Can You Work While in Rehab?

Many people who struggle with addiction don’t seek treatment for some reason. According to the National Institutes of Health, 75% of people with addiction don’t get treatment for various reasons. We may guess why. Firstly, they may believe their addiction isn’t severe, while the opposite is true. Therefore, they see it as a waste of time and resources. Secondly, they feel seeking treatment will limit their employment opportunities. Those already working feel seeking treatment will cause them a social stigma.

While these are valid reasons, avoiding treatment can worsen the condition and still endanger your job opportunities. So the question is, can you work while in rehab? Yes, you can work while receiving treatment. This is possible if you are undergoing outpatient treatment. This post will discuss staying and working in rehab.

Grace Recovery is a top-rated drug and alcohol rehab in Los Angeles. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive addiction treatment in LA.

Can You Work While in Rehab?

This is a common question asked by individuals who intend to enroll in a rehab program. Typically, you can undergo rehab while working, especially with outpatient programs. You can maintain your regular schedule and still undergo your addiction treatment. Many U.S. rehab centers offer outpatient treatment programs as a fundamental treatment for individuals with a mild addiction. Such individuals can complete treatment without staying overnight and continue their regular work routine.

If you opt for the inpatient program, the good thing is you won’t undergo any form of discrimination or stigma in your workplace after undergoing treatment, thanks to the FMLA law. The Family and Medical Leave Act, created in 1993, allows individuals to take a maximum of 12 weeks of unpaid leave every year for family or health issues without losing their jobs. Workers who want to undergo treatment for substance use disorder can use the FMLA law. Once you enroll in a rehab program, your employers have no right to fire or deny you a promotion. This means you can keep your job after successful treatment.

Upon completion, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) further protects you from discrimination in your present or future workplace. The law prevents current or future employers from using your substance abuse record against you, meaning they can’t fire or deny you employment based on the drug use factor.

While outpatient programs provide better work opportunities than inpatient programs, they don’t meet the rehabilitative needs of individuals with severe addiction. Choosing your job over treatment can harm your recovery and sobriety because you’ll be exposed to triggers. This increases the risk of relapse. Your health is the most crucial. Therefore, you must choose the right addiction support and treatment to enhance your chances of complete recovery.

Can You Work While in Inpatient Rehab?

Before we answer that question, let’s explain what inpatient rehab is and the nature of the treatment. Inpatient rehab is a treatment program for those struggling with mental health conditions or addiction that require intensive monitoring. Also known as residential rehabilitation, inpatient rehab demands that the individual stays in a specialized facility for a period, usually between 30 to 90 days. The duration depends on the patient’s needs and treatment goals. This contrasts outpatient programs where you have flexible schedules. You can attend counseling in the afternoon after work and return home at night.

In inpatient rehab, individuals receive 24/7 medical care and support from the medical team, which may include doctors, nurses, and therapists. Compared to outpatient, individuals receive less intensive care. Patients in inpatient programs participate in various activities to aid their recovery and teach them coping techniques necessary to maintain sobriety.

Most inpatient rehabs have group therapy, family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and evidence-based treatment options. Inpatient rehab aims to create a structured and comfortable environment for patients to focus on their recovery without external influence or distractions. They’d also receive the support needed to overcome addiction and maintain sobriety.

To answer the question, there’s a rehab where you can work. However, it depends on the policies of that specific facility, the treatment plan, and the patient’s state. Some inpatient facilities may allow their patients to work remotely to prevent them from working outside, which can hamper their recovery and expose them to outside triggers. If you’re interested in working in a rehab facility, you must discuss your working opportunities with the staff. They will determine your best option based on your circumstances and treatment plan.

Grace Recovery Offers Inpatient and Outpatient Programs

Finding inpatient and outpatient programs can be challenging. The good news is you don’t have to go through that stress. At Grace Recovery, we provide inpatient and outpatient programs tailored to patients’ needs. We work with our patients and recommend the ideal program for the best recovery. Clients can also maintain their work responsibilities while they undergo treatment.