Drug and alcohol abuse can negatively impact every aspect of a person’s life. People living with substance abuse and addiction can face serious, sometimes life-threatening complications stemming from their substance abuse.

While the effects of addiction can be severe, many people don’t get the help they need. There are many reasons why someone may not seek addiction treatment. Many people feel unsure if they can work or go to school while in rehab. This worry can keep people from getting the treatment and support they need to work toward addiction recovery.

This article will explore whether going to work or school during rehab is possible. You will learn:

  • Different levels of outpatient treatment
  • How to balance outpatient care and other responsibilities
  • How to take a leave of absence to attend addiction treatment
  • Where to find an addiction treatment center near you

If you or someone you love struggle with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake specialists at Archstone Behavioral Health to learn about our holistic treatment options or to schedule an appointment.

Can I Work During Rehab?

When you live with drug or alcohol addiction, getting treatment is critical. Addiction treatment plans consist of evidence-based and holistic therapies that can help people address the roots of substance abuse and addiction.

However, many people worry they will lose their jobs if they go to rehab. Some may also wonder if it is possible to continue working while receiving treatment.

Each person has their own needs throughout the recovery process. There are several levels of outpatient addiction treatment programs, including:

Some rehab programs offer flexible outpatient programs, including evening treatment sessions.  This flexibility allows people to keep working or attending while receiving the treatment they require

However, some people require intensive treatment and round-the-clock care. People who require this level of support and supervision may need the support of an inpatient rehab center.

How to Balance Work and Treatment

It can be challenging to balance your responsibilities at work and your recovery. Here are some tips you can use to stay engaged at work while getting the help you need to overcome addiction.

Prioritize recovery

Addiction is a lifelong condition that requires treatment and continuing support. Overcoming addiction means investing yourself in the recovery process. For most, it means attending detox and treatment programs, getting mental health support, attending support groups, and more.

Comprehensive treatment takes time and energy. Adjust your work schedule to accommodate your recovery activities. It is critical to prioritize your recovery over work and other responsibilities. This can be challenging in the short term, but prioritizing your recovery will have long-term benefits. Take it slow

Stick to a schedule

Managing work and recovery activities can be overwhelming. Create a schedule that will keep you on track as you navigate the early days of recovery. Make sure to include all activities, including appointments, therapy sessions, work, meals, chores, and more.

Communicate

Stay in contact with your doctors, therapists, and other specialists. Communicate with your boss or human resources representative about your needs, plans, and any schedule changes.

Practice self-care

Balancing work and recovery can be challenging. Take time to rest and engage in hobbies as much as possible. Practice self-care by eating regular, nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, and staying active.

Talk to your treatment team about balancing recovery with work, school, and other activities. Your counselors and doctors can help you manage your mental and physical health as you return to work or school during rehab.

How Can I Keep My Job if I Need Inpatient Treatment?

People who need inpatient care must take a leave of absence from work during rehab. Several federal laws protect your employment while you attend rehab.

First, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows people to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off to attend addiction treatment. An employee must meet specific criteria to use FMLA to go to rehab, including:

  • Their company must have a minimum of 50 employees.
  • They must have worked for the company for at least 12 consecutive months and at least 1250 hours before taking a leave of absence to attend rehab.
  • They must attend a licensed, evidence-based rehab program during the leave of absence.

People who need to take leave to attend rehab must consult with their human resources (HR) department to determine whether they can use FMLA for this purpose.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employers from firing or discriminating against workers with substance use disorder (SUD). The ADA also allows employees to adjust their work hours or schedule to accommodate treatment or recovery-related activities, including:

  • Drug tests
  • Medical appointments
  • 12-step meetings
  • Treatment sessions

The ADA allows people to participate in recovery-related activities without fear of discrimination or being fired.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

HIPAA is a federal law that protects the confidentiality of a person’s mental health, medical, and addiction treatment information. This law ensures employers cannot access information about their employee’s medical care without explicit written consent.

Contact the specialists at Archstone Behavioral Health to learn more about protecting their employment while attending residential rehab.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find effective, compassionate care at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to determine which level of care is right for you or to learn about our programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

  1. Department of Labor: Family and Medical Leave Act Advisor
  2. Department of Health and Human Services: Fact Sheet 42 CFR Part 2 Final Rule

Drug and alcohol abuse can negatively impact every aspect of a person’s life. People living with substance abuse and addiction can face serious, sometimes life-threatening complications stemming from their substance abuse.

