Millions of Americans struggle with addiction. Most people who abuse substances do not get the help they need for a very long time. In fact, many people struggle for years. They may attempt to stop on their own during those years, but the fact is that most people with addiction need to go to treatment to recover from it.
So why do people put off treatment? They may believe that they are in control of their substance use or believe they wouldn’t qualify for substance abuse treatment. People also fear that they might lose their job or fall behind at school. They may be afraid to take time away from their families.
Addiction makes it impossible to have a good quality of life. It can have devastating consequences for your physical and mental health. Over time, it takes a toll on your finances, social life, and ability to advance in your career. The problems caused by addiction get worse over time. The sooner you get addiction treatment, the better the chance you have of avoiding long-term damage to your physical and emotional health.
Substance abuse treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Everyone has their own journey with addiction and recovery, and there are many programs available to help you wherever you are at. If you worry about your family responsibilities or how you will keep your job during rehab, you have options.
Substance Abuse in the Workplace
People may assume that people with substance use disorders do not work. The truth is, most people who struggle with substance abuse are employed. Substance abuse does not go unnoticed in the workplace, though.
Employees who abuse substances are more likely to miss work, cause more dangerous workplace accidents, and use twice the medical benefits when compared to employees who do not. They put themselves and their peers in danger and cost employers significant sums of money in workers’ compensation claims and unplanned absences. For these reasons, employers often offer assistance to their workers to help them get the addiction treatment they need.
Recognizing substance abuse in the workplace can be difficult. There are some common signs of it, including:
- Poor performance
- Difficulty completing tasks
- Multiple absences
- Frequent job changes
- Strained relationships with peers and management
- Unable to show up to work on time
These behaviors often lead to termination or can prevent people from advancing at work. If you are struggling with substance abuse and want to keep your job during rehab, many options are available.
Programs That Allow You to Keep Your Job During Rehab
There are many levels of care available when it comes to substance abuse treatment. The level of care you require is based on the length and severity of your addiction.
EAP
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) may be offered by the company. These programs are available to employees who need treatment or support for a mental health or substance abuse issue. Services are offered over the phone or in person. If you require a higher level of care, the EAP practitioner–usually a therapist or addiction counselor–can give you a referral to other appropriate programs.
Outpatient
Outpatient addiction treatment programs allow people to get therapy and other clinical treatment in an outpatient setting. These programs usually meet for 1-3 days a week and allow people to remain employed. During outpatient addiction treatment program days, people receive individual and group therapy, education, and consultations with medical professionals if necessary.
Inpatient
Some people require inpatient substance abuse treatment to overcome their addiction. While you are required to take a leave of absence when you participate in inpatient treatment, many programs make allowances for people who need to continue working. People often have time to write emails and make phone calls, or to complete other work activities.
Legal Protection for Substance Abuse Treatment
The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protects people who need to take a leave of absence for medical care or to help a family member who needs assistance with a medical issue. This includes substance abuse treatment. If you have worked for your company for at least a year and 1,250 hours, you are protected by FMLA. This means you can take a leave of absence to get the treatment you need without worrying about losing your job.
The risks of not getting substance abuse treatment are too high to ignore. Your health and future are at risk, and you will not be able to reach your goals. It is important to find the right level of care so that you can treat your substance use disorder, overcome your addiction, and live the healthy life you deserve.
Learn About Ways to Keep Your Job During Rehab in New Jersey
If you or someone you love require substance abuse treatment, reach out to the staff at New Jersey Addiction Intervention. We offer programs that let you keep your job during rehab, and work to empower people to overcome addiction. We know that life doesn’t stop when you need treatment. That’s why we offer flexible treatment options that let you get the help you need while handling your responsibilities.
If you are ready to take the first step towards recovery from substance abuse, we will walk the rest of the way with you. Call today to get started.
Medically Reviewed: May 28, 2021
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.