How To Keep Your Job During Drug Rehab

In order to help you keep your job during rehab, you need to understand your legal protections according to federal law. You can keep your job during rehab if you speak with your employer or human resources to determine eligibility.

There are several ways for you to keep your job during rehab. Before entering rehab, your work may require a return-to-work agreement and you may utilize services provided to those suffering from addiction.

Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) offers 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for those suffering from serious health conditions including addiction. To qualify for FMLA, you must meet certain criteria.

For instance, employees must work for their employer for at least 12 months with a minimum of 1,250 hours logged during that time frame. You must also work at a job which employs at least 50 people.

With FMLA, you can take advantage of a job-protected leave of absence which allows you to receive the drug and alcohol addiction treatment you require and maintain your job.

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

If you suffer from a substance use disorder, you may be eligible for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To qualify for ADA, an employee must work at a company with more than 15 employees.

If you consider ADA, your employer must follow the U.S. Department of Labor regulations and protections, allowing you to have reasonable accommodations while seeking sobriety through substance abuse treatment.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Some employers provide employee assistance programs (EAPs) which assist workers in finding addiction treatment options. EAPs may require you to use their preferred healthcare provider if you’re a full-time employee.

If you receive your health insurance benefits from your place of work, it may cover treatment offered by an EAP.

Outpatient Treatment Options

If your work schedule allows, you may want to consider outpatient rehab which doesn’t require you to remain at the treatment facility 24/7 as with inpatient care. With outpatient treatment, you can take part in treatments while maintaining a flexible schedule.

More extensive outpatient options consist of the intensive outpatient program (IOP) for those struggling with drug abuse. IOP may require a longer commitment than typical outpatient programs.

Other Drug Addiction Treatment Options

For those struggling with drug use which impacts your job performance, there are several treatment options for your medical condition. In fact, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), additional treatment options include:

• medical detox
• inpatient treatment
• support groups
• therapy
• aftercare planning

For those of you who are in search of a rehab center which offers specific treatment programs, consider Northeast Addictions Treatment Center.

Whether you or your loved one suffer from addiction, our center can help. We focus on your well-being and can assist you during addiction recovery.