How to Keep Your Job While Attending Rehab

Keeping a job while attending rehab is one of the biggest barriers to people getting help. They have a family to feed, after all. But, what many don’t know is that there are programs and benefits in place that help these individuals get this much-needed help, while maintaining their employment status.

Those struggling with drug or alcohol addiction should reach out and see what options are available to help with job retention while they get on a path to a healthier lifestyle. 

Can Someone Keep Their Job While Attending Rehab?

Drug and alcohol addiction is a struggle that thousands of people are facing on a daily basis. It affects home and family life, health and wellness, as well as their jobs. Making time and committing to getting better, undergoing treatment, and attending a rehab program is vital to overcoming addiction.

Chances are, the job will be there once the process is completed. There are even options available that can help someone to overcome their addiction, while still actively working. Outpatient programs are significantly more flexible with school, home, and work schedules and can provide much-needed care and support with minimal interruptions. 

Will I Lose My Job If I Attend Rehab?

How to keep a job while attending rehab is a touchy subject with many people who face addiction struggles. While it is in the employer’s right to terminate an employee, chances are they just want their team member to be healthy.

The odds of the employer firing their employee for trying to better their life are slim. With addiction affecting people the way that it does, most employers are understanding and supportive of people getting necessary care. 

Are There Laws to Protect My Job?

The short answer to this question is yes. The Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA) and Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) are in place to protect people who struggle with addiction. These acts help prevent discrimination to employees based on their struggles. This can include health conditions, mental health conditions, and behavioral health conditions such as addiction. The ADA means that a person can’t be fired based solely on their decision to get help. They can keep their job while attending rehab.

FMLA allows employees who qualify to take up to 12 weeks of leave for medical or family care reasons. Peopne can leave of up to 12 weeks throughout a 12-month cycle. The timeframe resets depending on the employer’s cycle. During this time, the employer must maintain confidentiality regarding any medical information during the employee’s time in rehab. 

Privacy and Managing at Work

When someone attends rehab, they have the option to release certain medical information to certain people. This can include a wife, child, friend, or employer. A signed waiver protects the privacy of such health information. If the individual or employer’s name is not expressly given permission, they cannot receive any information.

Also, as previously stated, any information given to employers regarding their employee’s treatment should be kept confidential. Receiving care for addiction to drugs and alcohol is just the same as any medical facility. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is in place to protect sensitive client information from being disclosed without consent.

Someone can keep a job while attending rehab, prevent their information from being given out freely, and begin learning healthy coping skills with the help of the laws that are in place. Jobs shouldn’t be a barrier for someone receiving the care and support they desperately need in order to heal and get better.

Extra Support for Getting Better

Having proper and healthy support while seeking recovery is crucial. When someone is struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol, having positive support can help them get through the tougher days. Relapse happens, but relapse prevention can make a difference in the lives of these individuals seeking recovery.

Learning how to cope and deal with daily stressors can help individuals remain clean and sober long after rehab. Keeping a job while attending rehab is good. Moreover, keeping the job after rehab, and staying clean and sober is just as important. Rehab provides a safe and healing environment to begin a journey of recovery. The tools learned through the process can carry a person through the rest of their life. 

Stop Struggling with Addiction

Addiction is a struggle that thousands of people face on a daily basis. Many believe that a better, healthier life is unattainable due to family, school, or work. However, this narrative couldn’t be more false. If you or a loved one are struggling with drugs or alcohol and want to attend a rehab program, there are laws and procedures in place to help when it comes to keeping a job.

They can also help ensure that income continues to be brought in while the individual is getting better. We can help. At Enlightened Recovery our team is well versed and trained in helping ensure the smoothest transition to and from rehab with minimal disruption to life and work.

Reach out today and begin living a healthier lifestyle.