Can You Work While in Rehab?

When you picture a person suffering from addiction, you may think of a person without a job, living on the streets and spending their whole day drunk or drugged up.

Addiction can affect all types of people. In the UK last year, 329,646 people were in contact with addiction services, most of whom owned or rented homes.

Many people work and go through their normal lives and live with their addiction, with a variety of treatment options available.

 

Can You Work While in Rehab?

Being able to work in rehab depends on the type of programme you choose. Some you can participate in around your everyday responsibilities, others you’ll have to focus wholly on.

Even if you choose a more flexible treatment, this doesn’t mean it will be less effective, or your work will suffer.

However, you shouldn’t let fear over your job dictate the treatment you get, as it is often adaptable to your situation and the severity of your addiction.

 

Types of Rehab and How They Might Influence Work

Residential (Inpatient) Rehab

Residential rehab is when you take time away from your life and go and stay in a treatment centre. It is a structured experience where you go through similar routines of individual and group therapy and wellbeing activities every day.

This form of rehab is effective because you undergo intense treatment, totally focused on recovery and ending your physical dependence on substances in a short amount of time with around-the-clock care.

Inpatient programmes usually last around a minimum of 28 days but can go on longer.

But can you work in residential rehab?

No, inpatient rehab requires you to stay within the centre for your stay, so you wouldn’t be able to work whilst in this type of programme.

Outpatient Rehab

As an outpatient, it means that you can stay home, attending treatment appointments throughout the week. These appointments can be worked around your working hours

Balancing going to an outpatient rehab and work works for those with a mild addiction and in a healthy home environment with a good support system.

Day Programmes or Partial Hospitalisation

These are more intermediate options, used when transitioning between inpatient and outpatient treatment.

They are more intense forms of outpatient care, allowing you to spend a solid day in treatment, five days a week, but providing you with the flexibility of being able to go home at the end of the day.

Work would likely not be possible in this type of programme.

 

Factors That Determine Whether You Can Continue Working

The treatment you receive should be dependent on a clinical assessment. Though, understandably, you’re worried about how treatment will affect your employment, you should focus on your health first.

Factors to determine whether you can work while in rehab:

• Severity of addiction
• Substance being used
• Physical health and mental health
• Withdrawal risks
• Work schedule
• Workplace safety
• Your support network

 

What If You Need Time Off Work?

In some cases, taking time off to focus on your treatment might be the best thing for you.

When it comes to addiction treatment, privacy can be a huge concern for people. Focusing fully on rehab allows you to better understand your addiction, start dealing with the underlying issues and work on building healthier coping mechanisms.

Legally, you are protected. Employers abide by the Equality Act 2010, a key piece of anti-discrimination legislation. While addiction is not deemed a disability, if you have a mental health issue linked with addiction, then you are entitled to reasonable accommodations to deal with it.

You are also protected under the Employment Rights Act 1996, which protects against unfair dismissal.

 

Can Your Employer Find Out You’re Attending Rehab?

You do not have to tell your employer you are going to rehab.

If, however, you have to make some adjustments or have time off, then you should consider talking to your employer.

You don’t have to give huge detail. Your job may have policies around this situation, so check before you approach your employer.

 

How Working During Rehab Could Affect Your Recovery

It might not always be appropriate to work and attend treatment at a drug and alcohol rehab the same time. You may need to prioritise your recovery in certain situations.

• High-stress roles – A job that is intense, challenging and relentless will take away focus from recovery and perhaps trigger a relapse.
• Safety-critical occupations – Jobs involving heavy machinery and driving can be unsafe even while in recovery, as withdrawal can affect your judgement, coordination and concentration.
• Physically demanding jobs – making you more fatigued and stops you from getting the most out of treatment.
• Working where substances are accessible – heightens risk of relapse.
• Severe withdrawal symptoms – it can take time and rest to recover from withdrawal symptoms.
• Co-occurring mental health conditions – Underlying issues need more time and effort to deal with and can impair your working performance and recovery if not addressed.

 

Tips for Balancing Work and Addiction Recovery

Balance is possible. Here are some ways you can reduce the risk of feeling overwhelmed when working through recovery.

• Try to keep to a routine
• Prioritise therapy sessions and appointments
• Give yourself time to rest
• Use support networks (friends, family, group meetings)

 

Balance Rehab and Employment With the Right Treatment Plan

It is possible to balance your life responsibilities whilst undergoing treatment, as many people continue working while in rehab, particularly when participating in outpatient programmes. Whilst this works for some, others may benefit more from taking temporary leave for residential treatment.

If you know you have an addiction, do not let work concerns stop you from seeking the help you need.

Unsure where to go from here? Get in touch with Addiction Advocates for confidential advice and personalised treatment recommendations.