Many high-functioning alcoholics don’t seek help until they hit rock bottom or come face to face with legal issues or financial constraints. When this happens with HFAs, the loss of family, intervention or jail time.
Taking an extended leave of absence or How you’re perceived at your place of employment can hinder treatment. Here are some questions about extended leave from work for your addiction, also evidence from individuals who been through this process.
Taking an LOA?
Individuals who are well into their addiction in most cases are too far gone and don’t get treatment. Leaving the remedy for getting help is a couple of weeks in a. Due to financial restraints, employment, time can be taken for residential and there are quite a few of options, IOP(Intensive Outpatient Program, SMART Recovery, and immerse themselves in several AA meetings a day.
Retaining employment while in Rehab?
One of the main concerns HFAs have is the time off from work will affect their job security or employment. The bottom line is HFAs were on their way to being terminated if they did not get help while working. Study shows, receiving professional help for addiction increases the probability people will hold their jobs and possibly get a better opportunity.
Below are actions put in place for individuals who are using from discrimination, loss of confidentiality and job termination.
This can be terrifying to lose your job, to save your life is far more important. More importantly, no job is worth losing health and abstinence.
Can I Take Time Off?
Make sure to refer to your employee handbook to look at what the process is for the employee’s in your situation. In most instances, speaking with your superior or an HR rep. Be truthful, do not give a voluminous amount of detail, and tell them treatment needs to happen.
Try to know where your getting treatment, length of time you will be gone, and who will work in your place on particular tasks in your absence. Have questions prepared for your employer, recommendations for treatment, examples someone in a similar situation, resources, facilities or outside therapy. When you inquire about a treatment facility, they will get in touch with your health provider to bring clarity to what will be covered and how much treatment is.
Should I Keep My Job?
During treatment, your counselor, therapist and support groups will listen to you and give recommendations for returning to your place of employment or choosing a new job opportunity that is more flexible to your recovery. Especially when employment brought stress and this was a factor for you to drink, removing this stressor to limited time, or all together with extended leave or quit. It is integral that HFAs be honest about their current profession and to seek a different opportunity for employment is key in the beginning stages of treatment.
These are many things to consider when deciding our future employment, including:
- Is their a passion for your job?
- Are you able to limit your workload in the beginning or work part-time?
- Is the using part of the work environment?
- Do have to deal with a fast-paced, stressful culture?
- Is travel a major part of the job or can you remain home?
When I Return to Work, What do I say to Coworkers?
Upon returning to your job or place of employment, the answer should always be honest, but if you want to keep things confidential, just respond that you had “personal issues”. The only person who needs to know the details is HR or your immediate supervisor. The addiction epidemic is real and 22 million people affected by this disease in the U.S., a majority of the population has either faced their own drug or alcohol problem or helped someone else.
If you are heading to a new position or to the same job, take your time and ease yourself back into the swing of things as you get more grounded in recovery. Ease your way back and make sure you are identifying your surroundings. Early sobriety is a huge test of for your recovery, many triggers are in the workplace. Make time for your recovery, know your schedule for support groups, counseling and anger management activities to help you adjust to your new sober lifestyle.
For more information on programs that can help you or your loved ones move past a relapse and get sober again, call Asana Recovery at 949-438-4504
