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Can I Still Work While in Rehab? 

Deciding to go to rehab can be stressful, even when you know that it’s a positive step toward your new and sober life. One of the considerations that can play a role in your decision is whether you will be able to attend to daily responsibilities and continue to work. 

While many people are able to maintain employment while in rehab, this can depend on various factors, such as the type of rehab as well as a person’s job type and status, and there are also some laws that may protect employees from being discharged from their jobs.1 Understanding the rules and regulations around working while in rehab can help you make the most of your treatment program.

Going to Rehab and Keeping Your Job

It can be complicated to keep your job while in rehab, and it’s possible that you’ll need to use medical leave, vacation time, or paid or unpaid time off in order to do so.1 You may wish to consult someone who is qualified in employment law or consult your company’s employee assistance program (EAP), if available, to discuss your unique situation and circumstances. 

People who attend rehab and want to keep their jobs may be covered under certain federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). However, it’s a good idea to seek advice for your circumstances to confirm whether you meet the criteria established under these laws.1,2 In general, the FMLA allows people to take up to a total of 12 work weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for qualifying medical conditions.1 In addition, it’s important to know that the ADA protections can vary depending on the substance a person uses; generally speaking, a person is said to have a disability if they have an addiction to alcohol regardless of whether their use of alcohol is in the present or in the past, while those with an addiction to opioids and other drugs are protected under the ADA as long as they are a person in recovery who is no longer engaging in the current illegal use of drugs.1

Can you continue working while in rehab?

Whether you will be able to continue working while attending can vary widely depending on the rehab, such as whether you are entering an inpatient or an outpatient facility, as well as their scheduling and rules and your work requirements. If you attend an inpatient rehab, it’s likely that you may have some difficulty if you have an in-person job or your schedule conflicts with the programming of the rehab. On the other hand, it may be easier to maintain certain types of employment if you attend an outpatient facility, as these rehabs often offer flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends.3

Working Remotely While in Inpatient Rehab

Working while in inpatient rehab can be difficult, as it can depend on the factors mentioned previously, such as your specific job requirements. Inpatient rehab means that you’ll live onsite, so you’ll be at the rehab 24/7 and generally will not be able to leave to attend work. 

Some inpatient rehabs may allow people to work remotely while attending treatment, but this could vary depending on the specific rehab, and it can also depend on whether your specific job allows for this possibility. 

Outpatient Rehab & Continuing to Work

If you’d like to know how to work while in rehab, you may wish to consider attending outpatient treatment, provided that it is appropriate for your needs.3 As mentioned above, outpatient rehab can be a flexible option for those who are concerned about maintaining their employment and are not able to work remotely. Outpatient rehab means that you can continue to live at home while participating in treatment and receiving care, and most outpatient facilities offer flexible scheduling, which can make it easier to maintain your current employment and attend to necessary obligations.3

Pros & Cons of Continuing to Work While in Rehab

Considering the pros and cons of continuing to work while in rehab may play a role in helping you make the decision as to which type of facility is best for your needs. As mentioned previously, whether you can continue to work while receiving treatment can depend largely on the rehab as well as your specific type of employment. 

Pros of Working While in Rehab

There are various pros of working while in rehab, which may include: 

  • Maintaining your financial stability and independence. 
  • Staying connected with your work routine and structure. 
  • Keeping a sense of employment stability. 
  • Staying engaged with your company/clients. 
  • Maintaining connection with the outside world. 

Cons of Continuing to Work While in Rehab

On the other hand, there may be certain cons associated with working while in rehab, which can include: 

  • Being distracted from, and therefore not fully focusing on your recovery journey. 
  • Increased stress, guilt, or anxiety about not physically being in the office or having contact with clients, depending on your specific type of work, which can detract from the healing process. 
  • Conflicting scheduling demands between the requirements of your job and the programming of the rehab. 

Start the Recovery Journey

If you’re struggling with substance misuse or addiction, you’re not alone, and help is available. People with substance use disorders can and do recover with proper treatment. 

If you’re worried about your work, you should keep in mind that continuing to use substances can cause employment trouble down the road, such as an increased risk of injuries or illness.4 Taking care of your health and well-being can be a positive decision to help you get started on the road to recovery, and it can set the stage for a happier and more productive life.5

The first step in your journey might be to consult with your physician to have an evaluation and discuss your specific circumstances. That way, together, you can decide what type of rehab is best for your needs. You can find treatment and rehabs across the nation using the Rehabs.com directory, or you can call American Addiction Centers’ free and confidential helpline at . Our compassionate admissions navigators are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have and can easily and quickly verify your insurance benefits. 

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