Will My Job Suffer If I Go To Rehab?

Do you feel like you’re living a double life? You go to work and maintain social circles, but there is an ominous underbelly of your existence. To cope with the daily grind, you find solace in the bottle or getting high. You may not feel alone, as studies indicate that 60 percent of American adults are aware of someone who has arrived at work intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. It appears even more rampant among healthcare professionals. Chances are, people are aware of your circumstances.

You might think that your drinking and drug use isn’t affecting your job performance; think again. In the big picture, you may be experiencing decreased productivity, you're allowing errors to slip by at work, and you may be have frequent absences. If so, you are likely to lose your job if you don’t get help soon.

Employers usually provide health insurance to their employees. In most cases, health insurance will pay for drug rehab. So, rather than trying to pay for rehab while unemployed, why not consider going to rehab while you still have a job?

Getting help for your alcohol or drug problem is not without risk.

We understand that you have concerns and fears about going to drug rehab. Don't let fear hold you back from getting better. The following questions are common roadblocks standing in the way of treatment and success; let us give you peace of mind.

My boss knows I'm an alcoholic or addict who needs treatment, so will I lose my job?

This is a big concern for many professionals in the same situation. Employees who have a disability are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law defines what constitutes a disability under which people suffering from alcoholism are considered to have a disability.

Depending on how your employer proves that your performance was poor, they have the right to fire you if your job performance has declined because of your drinking. An employer cannot fire you for past errors or poor job performance if you choose to attend an alcohol rehab program before taking any disciplinary action.

A person actively using illegal drugs is not protected by the ADA. Your employer has the right to test you for drugs if you have been in a drug rehab program and are not using or if you have a history of drug use but are in recovery. It is therefore in your best interest to seek treatment at a drug rehab as soon as possible.

Will my job be held while I'm getting treatment?

The ADA protects alcoholics and recovering addicts who choose to go to drug and alcohol rehab. An employer must provide you with reasonable accommodations, such as changing your work schedule so you can attend meetings or taking a leave of absence to attend alcohol and drug rehab. If you are in treatment, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can protect you from losing your job.

Can I lose my job or skill set if I leave the game?

You might think your skills will diminish while you are away from work. In reality, you are able to improve your abilities and career when you go to rehab. When you go to a treatment center, you begin your treatment with detox. Your body is cleansed of toxins from alcohol and drugs, which improves your health and cognitive functioning. You become sharper as a result.

Once you have completed rehab, you work on your addiction issues and mental health issues that have probably taken up a lot of your time and energy. In addition to improving your productivity, you will find that your drive to work harder and longer increases. Addressing all of these issues helps you become a better employee.

If I go to rehab, how will I pay for my bills and living expenses?

There are ways you can continue receiving income while in rehab. While you are in treatment, you can still get a paycheck by using accrued vacation time or your employer may even offer short-term or long-term disability. You may be able to utilize this while you are in rehab.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take a leave of absence without being paid while protecting their jobs. You are allowed 12 weeks of medical leave in a 12-month period. FMLA protects you from termination if you choose to attend an inpatient drug rehab program.

If you believe rehab is the right choice for your needs, please contact Redemption Addiction Treatment Centers to speak with an intake specialist. Our team will verify your insurance coverage, answer any of your questions regarding deductibles, and work with you to make sure you can travel to and from a reputable treatment center.

Before things get worse at work and you lose your job and health insurance, Recovery Connection always recommends you go to alcohol and drug rehab. In order to recover from addiction, you have to admit that you have a problem, and then make the choice to go to rehab. Taking that first step takes courage. Redemption Addiction Treatment Center in Wilmington, DE  is here for you 24/7 at 610-314-6747.

What if I go to a drug or alcohol rehab and my reputation suffers?

The chances are that your coworkers will appreciate you more if you tell them. You may think people will think poorly of you or treat you differently if you tell them. When you choose to go to rehab to address your alcohol or drug problems, you give your coworkers peace of mind. Getting treatment shows that you recognize that your addiction was getting in the way of your work. Your decision may even result in a higher level of respect!

It is important to contact your human resources representative if you feel that coworkers are treating you differently or gossiping about you. Although you are going through treatment, you will gain more confidence and self-esteem as a result. Do not let idle talk or people's ignorance stand in the way of your success or well-being. Use the negativity as fuel to reach your professional goals.

It is your choice whether or not to tell your coworkers. However, being honest with yourself and accepting yourself is one of the most important changes you must make.  You will learn in the 12 steps that only a life of complete honesty will reward you with complete recovery from addiction.

The decision to seek treatment and rehabilitation can be daunting, however it is critical to helping you retain your career and improve your life. Our caring staff at Redemption can help you, and enduring sobriety is within reach!  We can make the admission process much simpler, enabling you to start treatment quickly. Don't leave your future hanging on chance—Please contact Redemption Addiction Treatment Center today to learn more (610) 314-6747