Going into rehab for an addiction is a great way to start the recovery process and give yourself a better chance of a sober future. However, if you are working, it can be hard to know what to say to your boss about your impending absence. It is crucial for you to know your rights, know the policies at your workplace, and learn what to say to help make this a more positive experience as you look forward to getting the help you need.
Know Your Rights
Before talking to your boss about going to drug rehab in costa mesa, make sure you know your rights under local laws. The FMLA allows employees to take time off work to get inpatient assistance for an addiction. Under this law, the employee should be guaranteed they'll be able to return to their job or an equivalent one at the same workplace once they have completed rehab. There are some exceptions to this, though, so it is crucial to learn more about the law and how it applies to your situation.
Learn About Work Policies
Make sure you learn more about what your workplace requires for longer absences, the drug policy, and anything else that may impact your ability to continue in the same position after you complete rehab. The FMLA does have an exception pertaining to workplaces wherein the business has a zero-tolerance policy for substance abuse. Admitting to substance abuse could mean you are terminated. They cannot, though, terminate you for electing to use the FMLA to get help for an addiction.
Determine What to Say to Your Boss
Think about how much you'd like to say to your boss when you talk to them. It may not be necessary to say that you are getting help for an addiction. Instead, you may be able to say you're getting inpatient assistance for a medical or health issue. It may, though, be beneficial to go into more detail, especially if the workplace has policies in place designed to make affording rehab easier or to help you in your recovery once you've completed rehab and are ready to return to work.
Review Benefits of Rehab Related to Employment
If it is necessary to let your boss know that you will be going through addiction rehab, make sure you review the benefits of rehab with them. If your performance has declined recently because of the addiction, let them know that you're looking forward to improving your performance when you return and that you'll be in a better position to do more at work or take on more responsibilities after completing rehab.
Plan for Returning to Work
Since you are planning on returning to the same workplace when you complete rehab, make sure you start considering what that will look like. Will there be any triggers that you need to plan for when you return? Are you looking forward to continuing your job or interested in working your way up the ladder to a better position? While you'll learn more about returning to work while in rehab, it doesn't hurt to start thinking about it now.
If you're planning on going to rehab to get help for your addiction, you should be able to return to work when it's complete. Make sure you know the laws and policies in place, and that you know how to discuss the situation with your boss.