Going to rehab poses a lot of challenges to individuals facing addiction problems. One of the biggest concerns is the impact addiction treatment can have on their jobs.
The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) both guarantee that no one will lose their job because of going to rehab for the treatment of substance use disorders. This, however, depends on the type of treatment being received.
It is easier to go to rehab and do your job duties with outpatient treatment. Inpatient treatment is different, as you require a leave to cover the period you would be staying within a rehab facility.
Addiction Treatment and Employment
About 76 percent of individuals living with an addiction are employed, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The majority of these people fail to get the needed help for the fear of hurting their careers, including job loss. Sadly, the fear that keeps them from getting help is what not getting help will cause. The failure to treat addiction will hurt you, your job, relationships, health, etc.
Why Do You Need to Go to a Rehab?
Addiction affects every aspect of our lives and ultimately reduces the overall quality of life. As substance use disorder develops, the ability of individuals to focus diminishes, hence affecting their ability to do their work. Over $80 billion is lost in productivity annually due to substance abuse, according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCAAD). Some of the effects of addiction on job performance are:
- Lateness to work: individuals with a substance use disorder often have sleep problems because the substance can either cause them to get inadequate sleep or oversleep. Such disrupted sleep patterns usually lead to showing up at work late. This will affect how well they can do their job as well as their reputation.
- Regular absence from work: individuals with addiction issues miss work for different reasons, including withdrawal symptoms caused by tolerance, hangover, and avoidance of being confronted about their lateness.
- Integrity damage: addiction makes people do bad things such as using the substance at work or stealing from their employers or other employees to buy the substance. They also often have to lie to cover things up. All of these destroy the integrity or reputation of an individual at work.
- Loss of values and belief systems: our values and belief systems are at the center of who we are. Addiction makes individuals become less of themselves, wearing their values, beliefs, and morals off. Changes to these key elements also lead to changes in work ethics.
Note: all the above negative effects of substance use abuse on your work will ultimately lead to you losing your job. Hence, it is imperative to begin treatment immediately, even if it means you have to spend some time in a rehab facility.
How To Keep Your Job As You Go to Rehab
If you know what to do, you don’t have to lose your job when getting addiction treatment. Several federal laws and workplace policies are designed to protect all employees, including people who need to go to rehab. Similarly, some rehabilitation programs are designed to allow individuals on recovery to live at home while receiving addiction treatment. Hence, they are able to continue their work.
The following are how you can go to rehab and keep your job:
Use the EAP Program of Your Company
To deal effectively with the personal and work-related challenges of employees, many firms put employee assistance programs (EAP) in place. Some of the challenges covered by EAP programs are addiction issues, mental health conditions, and physical health problems. These programs are designed to connect employees with people who can help individuals start the addiction recovery process. The programs can also include free counseling for employees, after which individuals can be linked to flexible local addiction treatment programs that do not hinder their work.
Check Your Health Insurance Policy
Health insurance policies usually cover part of or the total cost of addiction treatment. Hence, reach out to your health insurance provider to ask about the coverage offered for addiction treatment and the rehab facilities available. Thereafter, take a leave of absence if your care plan involves staying in a rehab facility. Outpatient treatment allows you to work while you attend treatment.
Use the Family and Medical Leave Act
Employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of medical leave annually, as allowed by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). It, however, has the following conditions:
- The company must have at least 50 employees within 75 miles of its worksite
- You must have worked with the company for at least one year
- You must have worked for at least 1,250 hours the previous year
Note: FMLA leave is an unpaid leave, hence you can apply for disability benefits. However, some employers may choose to pay you, especially if you have been really great.
Understand the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
ADA protects individuals in addiction treatment programs, ensuring they cannot be fired on the basis of the treatment. Discrimination charges can be filed against any employer that violates this Act. Any company with 15 or more employees is bound by this ADA.
Consider Outpatient Addiction Treatment
The addiction treatment programs appropriate for individuals are determined by addiction professionals, depending on factors such as the severity of the addiction. Outpatient treatment is usually used for mild addiction cases but some rehab centers also use it for severe cases, at a more intense level called intensive outpatient programs.
Hence, you should discuss with the treatment provider about your preference for outpatient treatment, to allow you to continue your job. Outpatient treatment has other benefits, such as support from friends and family, lower cost, and building a sober community with others in recovery.
What Do You Tell Your Boss If You Are Going to Rehab?
You don’t have to tell your boss, and especially other employees, the exact details of medical leave but trends have shown that individuals who enjoy the support of their employers and coworkers have better chances of overcoming their addictions. Hence, it is good to carry your employer along, as much as possible. This reduces the chances of resentment or hostility that may otherwise arise if employers feel they are being forced to do it while their trust has been betrayed.
Therefore, if you are going to rehab, discuss with your boss and coworkers with honesty and humility. Speak the truth without being defensive and apologize for problems you may have caused. You must categorically state your commitment to recovery. Frankly, this isn’t an easy step to take, but the benefits for your work-life and recovery journey as a whole make it worth it. This way, you can easily return to your work after rehab or continue your job during rehab with the trust and support of your boss and coworkers.
Note: before approaching your employer about going to rehab, make sure you check the position of the company regarding substance use and rehab. You can request documents containing this information from the HR if you don’t have access to them. You should also have a line of action to discuss ready, referring to the employee assistance programs discussed above. You may be asked to sign an agreement document containing:
- Total compliance with treatment
- Regular progress report
- Regular drug or alcohol testing
- Acknowledgment that job loss is possible if job performance is poor after treatment
You don’t have to share any private treatment details. Show them you accept responsibility and your commitment to recovery. Also, it is best to discuss with your boss before your coworkers and share only what you are comfortable sharing.
How Long is Rehab?
The duration of addiction treatment depends on different factors such as the types of substance abused, the quantity of the substance used, how long it’s been used, mental health conditions, history of previous addiction, etc. This is why addiction treatment programs are highly personalized, designed according to the needs of each person.
The most common treatment options offered by many facilities often last between 30 and 90 days, during which most addiction problems would have been effectively treated. Post-treatment support is usually provided to reduce the risk of a relapse. The treatment of co-occurring disorders (substance use disorder happening alongside mental health issues) typically lasts longer; it can be up to a year. See a professional to determine the appropriate treatment plan for you.
How Much Does Rehab Cost?
The cost of rehab depends on factors such as the location of the facility, the services offered, duration of treatment, etc. An excellent demonstration of this is that outpatient services are usually cheaper than inpatient services because the latter is more intensive, among other factors. There are different ways to fund rehab, beginning with health insurance to getting rehab loans.
What Should You Consider When Choosing Between Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab While Working?
When choosing between inpatient and outpatient rehab, working individuals should first consider the intensity of the addiction and the level of support needed. Inpatient rehab provides a structured environment with 24-hour care, which is beneficial for those with severe addiction issues. It removes the individual from potentially triggering environments, which can be crucial for the initial stages of recovery.
On the other hand, outpatient rehab allows individuals to maintain their work schedule and family commitments while receiving treatment. This type of rehab is often recommended for those with milder addiction or as a step down from inpatient treatment. The decision between inpatient and outpatient rehab should also take into account what words to say to someone in rehab, as the support from employers and coworkers can significantly impact the success of outpatient treatment. Additionally, considering family integration in the treatment process can offer a comprehensive support system that enhances the recovery journey, making outpatient rehab a viable option for those who cannot take an extended leave from work.
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