Oct 21, 2019 · Your Story to Tell – Or Not to Tell. When you get back to work, it is likely your coworkers will have questions. If they know where you’ve been, they might have a natural curiosity about what rehab is like and whether you found it helpful. If they don’t know where you’ve been, they will no doubt have questions about that.
Should I tell my employer I’m going to rehab?
Apr 13, 2018 · If you are serious about remaining sober, find people facing a similar problem and offer to hold each other accountable. You can then speak with your support network when you have moments of weakness. Making a list of your short- and long-term goals will also keep you moving in the right direction.
Should you tell your coworkers what you're struggling?
Dec 11, 2017 · You do not need to tell co-workers you barely know that you’re recovering from addiction. Stick to the people with whom you are most comfortable. They may be more likely to understand your situation and less likely to judge you.
Why should I talk to people about my recovery?
Update them on what is going on with your projects, clients, etc. If you don’t feel comfortable telling your boss or coworkers that you’re going to rehab, simply tell them you’re taking a leave of absence. During Rehab. Ask boss for confidentiality. In its “Are You In Recovery from Alcohol or Drug Problems?
What is the responsibility of an employer after addiction treatment?
This sets a control over accountability and helps monitor the worker’s progress, and is a safeguard for signs of relapse.
Why do addicts work after treatment?
This occurs with an intoxicating substance when avoiding discomfort or pain, and the same relief is often found by overworking. A person returning to the workplace after treatment may find themselves working extra hard in order to “prove themselves,” or simply to occupy their time so they lessen their opportunity to be around situations where substances are available.
What are the triggers for relapse?
Three common relapse triggers are: 1 Emotions — Excessive anxiety or depression is usually behind a relapse. Part of the reason most people turned to an addictive substance is to avoid or cover up these destructive feelings. Uncomfortable situations that cause stress and anxiety need careful management and monitoring. 2 Happy Occasions — Parties and celebrations are opportunities for an addict to let their hair down. They encourage excuses like, “It’s just one drink, it won’t hurt.” They might even lead to relapse into whatever substance abuse existed previously. A sober second-thought about attending functions where alcohol or drugs are readily available pays off. 3 Uncomfortable Social Situations — Undue stress, such as associating with “undesirables” or people from past relationships, can trigger an addictive relapse. Being aware ahead of time of where the event is and who’s going to attend serve as prevention against a stressful event and spiraling into relapse.
What is a support team for addiction?
Most larger workplaces have in-house workplace support teams composed of other employees who have an interest in helping someone return to work after rehab for addiction. They may be peers who have experienced similar issues, or concerned superiors who go out of their way to ensure a recovering addict has the best re-integration support possible.
Why is it important to have an open conversation with support people?
An open conversation with support people is vital for keeping a “reality check” and alerting when things are headed off-track.
What is the key to a return to work program?
“Slow but steady” is the prescription for responsibility. Being responsible is a sure way to integrate back into the workplace and reduce your chances of relapse.
Is relapse a failure?
Relapses are a normal part of the addiction recovery program and should not be seen as a failure. Part of addiction treatment is putting the addict back in an environment where temptations exist. The temptation to relapse is to be expected and occurs in many cases. It’s how the relapse is handled that determines if it’s a temporary setback to be overcome or a major downfall in the recovery steps.
What to Say
Here are a few conversation starters and other things you could say to show you’re supportive, without being intrusive.
What Not to Say
Here are a few sentiments to avoid when talking with a coworker who has returned from treatment.
1. Know That You Are Not Alone
As you plan your return to work, know that all of your colleagues have had personal challenges in their lives. Those challenges may have been different than yours, but you may also be surprised at how many people have experienced addiction or struggled with the addiction of a friend or family member.
2. Know What You Are Going to Say
The uncertainty of all of the questions that people will ask is what may make you want to run away from your previous workplace. What will they say when you walk in the door after rehab? You need to decide what you are going to tell them if they do not already know where you were. You have a few choices.
3. Make New Rules For Yourself
For some people, the workplace can be a trigger for past addictive behaviors. If you have work lunches that involve alcohol, they can be difficult to navigate. If your pattern is to grab a few beers after work with your friends, this can be even harder.
4. Know Your Rights
You need to be prepared to deal with any bumps in the road to workplace reintegration. While you must be fit to return to work, you also have the right to ask for certain accommodations from your employer.
What happens when you report back to work after rehab?
When you report back to work after rehab, the people with whom you work will probably have a lot of questions. Some of them will care about you and want to know that you are in good shape. Others will only be curious about your absence, and you must decide in advance how you will respond.
Can you lose your job if you go back to old habits?
Since going back to old habits could cause you to lose your job, finding a way to stay on track is an important piece of the puzzle. Keeping yourself away from people who encourage you to drink or use drugs is a good place from which to start.
Can you return to an existing job after treatment?
The gap in your employment history can be hard to explain, but you need to tell your new company that you were facing medical issues. Only you can decide if you are willing to disclose that you were in a treatment center for several weeks.
How to help someone with addiction?
By talking to friends and co-workers about recovery, you may help reduce the stigma associated with addiction. And more people may understand the struggles you experience each day.
What to do when you no longer drink?
