How do I tell my employer I need time off for treatment?
From the RecoveryHome team. We write some questions from situations people often ask us about, and answer them with general information from public health sources. Been through this yourself? Your answer could help the next person who finds this page. How we write team posts
RH
RecoveryHome team Team
asked 3 months ago
Fear of losing a job keeps a lot of people from getting help. How does the conversation with an employer usually go, and what protections might apply?
RH
RecoveryHome team Team
answered 7 days ago · general information, not medical advice
You usually don't have to tell your manager what the condition is. Many people go to HR and say: "I need to request medical leave for a health condition." That's enough to start the process.
Protections that may apply:
- FMLA. If your employer has 50 or more employees nearby and you've worked there at least a year (and about 1,250 hours), the Family and Medical Leave Act generally provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for a serious health condition, which can include treatment for substance use. HR is required to tell you whether you're eligible.
- Short-term disability through your employer may replace part of your pay.
- An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is confidential and can often help with referrals and paperwork.
Rules vary by employer and state, so this is general information, not legal advice. If you're unsure, the U.S. Department of Labor's FMLA page explains eligibility: dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla.
Getting treatment is often what protects a job. Untreated addiction is usually the bigger risk.
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