Millions of people in the United States live with substance abuse and addiction. The effects of substance use disorder (SUD) can be severe and may impact every aspect of a person’s life. Addiction can keep people from functioning and reduce their quality of life.
Substance abuse and addiction can significantly affect a person’s ability to work. While many people imagine that people with addiction don’t work, most people with SUD are employed. Some people struggling with SUD may worry about losing their jobs if they seek treatment. These concerns may prevent people from getting the life-saving help they need.
You can take steps to keep your employment when you go to rehab. This article will explore how to talk to your employer about going to rehab. You will learn:
- The laws that protect your employment during rehab
- How to tell your employer about rehab
Steps you can take to protect your job during treatment - Where to find addiction treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with drug or alcohol addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake specialists at First Step Behavioral Health to learn about our programs or to schedule your first appointment.
Can You Keep Your Job if You Go to Rehab?
Substance abuse and addiction are serious, complex conditions that require comprehensive treatment. People who need help may not seek out treatment programs, even when addiction causes significant harm. Fear of losing their job may be one of the reasons people don’t seek treatment for addiction.
However, addiction can prevent people from working, attending school, and other essential responsibilities. Working people with SUD must seek treatment that allows them to recover and move forward.
There are several federal laws allowing people to seek addiction and mental health treatment without worrying about losing their jobs. Generally, people can take a leave of absence to attend several levels of addiction treatment, including:
- A medical detox program
- Inpatient or residential programs
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Outpatient rehab programs
Drug and alcohol rehab programs can give people the support they need to overcome addiction before returning to work. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health team to learn more about our programs or how to take a leave of absence for rehab.
What Laws Protect My Job During Rehab?
There are several federal laws protecting employment during rehab. Here is an overview of these laws.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
FMLA allows employees to take up to 12 weeks off from work to attend treatment for SUD or mental health conditions. There are some limitations to the FMLA. To qualify for a leave of absence under FMLA, you:
- Must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months
- Must have worked at least 1,250 hours for your employer before taking a leave of absence
- Must work at a facility employing at least 50 employees within 75 miles
Taking a leave from your job (protected leave) may require a formal diagnosis of substance use disorder. You may also need proof that you will attend an evidence-based treatment program during your leave.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
HIPAA is a federal law that protects the privacy of information about your health, treatment history, and other medical information. This law prevents employers from accessing information about their employees’ treatment or medical information without the employee’s consent.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA prevents employers from discriminating against employees with SUD. It also prohibits employers from terminating the employment of employees with SUD or mental health conditions. The ADA also allows employees to make reasonable accommodations to their work schedule to accommodate treatment activities.
Contact the First Step Behavioral Specialists to learn more about these laws or to explore your treatment options.
How to Tell Your Employer About Rehab
It can be overwhelming to think about talking to your doctor about going to rehab. This information can help you have this conversation more comfortably.
Here is an overview of how to tell your job you need to go to rehab.
First, you may choose how much information about your health and treatment to share with your employer. Speak to your Human Resources (HR) department representative about your intention to take a leave of absence. You may want to share:
- That you have a medical condition that requires treatment
- That you wish to return to work after completing treatment
- Any information about your condition or your treatment plans that is relevant
If you qualify for a leave of absence under FMLA, you may request information about this process.
You may also discuss your plans to return to work after treatment. Talk about the support you plan to use during your transition, including:
- Your company’s employee assistance program (EAP)
- Outpatient treatment programs
- Community SUD or mental health programs
Make it clear that you intend to return to work and will communicate about any changes to your return to work plan as soon as possible.
Knowing the laws protecting your employment and having support in place can help you confidently approach this conversation.
Find Treatment and Support Now
If you or someone you love needs treatment or support to overcome addiction, you are not alone. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists today to take the first step of your recovery journey. Reach out with questions, to learn more about balancing rehab and work, or to schedule your first appointment.
References:
- U.S. Department of Labor: Family and Medical Leave Act
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
- U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities from discrimination.
