Can You Get Fired For Going to Rehab?
If you have a history of drug abuse and want to enter rehab, you might be worried about losing your job. You may also be concerned about the stigma that exists in the workplace. However, some laws can protect your employment.
Several different federal laws protect you from losing your job while in rehab. In addition, you can have your medical insurance cover part of the cost. This is because addiction disorders are considered medical conditions. Generally, the more serious the illness, the more protections you can expect.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that protects eligible employees from being fired for taking time off for medical reasons. You can take up to 12 weeks off without pay each year. Your employer must also keep your health insurance coverage during the leave.
In addition, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal act that protects people with disabilities from discrimination at work. While the ADA doesn’t necessarily save you from drug use, it can save you if your substance abuse disorder affects your job performance. ADA protections include reasonable accommodations and job protections for rehab students and individuals with an addiction.
Getting treatment for your substance abuse disorder is essential to a sober life. However, the stigma that can exist in the workplace can prevent some people from getting the help they need. It would help if you considered talking to your boss about your addiction and reintegration into the workforce. A small business owner can offer you a chance to stay on the job until you can attend regular treatment sessions.
In addition, if you are concerned about losing your job after you get treatment, you should discuss your circumstances with your human resources department. Ensure all of your duties are covered, and your co-workers know how to do your job. Your employer may require you to undergo drug tests. However, if your addiction doesn’t affect your job performance, you don’t need to worry about losing your job.
Another way to protect your job is to sign a return-to-work agreement. These are confidential and outline expectations for both you and your employer. Some employers might also require you to complete a treatment plan. They may ask you to attend support groups or alums gatherings. After you meet the requirements, you can return to your job.
Using illegal drugs at work is another way an employer can fire you. Although your employer has the right to terminate you for using drugs at work, they cannot do so for other reasons.When working on a substance use disorder, you are likely to miss significant amounts of time at work. This can negatively impact your productivity. To help prevent this from happening, you should enter a program to help you learn how to manage your addiction and your job.
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