Taking leave from your place of employment to address a substance use disorder is nerve-wracking. Negative beliefs about treatment might deter you from seeking help. Fortunately, many companies offer an employee assistance program that can help you tackle the problem. It’s important to know federal laws and policies to protect you from losing your job.
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The reality is if the addiction continues untreated, the risk of losing your job is imminent. Whether you struggle with alcohol abuse or substance abuse, the trajectory is the same. Addiction is a progressive disease, and it will only be a matter of time before it takes control of everything important to you, including your work. At Ethan Crossing, we want to help you find a way to overcome this challenge. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
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Know What Treatment Options You Plan On Using
Everyone’s experience with substance abuse is different. The sort of therapy required depends on the intensity of the addiction. When speaking to an employer, you must know what treatment options you will be pursuing. This will ensure that you can accurately explain the time needed away from work. Ethan Crossing recommends having an assessment done by one of our professionals, as this can be difficult to determine on your own.
It’s possible that treatment can be performed in an outpatient setting. This affords you the flexibility to attend work or school and participate in daily-life responsibilities. Ethan Crossing provides an Intensive Outpatient program as well as a variety of other treatment options, such as:
Present A Timeline For Treatment And Returning To Work
When considering whether or not to inform your employer that you are going to drug/alcohol rehab, you should first investigate the company’s drug and alcohol policy in the workplace. Most companies offer employee assistance programs for substance abuse.
Though you want to be honest, it is possible you may not need to disclose the exact nature of your request for leave. Knowing your rights as an employee will help you navigate the conversation. Having a timeline in place will be beneficial for your confidence and will give your employer a solid idea of how to plan for your absence.
Write Down What You Want To Say
We’ve all had experiences where nerves got the best of us. If you decide to be fully transparent about your struggles with addiction, we recommend that you write down exactly what you want to say. Having this in written form will help you to convey your message accurately.
The interaction could be filed with the company’s human resources department. This could be useful if there are issues upon returning to work. This will help you maintain personal accountability in recovery. One day you will be able to look back and say, “I did it!”
Practice The Conversation With A Friend
When confronted with conflict, we frequently revert to default habits that have been hard-wired into our neural systems. Find a friend or family member you trust to help you practice. By preparing for the conversation, you may have more control over your behavior instead of resorting to unconscious defense mechanisms.
Be Prepared For Anything
The conversation will likely go much better than you imagine, but it’s essential to be prepared for anything. Here are a few tips to keep the conversation productive.
- Acknowledge Their Feelings
Understand that this is a difficult conversation for both of you. Help clarify your position without minimizing theirs by being a good listener.
- Stick To The Solution
Recognize your emotional energy and your employer’s, and direct it toward a useful purpose. In other words, be more focused on the solution and not the problem.
- Provide an opportunity for preparation
Your employer may have compassion for you at this time, but they will undoubtedly be concerned about the business they are trying to run. Consider having an organized plan to tie up loose ends before your departure.
How We Can Help You
Your work is important, and that’s precisely why you should strive to be the best version of yourself. It’s easy to let the fear of losing your job keep you from making this crucial decision in your life. Don’t let the stigma of addiction stop you from getting help. Investing in a treatment program will change your life and your outlook. Ethan Crossing is here to help you achieve sobriety and become the person you are meant to be. At our state-of-the-art rehab facility, you will acquire the tools you need to return to work happy and healthy.