According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), more than 19 million American adults (aged 12 and older) struggled with a substance abuse disorder in 2017. Genetics, environmental factors and mental health disorders are all factors that can increase a person’s risk of addiction.
Can I get fired for going to rehab?
Losing their job and income is a big concern among professionals who struggle with addiction. They’re not only concerned about the addiction affecting job performance, but also whether seeking rehabilitation will lead to termination.
What will happen if my employer finds out?
The good news is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects employees from being discriminated against because of a disability. The ADA also provides protection to alcoholics and recovering addicts who choose to go to drug and alcohol rehab. This means your employer is required to make reasonable accommodations, like changing your work schedule to accommodate meetings or allowing you to take a leave of absence under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to attend alcohol and drug rehab.
How can FMLA protect my job?
FMLA can protect you from losing your job while in rehab up to 12 weeks during the same 12-month period. For those who suffer from addiction, this may require a referral for treatment from a healthcare provider in order to have their addiction qualify as a ‘serious health condition.’
Can I get fired for having an addiction?
People actively using illegal drugs are not protected by the ADA. If your employer states that job performance has declined because of your drinking or substance abuse, your employer has the right to fire you—as long as they can prove their claim of poor performance.
If you decide go to a rehabilitation facility for treatment before your employer takes disciplinary action, you cannot get fired for past errors or poor job performance.
If you’re considering going to rehab for drug or alcohol addiction, we want you to know you will not be alone. At Alpine Recovery Lodge, we understand the first step is often the most difficult, but we will guide you each step thereafter—and the path forward is full of hope, health and recovery. Call us at 877-415-4060.
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