If you need drug and alcohol treatment and are afraid it will cost you your job, you are not alone. Many people put off going to treatment for a substance use disorder because they are afraid of missing work, losing their income, telling their employer, or losing their health insurance. The good news is that going to rehab does not automatically mean you need to quit your job.
Depending on your situation and the circumstances, you may have options that allow you to enter treatment while minimizing the impact on your career.
Can you go to rehab and keep your job?
In many cases, yes.
Depending on your employment situation and the type of addiction treatment you need will help us determine which approach is best for you. Some people will need a supervised detox followed by inpatient treatment which will require an extended absence from work. It may be appropriate for you to enter outpatient treatment that will allow you to continue working while undergoing treatment.
It is very important to enter treatment that will help you end the cycle of addiction and not just go to treatment based solely on your work schedule.
A qualified treatment professional can assess which type of program may be appropriate for you, while you explore your options for safeguarding your employment.
If you need a medical detox and residential inpatient treatment, trying to continue working could put your health at risk, or you may find yourself in legal trouble which could complicate things for you.
What if I can’t tell my boss about my addiction?
You may be worried that everyone at work will find out about you going to rehab.
Treatment providers understand that your privacy is important. HIPAA and, for certain substance use disorder treatment programs, additional federal rules protect your treatment information, although these laws allow some disclosures. Ask a prospective treatment program how patient information is handled and what documentation may be required for an employer.
You should talk with your human resources department about applicable leave policies before making employment decisions. Depending on your circumstances, federal or state employment protections may apply. For example, eligible employees may qualify for job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act for certain qualifying medical conditions and treatment.
Do Not Resign before finding out your options.
Can you work while going to rehab?
There are several different options that will allow you to remain employed while undergoing treatment for an addiction.
Outpatient programs which normally include counseling, therapy, medication management and recovery support while you continue to live at home and go to work. This treatment is not appropriate for everyone. If you have a serious risk of a dangerous withdrawal, and unstable home environment, severe addiction, or other complications, you may need a more structured level of care.
Partial hospitalization day treatment programs (PHP) can include sober monitored housing options that will give more structure while undergoing intensive treatment. PHP usually requires several hours of treatment on multiple days each week, so whether you can continue working depends on your work schedule and the program.
Sober living environments can offer another check and balance to outpatient therapy programs for those that do not have a stable home environment while undergoing treatment. The sober house option will give you accountability and structure that will help you stay on track throughout your recovery process.
What if I need inpatient rehab?
If you need inpatient treatment, you will need to take time off work. This can be difficult, but continuing to work with an active addiction can ultimately get worse and put your job at greater risk.
Addiction can affect:
- Productivity
- Concentration
- Attendance
- Relationships with coworkers
- Judgment
- Physical health
- And financial stability
Going to treatment before the situation becomes unmanageable may give you a better chance of protecting your health and your career.
Will my employer’s insurance pay for rehab?
If you have insurance through your employer, check your plan to see what substance use disorder treatment it covers and what you may have to pay.
Coverage can vary. It is important to ask about:
- Medical detox
- Residential treatment programs
- Outpatient treatment
- In-network rehabs
- Deductibles
- Copays
- Coinsurance
- Prior authorization
- Out of pocket expenses
Addiction No More can help you explore treatment programs that may work with your insurance and your treatment needs. Give us a call and we will be able to verify your insurance and see if one of the programs that we work with is in network with your insurance provider.
What if I can’t afford to take time off work to go to rehab?
Do not assume that an inpatient rehab is your only choice.
Depending on your specific case, treatment can include
- Medical detox: medically supervised withdrawal management when needed
- Residential treatment: Structured, with around the clock addiction treatment.
- Outpatient treatment: treatment while you stay at home
- Intensive outpatient treatment programs: more of a structured care environment that will provide greater flexibility than residential inpatient treatment
- Sober living homes: A safe place to live while undergoing outpatient treatment.
Should you quit your job and go to rehab?
Do not make that decision before understanding your options.
If addiction is already affecting your attendance, health, finances, relationships or performance, waiting until you lose your job may make the situation much harder.
Instead, find out:
- What level of treatment do you need?
- Does your insurance cover treatment?
- Could outpatient treatment be appropriate?
- What leave options are available through your employer?
- What treatment programs fit your circumstances?
You may have more choices than you realize.
Addiction No More Can Help
You don’t have to know which rehab you want before calling.
You can start by explaining what is happening and asking what treatment options might fit your situation.
Addiction No More can help you explore programs based on factors such as your substance use, location, insurance, treatment needs and desired level of care.
Call 1-800-513-5423
The call is confidential, and you are not obligated to enter treatment simply because you call.
Don’t let fear of losing your job keep you from finding out what help is available.
Your career matters. Your health matters too.
Take the first step and call Addiction No More at 1-800-513-5423.
