Knowing When It’s Time to Get Help
Drug and alcohol addiction happens subtly. Many addicts started with nights of heavy drinking which happened more frequently, a prescription for an opioid painkiller, or as a way to deal with stress. Over time with more frequent substance abuse, the body becomes dependent on these substances to feel normal. It can be difficult to come to the realization that you can no longer control your substance abuse and have developed an addiction. Feelings of shame and worry about others finding out about your substance abuse can stop you from getting the help you need. Most people also worry about their employers finding out about their addiction and losing their job. However, there are laws and programs available for job protection addiction help.
Addiction will affect each person differently and can range from mild to severe. As a progressive disease, signs, and symptoms will become more evident but also more difficult to recover from. Getting help as early as possible is key to a successful recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. How do you know it is time to get help for your substance abuse? There are several signs and symptoms related to addiction; the more you exhibit, the more severe the disease becomes.
Here are some signs that your substance use has gotten out of your control and it is time to get help:
- You Use Substances to Cope with Stress or Anxiety. While the occasional drink to relax after work is fine, if you find you go to drug or alcohol use every time you feel stressed, anxious, or depressed, you may need help in managing your mental health symptoms in a healthier manner.
- You Are Experiencing New or Worsening Mental Health Symptoms. Frequent substance abuse takes a toll on your body and mind. While substance use can temporarily relieve mental health symptoms, over time they will get worse with more frequent use. Addiction and substance abuse can cause behavioral changes and mood changes in a person as well.
- Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms or Cravings. Withdrawal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, and shaking are signs that your body has developed a physical dependence on substance use. You need to get a handle on substance abuse before it develops into a more severe addiction.
- Unable to Cut Back or Stop Use. A major sign it is time to get help is the inability to stop using or cut back. You may also be using it at odd times such as an early morning or during work hours. Treatment programs can help you detox and provide behavioral health therapies to help you stop drinking or using drugs.
- Experiencing Negative Impacts on Various Areas of Your Life. If your substance use has begun to cause problems in your life such as in relationships, at work, financially, and even your health, it has gotten out of control. Finding that you still cannot cut back or stop using despite negative consequences is a sure way to know you need professional help.
Getting help for addiction and substance abuse is not only reserved for severe cases. If you find you simply cannot cut back or stop using despite wanting, several treatment programs exist that can help you regain control of your life. Again, getting help as soon as symptoms arise will greatly increase your chances of long-term recovery.
Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.
Is There Job Protection While Treating Addiction?
Many who struggle with substance abuse and addiction, continue to live seamlessly normal lives and even hold on to steady employment. Many workers struggle with work-related stress and anxiety, often self-medicating with alcohol and drugs to cope which can turn into an addiction. They also often avoid getting the treatment they need out of fear of losing their job either from their employer finding out they have a problem or from taking time off to get help. Luckily, there are several federal and state laws that protect employees from getting fired because of their substance use disorder.
Many workers are not aware of their rights covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). These federal laws ensure that employees cannot be fired simply for having a substance use disorder or seeking treatment. Mental health treatment is also protected under these laws. Workers can take up to three months off to get mental health or substance abuse treatment without losing their jobs, salaries, benefits, and more. These laws require employers to restore workers who seek out medical leave to the same or “equivalent” job. Job protection helps employees get the help they need sooner and come back to work as their best selves.
How to Start Addiction Treatment While Working
While these laws protect employees with substance use disorders and those seeking treatment, they do not protect active addiction. It is essential to take certain steps before letting your employer know that you have enrolled in a recovery program. One of these steps is making sure you have already been placed in a treatment program and submitting a “placement in treatment” letter to your employer. While these laws protect your employment, there are still many loopholes employers can use so it is important to have all your ducks in a row beforehand.
There are several types of addiction treatment programs available, including ones that do not interfere with your work schedule. While inpatient treatment offers the best chance at long-term recovery, they do require you to live at the facility full time and take an extended leave of absence from work. Outpatient programs on the other hand allow you to live at home and can even be scheduled outside of work hours. These programs offer more discretion, and while there are several reasons to let your employer know your struggles with substance abuse and getting treatment, outpatient programs allow you to get treatment without your employer has to know.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) offer a structured recovery program. Therapies can be scheduled early morning, evenings, or on the weekends so you can continue going to work or school full time. Virtual rehab programs also exist that offer the same therapies online as in person and can be accessed anywhere at any time.
Union First Can Help Protect Your Job During Addiction Treatment
Union workers, public employees, and their families have access to Union First job protection services. Our team not only helps you to find the right mental health and substance abuse treatment in your area, but we also ensure your job is protected. Our experts know how to use federal and state laws, including the ADA and FMLA, for job protection and addiction treatment. We will walk you through the steps needed to ensure your job is protected and advise you on your rights. Part of our services includes submitting a “placement in treatment” letter to your employer once we have placed you in the right drug and alcohol rehab facility. Through Union First, our members can truly focus and take their time on recovering from drug and alcohol abuse without worrying about their job status.
If you or your family member is struggling with controlling substance use and would like more information on our services, please contact us today. Our team is available 24/7 to take your call at 1-855-215-2023.