February 22, 2024

Can You Get Fired for Going to Rehab?

an employee after learning he can't get fired after going to rehab

If you or a loved one are in need of addiction treatment but are worried about can you get fired for going to rehab?, there is likely no need to be concerned. 

Addiction is considered a serious health condition under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), prohibiting most employers from firing you for getting treatment for a Substance Use Disorder (SUD). 

This means that rehab is considered a medical leave if all conditions for inpatient care/continuing treatment are met. 

If you’re unsure whether your circumstances qualify, call Gratitude Lodge’s dedicated recovery experts at 800-994-2184. We’ll work with your employers to get you treatment without worrying about going back to work after recovery. 

FMLA rehab law states that an employer can not take action against an employee who is either getting treatment upon referral by a healthcare provider or is the caretaker of a covered family member receiving treatment for substance abuse.

Addiction is also considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and prohibits discrimination against individuals in recovery from addiction. It also allows accommodations to be made for schedule changes should you need to attend AA/NA meetings or rehab.

While these laws typically prevent people from getting fired for going to rehab, data from SAMHSA indicates that fewer than one in ten U.S. adults with diagnosable addictions actually utilize these provisions and get the help they need. 

Want Help Setting Up FMLA for Rehab?

Call our knowledgeable recovery experts today at 800-994-2184. We'll walk you through the process of getting rehab without losing your job.

Addiction in the Workplace

In this blog, you’ll discover how the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) may provide protection from losing your job if you require rehabilitation for alcohol use disorder (alcoholism) or substance use disorder (drug addiction), both diagnosable medical conditions.

Alcoholism and drug addiction are a significant problem in the United States, both in and out of the workplace.

Data from NSDUH 2021 (National Survey on Drug Use and Health) indicate that:

●  46.3 million U.S. adults met the diagnostic criteria for drug addiction (substance use disorder) in 2021.

●  29.5 million U.S. adults met the diagnostic criteria for alcoholism (alcohol use disorder) in 2021.

●  7.3 million U.S. adults met the diagnostic criteria for drug addiction and alcoholism in 2021.

Despite common misconceptions, the majority of adults struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol hold down jobs. According to NCADD (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence), more than 70% of adults who abuse illicit narcotics are in employment. Most of those who engage in binge drinking episodes are also employed.

The most abused substances in the workplace include:

    • Alcohol
    • Marijuana
    • Cocaine

    The cumulative cost of drug and alcohol abuse by employees is estimated to exceed $100 billion each year.

    Poor Performance

    Addiction in the workplace can have significant adverse effects on your performance, as well as impacting the overall productivity and efficiency of the workplace. Here are some  ways in which addiction can impact performance:

      • Decreased productivity: Addiction can impair your ability to focus and complete tasks, leading to decreased productivity. This can potentially result in missed deadlines, low quality work, and reduced efficiency.

      • Increased absenteeism: Addiction can lead to absenteeism from work, either due to physical health complications or to attend treatment or support groups. This can lower productivity and increase the workload for your co-workers.

      • Safety risks: If you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol while at work, you may pose a safety risk to yourself and others, possibly triggering workplace accidents or injuries, impacting both personal performance and overall productivity in the workplace.

      • Interpersonal problems: Addiction can spark interpersonal problems with colleagues, such as conflicts, clouded communication, and impaired teamwork. This can impact the overall culture of the workplace and may reduce job satisfaction for everyone concerned.

      • Increased healthcare costs: Addiction can result in increased healthcare costs for both you and your employer, due to the need for medical treatment, therapy, and counseling.

      Can you get fired for going to rehab, then?

      Can I Get Fired for Going to Rehab?

      It is possible to get fired from your job for going to rehab if substance abuse is impairing your professional performance. That said, you are offered protections from the ADA and the FMLA.

        • Important note: Neither the ADA nor the FMLA provide protection for those currently and actively using drugs.

        ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

        The ADA took effect in 1990, designed to protect employees from discrimination, whether they are in recovery from addiction or seeking inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment.

        Thanks to the ADA, employers are legally prohibited from engaging in the following destructive and discriminating behaviors:

        1. Refusing to hire someone because they went to rehab or because they have previously engaged with treatment for drug addiction or alcoholism.
        2. Refusing to promote someone for the same reasons.
        3. Firing someone for going to rehab.
        4. Firing someone for having attended rehab in the past.
        5. Firing, refusing to hire, or refusing to promote someone with a history of substance abuse or addiction

         

        FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act)

        FMLA passed in 1993, intended to protect those who need time off work to care for themselves, a spouse, a child, or a parent with a serious health complication.

        It is possible to use FMLA leave for the following purposes:

          • Drug addiction rehab

          • Alcoholism rehab

          • Treatment for a physical complication triggered by substance abuse – liver failure, for instance

          The FMLA prohibits an employer from firing, demoting, or refusing to promote someone who takes advantage of FMLA leave to attend rehab.

          Under the FMLA, you may be entitled to three months of unpaid and non-reimbursable leave to engage with treatment for alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder without losing your job as a result. During that time, you will retain access to group healthcare benefits to help you defray treatment costs.

          How to Tell Your Employer You’re Going to Rehab

          If you want to learn how to go to rehab without losing your job, you are in luck, federal laws protect you in this case. If you are thinking about entering inpatient or outpatient rehab for substance abuse, ensure that you know your rights.

