10 Signs It’s Time to Go to Drug Rehab
Recovery from any substance use disorder is definitely possible, but it can be difficult, especially if you try to go it alone. If you (or a loved one) find that you have a problem with quitting your drug of choice, you might be trying to find the right place to get help. And if you’re currently working, you’re likely trying to figure out how to go to drug rehab without losing your job.
Fortunately, with sobriety, many things are possible for you. Going to rehab doesn’t mean you have to lose your job. Don’t let your concerns about work stop you from getting the help you need and deserve. Here’s what you need to know about quitting alcohol and drugs and staying employed.
A popular misconception about those with substance use disorders who need to go to a treatment facility is that they’ve lost their families, homes, and jobs. You might think if you still have your job (and possibly your family, home, car, and lifestyle), you don’t have a “serious enough” problem that requires help.
But not everyone has to lose everything they’ve worked so hard for to recognize that their alcohol or drug use is interfering with their lives and will only get worse. Here are some signs that indicate you should consider going to rehab:
- You use or drink by yourself, not just when you’re with others
- You feel the need to “pregame” before you go out
- You won’t go out unless you know that you’ll be able to use it when you’re at the event
- When you take a break from your drug of choice (DOC), you experience symptoms of withdrawal
- You can’t take a break from your DOC
- You hide and/or lie about how much you’re using
- You miss work due to your DOC
- Someone else has told you they think you might have a problem
- You’re hanging out with people you wouldn’t normally do and doing things that you wouldn’t normally do
- You have one or more DUIs (driving under the influence charges)
Can You Go to Drug Rehab Without Losing Your Job?
Maybe you’re still worried about not knowing how to go to drug rehab without losing your job. However, it is possible, and you may not even need to let your employer know that you’re getting help for a substance use disorder.
- Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it’s illegal for a business to discriminate against someone who’s recovering from an addiction. In other words, they can’t fire you just because you tell them that you’re going to rehab.
- The Family Leave and Medical Act (FMLA) allows you to take 12 weeks of unpaid work in any given 52-week period for certain medical or family-related issues. Going to rehab is one of those reasons, and your job is legally protected when you get back. You could attend a 30, 60, or 90-day rehab under the FMLA without losing your job.
- Your company may give you access to an EAP (employee assistance program) that covers addiction treatment.
The research shows that people who get treatment are more likely to keep their jobs or even find a better one afterward. Your boss would rather have you in recovery, making good decisions, than leave the disorder untreated and getting worse at your job.
When you talk to your supervisor, be upfront and clear with them about the problem and what you’re doing about it. Try to tie up any loose ends and finish projects before you leave, if you can. You don’t have to tell your coworkers that you’re going to rehab if you don’t want to; you can tell them you’re taking a leave of absence.
If you’re still worried about talking to your company about getting help, you may qualify for the outpatient treatment depending on your situation. Some of them take place mainly at night after work and on weekends, so you may not need to let anyone at work know.
Outpatient programs are usually best for people who haven’t been using for very long and don’t need a safe medical detox from their DOC. They’re not a good place to start if you have a mental health issue or co-occurring disorder because you’ll need help with those as well to prevent relapse.
What Happens After Drug Rehab?
Whether you choose an inpatient treatment center or outpatient program, you’ll build a solid foundation for sobriety while in treatment. Residential facilities can help you detox safely by managing withdrawal symptoms. In addition, you might choose an inpatient drug rehab for the highly structured daily schedule they provide.
A day of inpatient treatment includes healthy meals that everyone takes together at a scheduled time. Mornings and afternoons are usually devoted to therapy, both group and individual, and after dinner, you have time for hobbies and other fun activities. Exercise is a part of your day as well. If you have a co-occurring disorder (also known as dual diagnosis), you’ll receive treatment for that too.
Outpatient treatment varies in intensity, from partial hospitalization (where you live at home but spend most of the day in treatment) to outpatient programs that are generally designed for weekends and evenings.
Whichever level of care is right for you, you’ll receive therapy and start to learn healthy habits that will help with relapse prevention, such as managing stress and other life skills. You may also start attending 12-step and other recovery groups to build a sober community while you’re in treatment.
After drug rehab, you’ll need to practice your new habits and attend any follow-up sessions recommended by your care team. If you don’t have a supportive family or others that will help you on your sobriety journey at home, you might want to go to sober living for some time so you can make sure your foundation of recovery and your community is solid. You don’t have to let anyone at work know that you’re in sober living; you can submit your change of address to HR.
Going to rehab may even give you a new, healthy outlook on your job. You’ll return refreshed and able to avoid any absenteeism that you might have experienced before treatment. All your coworkers need to know is that you’re back and better than ever.
Discover the side effects of taking Zzzquil here:
8 Benefits of Going to Drug Rehab
You may have forgotten how great it is to live a life free of your DOC and how you can enjoy each moment without worrying about how or when you’ll get your next fix. And now that you understand the options, you know how to go to drug rehab without losing your job.
- Get off the “struggle bus” now that you don’t have to think about your former DOC
- Learn how to manage stress and the activities of daily living
- Get help for any co-occurring disorders
- Find a sober community
- Have fun without drinking or using
- Contribute to work and society
- Potentially heal organs and tissues damaged from drug and alcohol use
- Develop deeper relationships with friends and family
Get Help at Muse and Go to Drug Rehab Without Losing Your Job
At Muse Treatment, you’ll find expert addiction specialists who want you to succeed in treatment and thrive once you leave the rehab center behind. We’ll teach you the life skills you need to lead a sober life, in addition to helping you recover from your substance use disorder and treating any mental health issues you might have with customized programs.
Don’t wait any longer to get help and start living the drug and alcohol-free life that you deserve. Call us today at (800) 426-1818.
