How to Go to Rehab When You Have a Job

There are different options on how to go to rehab when you have a job. There are several important factors to keep in mind when seeking addiction help while employed. One of which is that there are laws and programs in place to help protect the employee from losing their job while they are healing from their addiction struggles. These are all things that the rehab can help set up while you are getting this much-needed help.

Can You Work While in Rehab?

Drug and alcohol addiction treatment has several different steps to it. Each step is a different level of care. Some of these provide the flexibility to work and maintain a normal lifestyle, outside of going through the addiction treatment process. Traditionally, the more restrictive inpatient forms of rehab, detox and residential specifically, are a 24/7 type of care. Medical staff is available to address issues that may arise and the individual general stays on campus at all times. However, the less restrictive forms of care like PHP, IOP, and OP provide a less restrictive form of care. It is important to remember that when seeking help for addiction, focusing on healing and recovery is highly recommended. Work will be there, this is a time for get better and heal.

Options for Attending Rehab While Working

How to attend rehab when you have a job can be hard. But, with outpatient care there is more freedom and flexibility that can provide the time to work. These outpatient levels of care help the individual maintain their everyday lifestyle while still getting much-needed care and support.

PHP

A partial hospitalization program, or PHP, is one of the outpatient forms of care. It is generally the next step after completing detox and residential, in most cases. This step-down form of care does not provide the 24/7, around-the-clock medical care that others do, so it is crucial to ensure the individual is stable enough to enter into this form of care. PHP is also known as day treatment for the simple fact that the program usually runs its group and individual therapy sessions during daytime hours, allowing the individuals who are participating to return to a sober living environment at night in which they have more freedom and can care for themselves.

IOP

Intensive outpatient programs, also known as IOP, is a step down from PHP. It generally consists of attending group and individual therapy 3-5 days out of the week for 3-5 hours. This can either be day or night, normally. IOP is great option for anyone wondering how to go to rehab when you have a job. It is less restrictive than other levels of care, and provides great flexibility to work around schedules for jobs and school. For those looking to go to rehab while working, IOP is a great option.

Evening IOP

Evening IOP, much like regular IOP, provides extreme flexibility when it comes to scheduling. It allows for those who have jobs and careers to continue working during the daytime hours, then attend IOP during the evening hours, after work is done. For those wondering how to go to rehab when you have a job, this is a great option.

Can a Job Fire You For Going to Rehab?

Many people ask “Can a job fire you for going to rehab?”, and it is crucial to understand that there are different protections in place when it comes to maintaining employment while going to rehab. It is crucial to be transparent with the case managers so they can help with any paperwork or required documents for the employer, and get them submitted within a timely fashion. Knowing about these protections, and the rights they afford, can help someone who is wondering how to go to rehab when you have a job.

Know Your Rights

The US Department of Labor outlines the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) as a program that allows employees to take time off for medical care. If the individual is attending rehab, and under the care of a medical or mental health professional, they may be eligible to take time off. There are different requirements by the employer that may be in place, such as length of employment, but FMLA is an option for employees who need medical care. Also, being that addiction is a disease, outlined in the DSM-5 manual, the Americans with Disabilities Act can also protect employees who need to get help for addiction. The ADA protects those with chronic conditions from discrimination by employers and others.

Finding the Right Rehab Program While Employed

If you are wondering how to go to rehab when you have a job, there are ways to ease the anxiety surrounding the issue. Getting help is just as important as keeping a job. Without the necessary care and support, the odds of continuing down a path of self-destruction are greater, and inevitably everything can fall apart. Finding the right program is possible. Researching what a specific program offers, and then asking questions can help when it comes to deciding which program will best suit the individual’s specific needs.

Get Care That Works for You

Outpatient rehab programs are a crucial part of addiction recovery. They provide structure, care, and support for the individuals who take part while also providing flexibility. This flexibility allows the individual to maintain their daily lifestyle, with minimal interruption. If you or a loved one are seeking help, Flatirons Recovery is available. We strive to provide a safe and healing environment for individuals to learn positive and healthy coping skills for long-term recovery. Call us today and begin on a path to a healthier life.