I Need to go to Rehab: What Should I Tell My Boss?
If you have made the important step of accepting that you have a problem and the hard decision to enter a rehab program, feel confident that any employer worth working for will be willing to accommodate your situation. There are some protections for employees who decide on their own to enter a drug addiction rehab treatment program. Sadly, there are instances when employers will push back on employee decisions to enter rehab or attempt to use this information as a reason to terminate them. It’s essential that you do not let the potential loss of employment deter you from making the choice to get your personal life back on track. Your health and well-being should always come first.
At Oasis Recovery, our professionals can help you speak with your employer about the benefits of our personalized treatment programs and mental health services. We can advocate on your behalf and tailor a treatment plan that allows you to fulfill necessary job obligations so that you maintain employment or find new employment after you have successfully completed treatment. Reach out to us today to speak with a specialist about options to help you receive the treatment you deserve and manage job-related stress and concerns.
How to Tell Your Employer I Need to go to Rehab
Addiction is very common and employers should understand that accepting your situation and wanting to get better are positive and healthy life choices. An employer should fully support your decisions, offer encouragement and positive feedback in response to you taking personal responsibility and wanting to achieve lasting recovery so that you can improve your overall well-being and, in turn, improve your work performance.
If your employer does not take the news well, then there are a number of options.
Before you speak to your employer, it’s wise to be prepared for how they may respond. Before you have the conversation, locate and read your company’s policy related to substance abuse. If available, review the employee handbook or related materials that you may have received during your initial hiring and onboarding process.
Be honest and upfront. There’s a good possibility that your boss may have already noticed that you were struggling and that your work performance was being impacted. Your transparency about the situation is likely to be appreciated and help the conversation go smoothly. A good boss will respond with understanding and compassion.
Do not let the possibility of negative consequences deter you from being forthright and owning your situation. Know that you’re making the right decision for yourself, your health, your personal well-being, and the well-being of those in your life.
Protection Under The Law
The Family and Medical Leave Act says that employees have the ability to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave and that their job is protected during this time, for the sake of a serious health condition or to care for a spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition. Addiction is absolutely a serious health condition. Anyone who suggests otherwise does not understand the repercussions of substance abuse.
A compassionate boss will understand that they have a responsibility to help you, the employee, to take care of your health. Further, a sensible boss will understand that this choice will result in you becoming a better employee. They will expect that your job attendance and performance are likely to improve after you have undergone treatment and are thriving in sober life.
If possible, have in mind possible ways that a colleague or multiple colleagues can take care of your work-related responsibilities while you are in rehab.
It’s important to remember that addiction does not indicate an individual has a personal flaw, lack of morals, or lack of willpower. An employer is not allowed to discriminate against an employee for taking care of their personal health. Your employer is required to allow you to take a leave of absence for medical treatment.
You should keep in mind that many employers have strict substance abuse policies. Making them aware of your situation means that they will be on the lookout for a potential relapse. Maintaining clear communication with your employer will help you on your road to recovery.
It will help you if your boss has a good understanding that substance abuse recovery is difficult and that you will appreciate any way in which they can make your work situation safe and free of high-risk triggers as you re-enter society after rehab.
Reach Out to Oasis Recovery to Learn More about Rehab Options
AtOasis Recovery, in North Carolina, we pride ourselves on being able to accommodate our client’s personal life circumstances. Your boss should feel the same way if they have compassion for the difficulties associated with substance abuse. Our clinicians and mental health counselors can discuss treatment plan options with you that are amenable to your work-life situation. It’s possible you may be a good candidate for Outpatient Treatment (OT) which may allow you to fulfill some of your job obligations while undergoing recovery treatment. Reach out to us today for more information about recovery options designed to meet your personal needs.
