A huge step for anyone battling a substance abuse disorder is admitting you have a problem. Once you know, you need help, having the courage to enter treatment is the second step. If you decide inpatient is the best rehab choice for you, some will have to make the necessary arrangements to be gone for 30 days or longer. If you currently have a job, tell your boss you have a drug or alcohol problem and need professional addiction treatment. We believe that honesty is always the best policy. Maybe you are scared to tell them, or maybe you do not know if they might fire you for this reason. Well, we can help in telling your employer that you are battling substance abuse.
How to Tell Employers You’re Battling Addiction
Depending on how long you have been at your place of employment, you may have enough vacation time built up. You can probably request the time off without telling them if you have the time. But if you don’t, you may have to take a medical leave of absence. Regardless, it will be difficult to get through recovery without telling them. Recovery is a long process and doesn’t stop after inpatient rehab. To remain sober after inpatient rehab, you will have to continue getting outpatient treatment. Some important things to consider before talking with your boss. Anyone you have spent a good amount of time with probably already knows you have a problem. You may think you are good at hiding substance abuse, but addicts can have strange behaviors and exhibit side effects depending on the drug. Your employer probably already knows something isn’t right, so it’s best to own up to it now and let them know. This could mean potentially saving or losing your job.
Are There Laws in Place to Protect Employees That Need Drug Rehab?
The law says that employers who meet certain conditions must make accommodations for people entering rehab; this means they must hold your position for you. Also, employers must maintain your confidentiality regarding any information they receive from you regarding your substance abuse treatment/addiction, including any employee. Now that you know you have rights knowing your exact rights regarding your situation before you talk with your boss may help you muster up the courage you need. Be completely honest with them and remain professional throughout the entire conversation. Explain to them that you want the help to be a more effective employee. Change can be scary, but you will feel a big weight lifted off your shoulders once you get through this talk. And if your job hasn’t been a stressor for using, then keeping your job is important. But, on the other hand, if it has been a stressor, maybe it’s time to move on to something else.
Can an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Help Addicted Employees?
If you are worried that you may be fired for disclosing you have an addiction, there are a couple of things you should know about before getting too panicked. First, check and see if your employer has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Employee Assistance Programs are designed to help with several conditions:
- Addiction Assessments and Treatment
- Emotional Distress and Stress Reduction
- Depression and Anxiety Treatment
- Legal Issues
- Financial Counseling
- Work Concerns
- Child and Elder Care Concerns
- Traumatic Event Counseling
EAPs can also cover health management concerns. However, if your work doesn’t have an EAP, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may apply to your situation, depending on your type of employment.
Recovering From Addiction for Employed Individuals
Evoke Wellness has a network of drug and alcohol treatment centers that are carefully designed to offer a lasting solution for healing those suffering from substance use disorders. We offer a safe and comfortable environment for medical detoxification. Our patients are treated extensively so that minimal discomfort is experienced during the detox process. Evoke Wellness provides residential treatment in a structured environment and then provides you with after-care support, which is important for addiction. Evoke Wellness is here to help you get on the road to long-term recovery. A sober life begins now!
