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.
Full Answer
Should I tell my boss if I’m going to rehab?
Mar 28, 2018 · Have your treatment plan lined up. You can reach out to rehab centers that offer treatment to people who are working or who are taking leave. When you talk to your boss, you can let them know what your plans are so they feel confident in the positive steps you are taking to get better. Be straightforward.
Will I Lose my job when I go to rehab?
Call Now: 800-681-7369 Who Answers? Most employers can’t make you disclose the exact reason you’re taking a medical leave. Whether you are required to tell your employer, you are taking time off for drug rehab depends on your employer. Technically, it is an illness and you do not have to disclose the specifics of an illness to an employer.
How do I talk to my boss about my addiction?
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
Can I be fired for going to rehab?
Feb 28, 2019 · Be honest. If your boss or coworkers already suspect something is up with you, it will be much less suspicious if you are up front about going to rehab rather than adding extra layers of lies and deceit to cover it up. Being honest also makes you come across as a responsible person taking initiative for your health.
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
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
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
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
Can you get fired for addiction?
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. In fact, employers are required to accommodate employees who suffer from addiction to the point of undue hardship.Mar 6, 2018
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 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.
Can you drink at work in California?
So, Can My Company Prohibit Alcohol Use At Work? All of this said, California law does not prohibit an employer from implementing and enforcing rules regarding alcohol in the workplace.Jun 20, 2018
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 are different types of rehab?
The three main types of rehabilitation therapy are occupational, physical and speech. Each form of rehabilitation serves a unique purpose in helping a person reach full recovery, but all share the ultimate goal of helping the patient return to a healthy and active lifestyle.May 23, 2018
What is the best way to recover from addiction?
It is most beneficial for your recovery that you attend 12-step program meetings , either through AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or any other drug-affiliated 12-step program, such as NA (Narcotics Anonymous) or CA (Cocaine Anonymous), while in treatment.
What is the return to work agreement?
When you return to work, it is essential that you fulfill any requirements set forth in the Return-to-Work agreement that your employer may have set forth before you left for treatment. This may entail that you willingly comply with any drug tests you may need to take upon your arrival.
How long can you work on FMLA?
Lastly, it is possible that you may qualify for 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave due to medical reasons (going to drug/alcohol rehab) within a 12-month period under the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act).
How many people are employed with substance abuse?
Furthermore, despite some common stereotypes and misconceptions around addiction being a main concern with people who are already unemployed, the reality is that an estimated 76% of people suffering from a substance abuse disorder are actually employed.
Does receiving treatment strengthen your job?
Receiving treatment can only strengthen your job performance upon returning to work. As such, do not worry about judgement from your boss or coworkers, it is likely that they personally know people who suffer from this disease and may have compassion for you.
Can not seeking treatment cause you to lose your job?
The irony is that not seeking treatment can actually cause you to lose your job in the first place. Have the tough conversation with your employer. You may be pleasantly surprised when they end up encouraging you to take the next steps to improve your well-being by walking on a path of sobriety.
Can substance abuse affect your job?
Don’t fear judgement or worry about your reputation- It is highly likely that your substance abuse disorder has impacted your job performance, however, this should not deter you from getting the help you need. Receiving treatment can only strengthen your job performance upon returning to work.
What Alternatives do you Have?
There are several alternatives to telling your employer that you need time off for addiction treatment. Some of these alternatives are:
If you Decide to Be Honest about Drug Rehab
As the information about drug addiction and illness become more accepted, more employers are accepting of drug treatment as an alternative to losing a valuable already trained employee.
How to keep your job after addiction?
You are more likely to keep your job in the long term if you seek treatment by going to rehab than if you continue to struggle with addiction on your own. If your addiction has been affecting your work, for example with poor work performance, spotty attendance, or compromised decision-making skills, you will be far more likely to improve the quality of your work after receiving treatment than if you continue repeating the same mistakes. It may even be a relief for your boss to know any erratic behavior you’ve been exhibiting has a cause and that you are working on a solution.
Is every employee capable of reaching out for help?
Every employee struggles with something, but not everyone is capable of reaching out for help and seeking treatment. The fact that you are taking active steps to better yourself is a strong mark in your favor.
How to tell your boss you have an addiction?
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. I need help and I want to go to rehab, but I don’t want to lose my job.
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.
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 you discuss FMLA with your boss?
Explain that you are going to be recovering from a medical condition for the next several weeks and you will not be at work. Your boss cannot ask you to discuss your medical condition. This is confidential information.
Do you have to tell your boss you need to go to rehab?
Here is some great news – you may not have to tell your boss if you need to go to rehab. Yes, it’s true! A substance use disorder is recognized as a legitimate medical condition in the eyes of the law. This means you may not have to disclose the specifics of your situation to your boss or manager. In many cases, you can work directly ...
Can an employer take action against an employee for substance abuse?
Furthermore, “the employer may not take action against the employee because the employee has exercised his or her right to take FMLA leave for substance abuse treatment.”.
How to keep your addiction private?
You may think the best way to keep your addiction private is to not use drugs or alcohol on the job. Keep in mind that abusing substances outside of work can still affect your job performance, and many substances stay in your system for a while, so they might show up on drug tests.
What is reasonable accommodation?
In the case of a substance use disorder, a reasonable accommodation might be something like a modified schedule that allows you to attend counseling sessions.
Do you have to make a request for FMLA before rehab?
If you decide to use FMLA, you must make the request before entering re hab, or you will not be protected by the law.
Can employers see how many claims they have made?
They may know how many claims were made overall. They can see how many claims each employee made, but they cannot find out what the claims were for, or the facility names or treatment providers.
Do you have to go into specific details about your medical condition?
Your healthcare provider doesn’t have to go into specific details about your situation – usually it is enough for them to state your condition and its impact on your work, and why a leave of absence is necessary. Your employer must keep this information confidential from coworkers, so you don’t have to fear workplace gossip.
Can you work while inpatient?
It’s impossible to keep your normal work schedule while receiving inpatient treatment. If you receive outpatient treatment, however, you may be able to have a flexible treatment schedule that allows you to work your normal hours.
Does FMLA cover drug abuse?
The FMLA does not protect you if your employer has an established policy about drug or alcohol abuse that would overrule its protections. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “If, however, the employer has an established policy, applied in a nondiscriminatory manner that has been communicated to all employees, ...
