You do not have to be ashamed of seeking drug treatment, in fact by disclosing your drug treatment plan to your employer, it will ensure that your position will still be waiting for you upon completion of the program.
When you make the decision to finally recover from substance abuse, you are improving your quality of life. Although it seems scary to make this life-changing decision, know that by committing to a drug addiction program, you will not have to give up your work responsibilities.
Drug addiction is a brain disease that inhibits you from committing to your job responsibilities in a successful and wholesome way. By seeking drug addiction treatment, you will have the opportunity to keep your job and restore your mind, body, and soul from addiction.
You are protected under the law
Because drug addiction is a mental illness, your job is protected because it is covered by the American Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, “The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act prohibit most employers from refusing to hire, firing, or discriminating in the terms and conditions of employment against any qualified job applicant or employee on the basis of a disability.”
Under these provisions, you have the following rights when you are in drug addiction treatment[1]:
- As long as your substance use disorder does not interfere with your job responsibilities, they may not deny you a job or fire you just because you are in drug addiction treatment.
- Employers must provide ‘reasonable accommodations’ when you are in drug addiction treatment. These accommodations might include adapting work hours so that you can attend treatment or therapy sessions. However, you are still responsible for ensuring that you complete all work responsibilities.
- The employer must keep every medical record and substance use information confidential.
- It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against you for being in drug addiction treatment.
Disclosing drug treatment to your employer
If you are in an inpatient drug treatment program and need extended leave from work, you do need to disclose your drug treatment plan to your employer. Know that if you have a meaningful conversation with your employer, you will not be judged or fired for committing to a treatment program that will help you overcome your addiction.
As long as you are in recovery and remaining abstinent, employers cannot discriminate against you because of your substance use disorder. Committing to a treatment plan and to your work responsibilities ensures that you will be covered under the law. Because a substance use disorder is considered a disability, it will take time, patience, and hard work to complete the treatment plan, maintain therapy sessions, and fulfill work duties. However, you have the willpower and dedication to make this life-changing goal a reality.
Medical leave
In order for you to get medical leave, you have to disclose your addiction treatment plan to your employer. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives you the right to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave when you need treatment for substance abuse.[2] Since substance abuse is considered a “serious health condition” you are covered under FMLA and should notify your employer and the Human Resources Department as soon as you have chosen the drug addiction treatment center that is right for you.
Choosing the best rehab center that focuses on restoring the whole person is the right path of treatment for you. A dedicated team of professionals at Covenant Hills is waiting for you to begin the rest of your life as a happier and healthier individual.
Choosing a faith-based treatment center is the right choice for you
Covenant Hills has comprehensive inpatient and outpatient program options that are tailored to meet your personal and professional needs. Choosing Covenant Hills will allow you to take the time needed away from work and dedicate time towards rebuilding your self-concept and replenishing your mind, body, and soul with health and faith. The dedicated treatment team will ensure that you are fully healed upon completion of the program and will prepare you to get back to full work responsibilities so that you can support yourself and your loved ones.
Covenant Hills Treatment Center in Orange County, California and San Antonio, Texas, offers a Christian-based approach and helps anyone suffering from an addiction fully recover to live the life they envision for themselves. Covenant Hills’ diverse program options, individually-designed quality care, highly trained professional staff, and prestigious accreditations meet the needs of all individuals. Covenant Hills is equipped to help anyone struggling with an addiction restore their spiritual foundation and maintain a clean, healthy and productive life.
[1] https://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content/PHD1091/PHD1091.pdf [2] https://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content/PHD1091/PHD1091.pdf
