A common concern for people who are considering entering an addiction treatment program is how they will keep their job. Every situation is different, and choosing how to handle your request for time off will vary depending on the type of work you do and the flexibility and compassion of your manager. Luckily, there are legal protections that allow you to take time off work for medically necessary treatment while keeping your position. While taking time off from work can be stressful, seeking treatment for substance abuse will ultimately only benefit your job performance and career. The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, or FMLA, provides legal protection of your job for up to twelve weeks while you are in addiction recovery treatment. There are certain requirements you must meet before taking advantage of FMLA, such as having worked for your company for at least a year. If you meet all the requirements, your employer is required to hold your job for you while granting you unpaid leave so that you may seek treatment. If you have any unused vacation time or sick leave, you may be able to use those hours during your leave so that you don’t have to go as long without pay. In order to request this time off, you can choose to speak directly with your company’s human resources department in order to avoid a potentially uncomfortable conversation with your manager. However, you may choose to be completely open about your choice to seek help for your addiction, in which case there is nothing to be ashamed of. Taking the time to recover from addiction is an incredibly strong and courageous act of self-care, and any friends or colleagues that care about you are sure to support your decision.
At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit, so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.