Your past is your past. If you no longer drink or use drugs, be proud of it. Do not express shame or guilt. Make it clear that you have overcome substance use problems and that you now have a new outlook on life.
Where did Matt Smith graduate from?
He graduated with a degree in journalism from East Carolina University and began his professional writing career in 2011. Matt covers the latest drug trends and shares inspirational stories of people who have overcome addiction.
Do you have to talk about your past?
But you don’t have to talk about the details of your past. You don’t have to discuss other outcomes of your addiction — such as family problems, physical consequences or co-occurring disorders — if talking about these subjects makes you feel uncomfortable.
Overview
How to Keep Your Job Before, During and After Rehab. In an Employer Brief the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notes that 76 percent of people with substance abuse problems are employed.
Before Rehab
Understand your addiction and how it affects your job performance. As this article from HelpGuide.org explains, there are certain signs and symptoms of drug abuse that indicate it’s time to seek help.
During Rehab
Ask boss for confidentiality. In its “Are You In Recovery from Alcohol or Drug Problems? Know Your Rights” SAMHSA explains that employers must maintain confidentiality regarding any information they receive about your addiction or treatment.
After Rehab
Know your rights when you return to work. In its “Are You In Recovery from Alcohol or Drug Problems? Know Your Rights” SAMHSA explains the on-the-job rights employees have.
What to do if you feel discriminated against at work?
If you feel you’ve been discriminated against at work after deciding to get treatment, you can file a charge of discrimination against your employer with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
How does addiction affect work?
Whether or not you realize it, addiction may be affecting your performance at work. You might find yourself falling behind on responsibilities, skipping shifts or being unable to focus. When it comes to letting your employer know about your decision to go to rehab, you should emphasize that you’re prepared to take the necessary steps to get help.
How to prove medical necessity?
Criteria for Proving Medical Necessity 1 You have a substance-related disorder, as defined by a DSM-5 diagnosis. 2 You are strong enough mentally to benefit from rehab. 3 You have shown a pattern of moderate to severe substance use and/or addictive disorder. This is displayed in your social and familial life, as well as your educational or occupational performance. 4 You present a serious, imminent physical harm to yourself or others directly related to current abuse of substances, such as medical and physical instability, which would limit your ability to get treatment in a less-intensive setting. 5 One of the following must be met to satisfy criterion E:#N#Despite a recent (i.e., the past 3 months) intervention by professionals, you are continually unable to maintain sobriety, or#N#You are living in a severely dysfunctional living environment which doesn’t allow for effective rehabilitation treatment at a less-intensive level of care and alternative living situations are not available or clinically appropriate, or#N#There is evidence that you are not likely to respond at a less intensive level of care. 6 Your condition is appropriate for residential treatment, as there is not a need to detox at an inpatient hospital. You do not have significant co-morbid condition (s). 7 You demonstrate motivation to manage symptoms or make behavioral changes, as shown by attending treatment sessions, completing therapeutic tasks and adhering to a medication regimen or other requirements of treatment. 8 You are capable of developing skills to manage symptoms or make behavioral change.
Why do people avoid getting treatment for drug addiction?
Many people avoid getting treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction because they fear doing so could hurt their career or prevent them from getting hired by future employers. However, you could be doing yourself a bigger disservice by not getting the help you need.
Why is it important to go to a treatment program?
If you or your loved one are concerned about losing your job by enrolling in a treatment program, it’s important to understand that your choice to get help is protected by various laws and acts that provide job security. By choosing to go to treatment, you will not only be enhancing your career opportunities by getting sober, but your overall quality of life.
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.
How long can you take unpaid medical leave?
And, for those who qualify, the Family and Medical Leave Act allows employees to take 12 work weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave due to specified family or medical reasons within a 12-month period. This includes the ability to receive treatment at a rehabilitation facility for drug and alcohol use.
What to do if you have a crush on a coworker?
If you have a crush on a coworker or if you and they are dating, keep it quiet with your other coworkers until the relationship is solid enough to tell your manager about. If you and your coworker become a couple, tell your manager before they hear about it through the grapevine! The speech is simple.
What to do if you hate your job?
If you hate your job, keep it to yourself. Look for a new job on the side, but don't tell your coworkers how unhappy you are. It can't help them to know. 2. If you are not a fan of your manager or any other manager in your company, don't talk about it with your teammates.
Return to Work Program
Ways to Make Your Transition Back to Work Easier
- A recovering employee who’s returning to work will be far more successful if a clear aftercare plan is in place. Here are some points that will make that transition smoother and help ease your stress:
What Are Your Employer’S Responsibilities?
- Returning to work is not a one-way street. Just as an employee has their responsibilities to be accountable for, so does an employer. In fact, employers can be held to an even higher standard, as there are various laws in place to ensure a worker is fairly treated after seeking treatment and to help set expectations for the mandatory assistance an employer must give the returning work…
Aftercare/Discharge Planning
- Whether you’re returning to work or finding employment after treatment, it’s essential to clarify what responsibilities and accountabilities are expected as a client transitions home and back into society. For those who are seeking new employment, at Tranquil Shores, our licensed Case Manager works with clients on updating resumes and applying for ...