You may be ready to get your substance abuse under control and you have realized you cannot do it alone. Deciding to get treatment for addiction is a big decision. It is normal to feel apprehension about going to drug and alcohol rehab, including taking time off from your job. You may be wondering whether telling your boss you need addiction treatments is necessary or fear losing your job for having an addiction or for taking a leave of absence for addiction treatments. These types of fears often keep many from getting the addiction recovery treatment they need. However, not getting help will only worsen your substance abuse disorder.
Does Your Employer Need to Know You’re Going to Rehab?
Seeking treatment for alcohol and drug abuse takes courage. Furthermore, you may not want anyone to know you are getting addiction recovery treatment, much less your employer. So, you may be wondering if you even need to tell them. The simple answer is no, you do not need to tell your boss you are going away for inpatient rehab or outpatient rehab. However, you may not get the job protection you need to keep your job without telling your employer. Because the effects of drug or alcohol addiction are inescapable, there is a strong possibility it has already affected your performance at work, and others in your workplace already suspect an issue.
Alcohol and drug addiction is considered a mental health disorder and fortunately, there are laws that protect your job when struggling with this disorder, just like any other illness. Telling your employer about your substance use disorder and that you are getting addiction recovery treatment, maybe in your best interest to protect your job.
Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.
Job Protection for Working People: How it Works
There are several federal and state laws that protect you from being fired simply from having a substance use disorder or from seeking help from a rehab program. According to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) you have the right to leave of absence due to a drug or alcohol addiction issue and allows you to take up to 12 work weeks of unpaid leave in a 12 month period if you qualify. Eligibility requirements include:
- Worked for the current employer for at least 12 months and worked at least 1,250 hours during that 12 months period, which does not have to be consecutive.
- Work for a facility that employs 50 or more employees.
FMLA protects your employment and prevents an employer from demoting, firing, or disqualifying an employee for a promotion because they used their leave. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects employees in recovery and who have sought addiction treatment from discrimination. The ADA protects individuals by prohibiting employers from refusing to hire or promote a person because they attended drug rehab, firing an employee when they receive treatment, or refusing to hire or promote someone because of their history of drug or alcohol addiction.
Get Help with Addiction and Job Protection with Union First
Despite protections from the FMLA and ADA, there are still some loopholes employers can use to get around them. For example, FMLA and ADA do not protect individuals who are currently using drugs and you can still be fired from your job if your drug addiction interferes with your ability to do your job. Union First is an employee assistance program for union workers, public employees, and their family members. Our experts know how to use these laws to protect your job while you are receiving treatment and guide you on the proper steps to take to ensure you qualify under these laws. Our services also include addiction treatment placement, which means we can refer you to drug or alcohol rehabs that fit your needs and will work for you. Part of our job protection services includes sending your employer a “placement in treatment” letter.
If you or your family members are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and getting treatment, please give us a call. We are available 24/7 to take your calls.
Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.