While the effects of addiction can be severe, many people don’t get the help they need. There are many reasons why someone may not seek addiction treatment. Many people feel unsure if they can work or go to school while in rehab. This worry can keep people from getting the treatment and support they need to work toward addiction recovery.

This article will explore whether going to work or school during rehab is possible. You will learn:

  • Different levels of outpatient treatment
  • How to balance outpatient care and other responsibilities
  • How to take a leave of absence to attend addiction treatment
  • Where to find an addiction treatment center near you

If you or someone you love struggle with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake specialists at Archstone Behavioral Health to learn about our holistic treatment options or to schedule an appointment.

Can I Work During Rehab?

When you live with drug or alcohol addiction, getting treatment is critical. Addiction treatment plans consist of evidence-based and holistic therapies that can help people address the roots of substance abuse and addiction.

However, many people worry they will lose their jobs if they go to rehab. Some may also wonder if it is possible to continue working while receiving treatment.

Each person has their own needs throughout the recovery process. There are several levels of outpatient addiction treatment programs, including:

Some rehab programs offer flexible outpatient programs, including evening treatment sessions.  This flexibility allows people to keep working or attending while receiving the treatment they require

However, some people require intensive treatment and round-the-clock care. People who require this level of support and supervision may need the support of an inpatient rehab center.

How to Balance Work and Treatment

It can be challenging to balance your responsibilities at work and your recovery. Here are some tips you can use to stay engaged at work while getting the help you need to overcome addiction.

Prioritize recovery

Addiction is a lifelong condition that requires treatment and continuing support. Overcoming addiction means investing yourself in the recovery process. For most, it means attending detox and treatment programs, getting mental health support, attending support groups, and more.

Comprehensive treatment takes time and energy. Adjust your work schedule to accommodate your recovery activities. It is critical to prioritize your recovery over work and other responsibilities. This can be challenging in the short term, but prioritizing your recovery will have long-term benefits. Take it slow

Stick to a schedule

Managing work and recovery activities can be overwhelming. Create a schedule that will keep you on track as you navigate the early days of recovery. Make sure to include all activities, including appointments, therapy sessions, work, meals, chores, and more.

Communicate

Stay in contact with your doctors, therapists, and other specialists. Communicate with your boss or human resources representative about your needs, plans, and any schedule changes.

Practice self-care

Balancing work and recovery can be challenging. Take time to rest and engage in hobbies as much as possible. Practice self-care by eating regular, nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, and staying active.

Talk to your treatment team about balancing recovery with work, school, and other activities. Your counselors and doctors can help you manage your mental and physical health as you return to work or school during rehab.

How Can I Keep My Job if I Need Inpatient Treatment?

People who need inpatient care must take a leave of absence from work during rehab. Several federal laws protect your employment while you attend rehab.

First, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows people to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off to attend addiction treatment. An employee must meet specific criteria to use FMLA to go to rehab, including:

  • Their company must have a minimum of 50 employees.
  • They must have worked for the company for at least 12 consecutive months and at least 1250 hours before taking a leave of absence to attend rehab.
  • They must attend a licensed, evidence-based rehab program during the leave of absence.

People who need to take leave to attend rehab must consult with their human resources (HR) department to determine whether they can use FMLA for this purpose.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employers from firing or discriminating against workers with substance use disorder (SUD). The ADA also allows employees to adjust their work hours or schedule to accommodate treatment or recovery-related activities, including:

  • Drug tests
  • Medical appointments
  • 12-step meetings
  • Treatment sessions

The ADA allows people to participate in recovery-related activities without fear of discrimination or being fired.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

HIPAA is a federal law that protects the confidentiality of a person’s mental health, medical, and addiction treatment information. This law ensures employers cannot access information about their employee’s medical care without explicit written consent.

Contact the specialists at Archstone Behavioral Health to learn more about protecting their employment while attending residential rehab.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find effective, compassionate care at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to determine which level of care is right for you or to learn about our programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

  1. Department of Labor: Family and Medical Leave Act Advisor
  2. Department of Health and Human Services: Fact Sheet 42 CFR Part 2 Final Rule

Medically Reviewed: January 22, 2025

Medical Reviewer

Chief Editor

medically-verified

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.