It’s a double life. You work, and you have a family. The other side of the coin is darker. To get through the day, you may drink or use drugs. To get through the day, you might even try to sneak in a little bit of euphoria or a high during work. But you’re not the only one. Many professionals are struggling with addiction. According to surveys, 60 percent of Americans know someone who has used alcohol or drugs at work. Even drug abuse by healthcare professionals has become commonplace. You are likely to know someone who does.
Your drinking and drug use are under control. However, this is not the case. Your poor productivity, errors at work, and frequent absences cause your company problems. If your company is losing so many dollars on you, you could lose your job if they don’t assist soon.
Most employers offer insurance to their employees. In most cases, drug rehab will be covered by health insurance. Instead of paying for recovery when you are unemployed, why not get treatment while you have a job?
These are the questions that this article will answer:
- What if I go to rehab and lose my job?
- Can my position be kept while I get treatment?
- How will I pay my bills and other living expenses if I go to rehab?
- What is FMLA? How does it work for you?
Answers to your Questions and Concerns
We know that you are concerned about entering drug rehabilitation. If you do not seek treatment for your drug or alcohol problem, you could lose everything. Fear shouldn’t stop you from getting better. These are common obstacles that prevent you from achieving success and treatment. Let us help you find peace of mind.
If my boss finds out I am an addict or an alcoholic, can I be fired?
This is a concern for professionals who are in the same situation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects employees against discrimination based on a disability. This act defines what constitutes a disability. This law considers people who suffer from the disease of alcoholism to be disabled.
This is where the technicalities begin: Your employer can fire you if your job performance has decreased due to your drinking. You can’t be fired for past mistakes or poor job performance if you go to an alcohol rehabilitation program before your employer takes any disciplinary action.
The ADA does not protect people who are actively using illegal drugs. However, the act protects someone who has completed a drug rehabilitation program and has not used or had a history of drug abuse but is now in recovery. Your employer can test you for drugs. Getting help from a rehab facility as soon as possible is best.
Can my job be kept while I get treatment?
The ADA protects recovering addicts and alcoholics who enter drug or alcohol rehabilitation. Your employer must make reasonable accommodations. This could include changing your work schedule to allow you to attend AA/NA meetings or enabling you to take a leave to go to rehab. Continue reading to learn how the Family and Medical Leave Act can help you avoid losing your job during treatment.
Will my career and skill set not be affected if I quit the “game”?
It is easy to believe that your abilities will decline when you are away from work. Rehab can help you improve your skills and career. You begin your treatment at detox when you visit a rehabilitation center. You will feel healthier and more alert as your body gets rid of the toxins from alcohol and other drugs.
After you have completed rehab, you will work on your addiction and any other mental issues that may have taken up a lot of your thoughts and energy. All these issues can be addressed, and you will become a better employee. Your productivity and drive to work harder will improve.
How will I pay my bills and other living expenses if I go to rehab?
The cost of alcohol and drug rehab can add to your monthly bills and overall cost of living. There are still ways to make an income while in treatment. Using accrued vacation, you can still get a paycheck even if you are away from treatment. You might be eligible to use your accrued vacation time while in rehabilitation if your employer offers both short-term and long-term disability.
Your life will be transformed by rehab. You may lose your job and be fired if you refuse to get treatment.
What is FMLA? How does it work for you?
The Family and Medical Leave Act allows eligible employees to take unpaid leave while their jobs are protected. In 12 months, you are entitled to 12 weeks of medical leaves. The FMLA law protects you if you enroll in an inpatient drug rehab program.
What is the best way to get FMLA and short-term disability approval while in rehab?
Call Recovery Connection to complete your free assessment and determine if you are ready to seek treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. We will then verify your insurance coverage to determine if you are eligible for treatment at one of the country’s top rehab centers. We will explain your insurance coverage, including any deductibles. Once everything is in place, we will arrange transportation to and from your rehab. Once you have arrived at recovery, your doctor will notify your employer that you are on FMLA. Your employer won’t know that you are in rehab for drug or alcohol addiction but will only see that you are there for personal medical reasons. You will be eligible to start receiving payments if you have short-term disability coverage.
Recovery Connection recommends that you seek treatment for alcohol and drugs before your situation gets worse and you lose your job or health insurance. The first step in your recovery from addiction is admitting you have a problem. You have to be brave enough to admit that you need help. Recovery Connection is there for you once you take the first step.
Will my reputation be damaged if I go to drug and alcohol rehabilitation?
You might be concerned that your coworkers will treat you poorly if you tell them. Your coworkers will likely appreciate you more. Your coworkers will be more comfortable knowing that you have chosen to seek treatment for your drug or alcohol problem. You have decided to seek treatment because you are aware that your drug and alcohol problems were affecting your work performance. Your decision might make you more respected.
You can contact your human resources representative if you feel that coworkers are gossiping or treating you differently. Remember that you will gain confidence and self-esteem when you seek treatment. You can look past the negative and use it to fuel your professional goals. Do not let people’s ignorance or idle talk get in your way of success and well-being.