          When you voice your intentions of taking leave under the FMLA to your employer or the HR department in your workplace, you are not obliged to reveal your diagnosis. That said, you should offer enough information to illustrate that your leave is related to a condition protected under the FMLA.

          If appropriate, complete any current projects and let your coworkers know that you’re taking a leave of absence.

          Here is a framework to help you alert your employer that you need to go to rehab:

            • Plan ahead: Choose a time and place where you can talk privately with your employer. Make sure you have all the necessary information about your leave of absence and that you are aware of your company’s policies concerning addiction treatment.

            • Be honest: Be straightforward and honest about your situation. Let your employer know that you need to take time off to address a personal issue and that you are going to rehab to get the help you need.

            • Reinforce your commitment: Make sure that your employer knows that you are committed to getting better and that rehab is an important part of the recovery process. You can also reassure them that you will do everything you can to minimize any disruptions to your work while you are away.

            • Keep it simple: There is no need to divulge too much detail about your situation unless you feel comfortable doing so. Keep the conversation focused on the fact that you need to take time off for rehab.

            • Adhere to company policy: Ensure that you follow your company’s policy for requesting a leave of absence. Provide all necessary documentation and follow the proper procedures.

            an image of gratitude lodge representing how long is inpatient fentanyl rehab

            Newport Beach Rehab at Gratitude Lodge

            When you are ready to commit to recovery from drug addiction or alcoholism, we can help you from detox to discharge and beyond at to Gratitude Lodge‘s rehab in Newport Beach, California

            Kickstart your recovery with our supervised medical detox program. Benefit from medications to streamline withdrawal and continuous care to minimize the chance of complications or relapse during detoxification. After a week or so, you can move directly into ongoing inpatient or outpatient treatment.

            Maybe you require the support and structure provided by our 30-day inpatient rehab program. Perhaps you need the flexibility of intensive outpatient treatment so you can continue meeting your commitments without compromising your recovery. For those with co-occurring disorders, our dual diagnosis treatment program delivers coordinated care.

            All Gratitude Lodge treatment plans offer individualized therapy that may combine the following interventions:

            • MAT (medication-assisted treatment)

            • Psychotherapy

            • Individual counseling

            • Group therapy

            • Family therapy

            • Holistic therapy

            • Aftercare

            When you feel ready to move beyond active addiction, we can help you achieve this at Gratitude Lodge in Newport Beach. Call the friendly team for immediate assistance and learn about how you can go to rehab without losing your job.

            Want to learn more?

            Recent Articles

            Begin your journey
            to recovery.

            Get evidence-based treatment in a peaceful location, with a
            team of dedicated, expert staff. 
            Share on Facebook
            Share on Twitter
            Share on Linkedin
            Share on Email
            Joe Gilmore

            Joseph Gilmore

            Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.
            Jenni Bussi

            Jenni Busse MS, LPCC

            Jenni Busse MS, LPSS is the Clinical Director at Gratitude Lodge. Jenni oversees the clinical program and the clinical team at Gratitude Lodge as a whole. Jenni has worked in treatment for almost 14 years. Her background as a licensed therapist and her passion for helping others intersected with addiction recovery when she started working primarily in detox residential treatment.

            Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox, facilitating the beginnings of a successful recovery at our rehab addiction centers in Orange County, CA.

            Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox.

            Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse. Alcohol detox may not take as long or produce severe withdrawal symptoms, but it is still an essential beginning to your recovery.

            Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse.
            people laughing together representing What caused the opioid epidemic

            Holistic Therapy

            Our holistic therapy treatments offer a full-scope approach to recovery, addressing your mind, body, and emotions as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This therapy is designed to help address underlying issues and integrate alternative therapies to promote overall health and well-being.
            people sit in treatment session representing does rehab work

            Psychotherapy

            An essential part of your treatment experience, we offer individual (CBT and DBT talk therapy) and group addiction treatment counseling to help you explore and address the emotional component of addiction, providing you with the tools, self-awareness, and empowerment you need to maintain recovery.

            Dual Diagnosis

            Dual Diagnosis is a highly effective addiction treatment that addresses substance use and mental health disorders simultaneously. Often co-occurring, these disorders are best managed when treated together with specific and targeted therapy.
            doctor appointment representing how long is inpatient fentanyl rehab

            Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

            Medication-Assisted Treatment provides you with FDA-approved medications to help ease the symptoms of withdrawal while you’re in treatment. This makes the detox process easier and safer, as well as increasing the chances of a successful recovery.

            Sober Living

            Sober living provides a supportive and substance-free living environment for your ongoing recovery. We partner with a number of upscale and carefully vetted sober living homes that are available to our clients after inpatient alcohol and drug addiction treatment.
            people holding hands in a circle representing Same-day admission rehab for fentanyl

            Outpatient Treatment

            Once detox and inpatient are complete, we provide an easy transition to outpatient care through our hand-selected partners. This program offers a more flexible approach, allowing you to ease back in to daily life while still receiving frequent & effective care.

            Inpatient
Treatment

            Inpatient treatment provides an intensive and comprehensive addiction treatment program in a structured environment. You will receive 24/7 expert care, therapy, and support as you build your foundation for long-term recovery.

            Drug & Alcohol Detox

            A crucial first step in the recovery process, our detox program provides a comfortable, medically supervised environment that addresses the physical aspect of addiction and eliminates substances from your body.

            Use Our 24 Hour text line. You can ask questions about our program, the admissions process, and more.