Deciding to go to rehab for drug or alcohol addiction is a great step in the right direction. But it’s only natural to have some questions and concerns about how life is going to change while you’re getting the addiction treatment you need. In fact, one of the biggest questions people have is “can I get my job back after rehab?” The quick answer is yes, most of the time. But ultimately, it depends on a few factors regarding your employer and your circumstances. So if you have any doubts as you prepare to get treatment—including the common question of “can I get my job back after rehab?”—here’s what you should know.

Know the Protections in Place When It Comes to Your Job

First, you should be aware that, legally, your employer may have to keep your job open for you for when you return. This is due to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was put in place to ensure you’re not discriminated against for conditions outside of your control. Addiction is one of these, meaning that your employer cannot legally fire you because you’ve chosen to get the treatment you need for drug or alcohol addiction. This is why the simple answer to “can I get my job back after rehab?” is yes.

After all, the ADA applies to all employers with 15 or more employees. So if your employer fits this description and you feel discriminated against because of your plan to seek treatment for your drug or alcohol addiction—such as if your employer fires you for going to rehab—you have legal protections. You can file a charge of discrimination in the workplace against them through the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). In many cases, if the employer is aware of this resource on your side, you can get some assurance that your job will be waiting for you when you return from drug rehab.

Another fact to know is that you might qualify for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This would let you take 12 weeks of unpaid time off work for medical or family reasons—including drug treatment. If you qualify for FMLA, you can rest assured your job position will be available for you to resume when you’re ready to go back after 12 weeks or less. You can usually take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off once per year.

How do you know if you qualify for FMLA or if your employer has to abide by it? First, all public agencies, public and private schools, and companies that have 50 or more employees have to offer FMLA as an option to certain employees. In order for you to be eligible to take your leave, you must have worked at your job for at least 12 months, totaling 1,250 hours over the last year. And you have to work at a company location that has 50 or more employees within 75 miles. If these criteria apply to you and your employer, then the answer to the question “can I get my job back after rehab?” is yes! Now is a great time to look at the services Transformations Treatment Center can offer you during your 12 weeks off from work.

Communicate with Your Employer Before You Go to Rehab

Even though you’re likely legally entitled to time off work for drug treatment services, it’s always best to talk to your employer about your plans to seek treatment. Letting your boss know ahead of time can create some goodwill between you, as they can reassign your work or hire a temp to keep up with the position until you return.

In most cases, your boss will be happy to see you get the help you need, especially if it was apparent that your work quality was slipping while you were using drugs. Your employer may even be relieved to find that drug addiction was the cause of any job performance problems you’ve had. After all, it takes time and money to hire and train new employees, so having to fire you for not getting your work done properly is not ideal. It’s better for your employer to give you the time you need to get treatment so you can return in a matter of weeks or months and do your job better than ever.

How Going to Rehab Can Improve Your Career

Now that you know your job will likely be safe during treatment, you should transition from asking “can I get my job back after rehab?” to “how will rehab help me do my job better?” And the answer is that treatment can help in many ways. First, even though ADA can protect your job as you get treatment, it doesn’t protect against termination for using drugs or alcohol on the job. It also doesn’t prevent you from losing your job after failing a drug test. So if you’re at risk of losing your job due to your drug or alcohol addiction, get help from a qualified facility like Transformations Treatment Center to avoid this outcome.

In addition, getting help for drug addiction can help improve your job performance, putting you on the path to raises, promotions, and awards at work. Such accolades are unlikely when you’re still abusing drugs or alcohol since you probably exhibit some of the following signs of addiction at work:

• Calling out often.
• Arriving late or leaving early.
• Missing deadlines.
• Reduced productivity at work.
• Showing up looking disheveled and unprofessional.
• Displaying an unhealthy physical appearance.
• Being inconsistent when it comes to work quality.
• Acting unfocused and unable to concentrate at work.
• Displaying mood swings or aggressive behavior.

If you think your boss has noticed any of these signs of drug abuse from you, getting treatment is your best bet to keep—and excel at—your job. So contact us today to take the first step toward getting the treatment you deserve for your addiction!