How to Go to Rehab Without Losing Your Job
With how common addiction is, there’s no surprise that most people that have a substance use disorder are able to maintain a part-time or full-time job. If you are one of the 70% of people that are employed and use illicit drugs, you may be wondering if you’ll be able to keep your job while you get help with your addiction. The good news is, there are several federal acts that protect a worker’s right to attend rehab without losing their jobs. Let’s take a closer look at how to go to rehab without losing your job.
Can You Lose Your Job if You Go to Rehab?
One of the biggest questions people ask when deciding if they should attend rehab is “Will I lose my job if I go to rehab?” The good news is, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all employers are required by law to provide employees with disabilities with reasonable accommodations, including time off for doctor’s appointments and for addiction treatment. As soon as Human Resources has been informed of your need for treatment, your employment is protected.
Additionally, many employees can take advantage of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which can provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of leave for specific medical needs. This time off is typically unpaid, but you are protected against termination.
How to Take Time off While in Rehab
Between the Family Medical Leave Act and the American With Disabilities Act, you should be able to take plenty of time off work to complete a rehabilitation program without concern that your job will have been filled while you were out.
FMLA gives leave of up to 12 weeks and is available for employees at businesses and public agencies with at least 50 employees. These 12 weeks do not need to be consecutive. In order for employees to be eligible for FMLA they must meet the following criteria:
- Employed at your current job for a minimum of 12 months
- The employer has at least 50 employees living within 75 miles of work
There are only a few situations where someone can take advantage of FMLA:
- An immediate family member is in need of medical care for a serious condition
- The adoption, birth, or initial fostering of a child
- You are in need of serious medical treatment, which includes addiction treatment
Paying For Your Treatment
Another concern when you’re deciding whether or not to attend rehab is how you’ll be able to afford it. The good news is, you may not have to pay for everything out of pocket.
Some employers have assistance programs in place to help their employees obtain counseling services or offer referrals to rehabilitation programs. Your health insurance could also cover up to 100% of treatment services. Whether your health insurance provider will cover all or part of your treatment will depend of your specific needs and the benefits detailed in your insurance plan. In order for insurance to understand rehab is medically necessary, the following must be true:
- You pose a serious risk to yourself or others due to your current substance abuse
- You have a DSM-5 diagnosis of a substance abuse disorder
- You are unable to maintain sobriety
- You currently live in a toxic or dysfunctional environment in which less intensive treatments are likely not to work
Capo Canyon Can Help You Today
If you’ve been holding down a job while also battling a substance abuse problem, you are not alone. The good news is, you can take the time you need off of work to get treatment without worrying that your job will have been filled while you were gone. The first step towards recovery is reaching out to Capo Canyon to get help with your addiction. An admissions counselor can discuss the options available and verify your insurance coverage if you would like to utilize your insurance benefits.
