If you’re stressed about addiction, you may be worried about how to tell your employer that you need to go to rehab. You may be concerned that going to rehab will jeopardize your job. However, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers must provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, including people recovering from addiction. Here’s what you need to know about talking to your boss about going to rehab and keeping your job.
Be Honest That You Need Addiction Treatment
Being honest with your employer about the addiction and your plans to attend rehab is essential. When confronting the tough and sensitive topic of substance misuse and addiction, it is imperative to remain honest with your employer about the treatment plan. A detox program, residential rehab center, and other forms of addiction treatment, like PHP and IOP, are all available options and should be discussed openly with your supervisor. Maintaining transparency in this conversation allows you to ensure that your job remains secure and that you can return after successful rehabilitation. Your employer’s concerns regarding your wellness should be heard during this dialogue, so having a constructive conversation without judgment or prejudice is essential to preserving the professional relationship.
Laws Protect Your Job
Finding professional mental health help for substance treatment can be daunting and may leave you concerned about your job security. You may be worried about losing your job. Most employers understand and will work with you if they know you are getting help for your addiction. No one should ever have to sacrifice their mental health to keep their job. Discussing rehab with your employer requires a difficult but important conversation, and it can be intimidating to consider how they will react. There is no shame in needing mental health support. Consider discussing available mental health services such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and group or individual therapy sessions so that your employer has an understanding of the type of care being pursued. You do not have to deal with these issues alone; professionals are ready to assist you in finding the most appropriate way forward for you and your company.
Check Insurance & How to Pay for Addiction Treatment
If a leave of absence is feasible in your company policy, keep in mind that there are financial considerations such as insurance coverage and payment for treatment. Before approaching your employer, double-check your insurance coverage and ensure you know how you will cover therapy costs. This way, you can be better prepared to discuss your mental health needs respectfully and confidently, which will help ensure that you and your employer are on the same page. Seeking professional mental health help should not be scary but viewed as an opportunity for growth!
When discussing mental health with your employer, approach the conversation with openness and understanding. Researching and understanding your mental health insurance coverage and any financial payment options you may have for therapy can be beneficial. This information lets you and your employer plan how to create a successful care program. Knowing that you are taking the steps necessary to manage mental illness encourages your employer to provide support throughout the process. Doing so ensures that both parties can work together to develop a treatment plan that works best for everyone.
Laws protect Addiction Treatment Admission
There are laws in place that protect employees who need to take time off for treatment. Never be afraid to make your mental well-being a priority. When you need to take time off of work to seek treatment, it can be daunting to communicate this to your employer. However, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protect employees from being discriminated against for needing to take time off for rehab. These two federal laws offer protection under such circumstances; they may vary by state, so research what applies to your circumstances. Ensuring you understand your legal backing can empower you during this conversation and provide comfort during what can otherwise be an uncomfortable and intimidating situation. Be prepared to discuss these laws and how they apply to your situation with your employer. You can be confident that you will be able to continue employment after seeking the help you need.
Plan for Sobriety After Addiction Treatment
Be sure to have a solid plan in place for managing your recovery while still meeting the demands of your job. To balance your job responsibilities with rehabilitation, you should speak with your employer about what PHP, or Partial Hospitalization Program, and IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) would be feasible options for you that would still allow you to fulfill your job duties. It is also beneficial to discuss ways to maintain ongoing support in the form of aftercare through outpatient meetings and alumni programs connected with the rehab facility to help ensure long-term sobriety. Additionally, AA meetings and continued individual therapy can be critical aspects of recovery after rehab. It’s imperative to dialogue openly with your employer about possible accommodations that could facilitate access to these resources while also allowing you to remain dedicated to completing the tasks associated with your job.
Handling Questions About Addiction Treatment
Be prepared to answer any questions your employer may have, and be straightforward about what you expect from them during this time. Be organized and honest when talking to your employer about going to rehab. Explain the relapse prevention program you plan on following, such as attending 12-step meetings and support groups. Additionally, discuss any strategies for reconnecting with family and coworkers after rehab. Finally, include a dialogue about managing any lingering anxiety or depression (embed the new page link here) upon returning and ways to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Being upfront and transparent can help create an understanding between you and your employer that can benefit the entire process. When talking to your employer about such sensitive topics, it is essential to be organized, which ultimately can lead to an outcome where everyone wins.
If you are struggling with addiction, it is important to be honest with your employer about your plans to go to rehab. Most employers understand and will work with you if they know you are getting help for your addiction. Laws protect employees (1) who need to take time off for treatment, so be sure you and the employer are aware of your rights. It is also important to have a solid plan in place for managing your recovery while still meeting the demands of your job. Be prepared to answer any questions your employer may have, and be honest about what you expect from them during this time. Call Olympic Behavioral Health today if you need help entering a substance abuse rehab program.
