Addiction is a powerful disease that can affect various aspects of your life, including your career and work productivity. Individuals who would benefit from inpatient rehab programming often worry about repercussions that can take place at work if they were to take time off. If you are considering attending residential treatment, the Harmony Health Group manages rehab facilities across the East Coast, including Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, and Tennessee.
The Harmony Health Group is in-network with many insurance providers, and accepts insurance for various treatment services. This includes coverage for substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and dual diagnosis care. By working with a wide range of insurance companies, the Harmony Health Group can help those experiencing mental health access appropriate treatment options, without the added stress of significant financial burden.
Employment Implications of Seeking Rehab
Deciding to ask for help with substance abuse or mental health concerns is a courageous and important step toward your recovery. Understandably, many have concerns about how to go to rehab without losing their jobs because they have bills to pay and may even have others depending on them and their income.
There are several concerns that individuals can experience regarding taking time off from work to get help for their mental health. In addition to concerns about being let go or fired, you may find yourself worried about your privacy, new or worsening workplace culture, and being required to make up missed work. These are all valid concerns, and there are answers related to these concerns that may be able to put your mind at ease.
Can You Be Fired for Going to Rehab?
Legally, you cannot be fired just for taking time to engage in treatment such as inpatient detox programs, residential substance abuse treatment programs, and mental health treatment programs. Those who have experienced conflict at work, and those who have stolen time or product from work may be in a different situation.
Concerns about job security and the fear of being fired can deter people from getting the help they need. The good news is that there are various laws and workplace policies designed to support employees who access treatment for addiction. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) provide protections for those needing time off for medical treatment, including inpatient addiction treatment. Understanding how these acts can protect you may give you some relief about taking time to get the help you need for your substance use.
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How To Go To Inpatient Rehab Without Losing Your Job
Deciding to get help for an addiction with a rehab facility can be a significant step toward long-lasting recovery and wellness. If you find yourself wondering if you can get fired for going to rehab, there are steps you can take to better understand your rights, and the steps you can take to maintain your employment. This can include:
Know Your Rights
Research Your Employer’s Policies
Consult HR or Management
Explore Treatment Options and Develop a Treatment Plan
Request Leave and Assist with Any Duty Coverage
Communicate Professionally and Stay Connected
Private Inpatient Rehab Centers Near Me
The Harmony Health Group is a private organization that manages inpatient recovery programs and outpatient treatment options along the East Coast of the United States. We pride ourselves on providing comprehensive and individualized care that addresses the unique needs of each individual we work with. Individuals experiencing substance use concerns are encouraged to contact us by calling (866) 461-4474 today.
Treatment Center in Florida
Treatment Center in Massachusetts
Treatment Center in North Carolina
Treatment Center in New Jersey
Treatment Center in Tennessee
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Employee Assistance Programs to Help With Recovery
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are an example of an employee benefit that is a workplace-based program that can help you manage personal concerns that may adversely affect your job performance, health, and overall well-being. These programs typically provide confidential counseling services, resources, and support for various issues, including substance abuse, mental health concerns, family problems, and financial difficulties.
Employees who find themselves struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues, often find that EAPs are an invaluable resource, providing them with appropriate referrals to specialized treatment programs, including inpatient rehabilitation centers. When you choose to use EAP services, you can take a proactive approach by addressing your problems early, which may prevent it from escalating into a bigger concern. Your EAP can also help you navigate medical leave and other employment-related concerns during the recovery process.
Employment Laws That May Protect Me From Losing My Job
Several employment laws protect those engaging in treatment for substance abuse or mental health concerns. These laws make sure that you can access the appropriate medical care, putting concerns about losing your job or being replaced at ease. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with these laws before attending treatment.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Local State Laws
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
How To Tell Your Employer You Are Going to Rehab
Now that we have discussed how to go to rehab and keep your job, let’s explore how to tell your employer you are going to rehab. While this may be an overwhelming task, it’s a necessary step in the process where you can explain that you need to take medical leave to address a health condition.
You may find that spending time preparing to discuss the logistics of your leave, such as the expected duration of your leave and any coverage plans, eases some of the worries you have going into this meeting. We encourage you to have documentation from your healthcare provider on hand in case your employer requires it for your leave. You can discuss how you intend to communicate with them during your absence with any needed updates or unexpected changes to your return to work. Being proactive about your leave can help make your return to work easier for you to manage. If you’re wondering, can you work while in rehab, we encourage you to speak with the treatment center directly to learn about their policies regarding working during the duration of your care. Some inpatient drug rehabs are okay with this, whereas others do not permit working because they want you to remain focused on your treatment.
Returning to Work After Rehab Treatment
Returning to work after rehab treatment can be a significant change for many. It can be a time of stress, which can test your use of the skills you learned in treatment. Before you return, you can communicate with your employer to discuss necessary accommodations, and your plan for reintegration into the workplace.
Options that may be available to you include a phased return to work, adjustments to your workload, or other supportive measures to ensure a smooth transition. Depending on your employer, you may have an opportunity to access job skills training or have remote work opportunities upon your return. Open communication can help manage expectations and make your return as seamless as possible. It’s also important to continue prioritizing your recovery after returning to work. This might involve ongoing therapy, attending support groups, or maintaining healthy coping mechanisms.
Balancing work and recovery can be challenging, but with the right support and strategies in place, you can maintain your sobriety and perform effectively in your job. With the question of can your job fire you for going to rehab answered, the next step is for you to look into your state regulations and reach out to treatment providers directly to learn if their programs would be a good fit for you!
Statistics on Rehab Treatment for Professionals and Workplace Employees
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Get in touch with Harmony Health Group to find out about our rehab admissions process, free assessment, treatment options or to check your insurance coverage levels. Your first step to recovery starts here!
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