Your Rights Under FMLA When it Comes to Medical Leave for Addiction Treatment

It can be difficult to reach out for help when you are battling an addiction to drugs or alcohol. In fact, asking for assistance can often be the hardest step of your journey. One of the most common reasons people in the workforce are hesitant to attend an addiction recovery program at a drug rehab center is the fear over losing their position with their company. It is extremely important for drug and alcohol abusers to understand their legal rights and how to utilize them within the workplace. The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 is responsible for providing addicts with the legal security needed to retain employment while seeking help from an addiction treatment center.

If the disease of addiction proceeds untreated, it is highly likely that it will progress to a degree where serious life and health consequences will take a toll on the user. The only way to successfully treat drug or alcohol addiction is to ensure that the user is placed into a dual diagnosis addiction treatment center. Dual diagnosis means that the physical and psychological aspects of the addiction will be addressed and treated. Left untreated, this disease can easily become the cause of family issues, health problems, likelihood of job loss, and financial issues as well.

What Is FMLA?

The Family Medical Leave Act is the law that provides up to 12 weeks of job security with insurance for individuals who have worked at least 1250 hours for their covered employer. Approved uses of this leave include:

The birth and caretaking of the employee’s child, which also includes placement of adoption or the foster care of a child by the employee.
The need to care for an immediate family member (either a spouse, parent, or child) who has a serious health issue.
The care of the employee’s own serious health issue.

According to the FMLA, the need to attend addiction recovery treatment falls under category number 3. This act makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees with a drug or alcohol addiction, as it is a recognized disability. If you or someone you love needs to apply for FMLA, please make sure that you are aware of how your company classifies absences and what you need to do before leaving for treatment. Right Path Drug Rehab offers many highly effective addiction treatment programs for the individual needs of each client. Contact one of our intake coordinators by email or phone today, and they will be happy to answer any questions you may have about our recovery options.