Transitioning back to the workplace after recovery for a substance use disorder can be challenging and stressful.
People in recovery often deal with feelings of embarrassment, guilt, and shame, which may intensify when thinking about returning to work, especially if colleagues and supervisors know the reason for their absence.
A unique aspect of addiction compared to other physical illnesses is the stigma attached to it. This stigma can make the return to work especially difficult for those in early recovery, as social prejudices around addiction often create added stress.
If someone has been in the hospital for a heart bypass or back surgery, returning to work wouldn’t usually be a cause for concern. However, society still holds biases about addiction, making the transition back after rehab a potentially uncomfortable experience.
For those whose coworkers know they’ve been in drug or alcohol rehab, there may be feelings of self-consciousness and worry about being treated differently.
Anxiety and stress are the last things someone needs upon returning to work. Yet, achieving this return can be a powerful milestone in recovery.
There’s positive news: if someone chooses to be transparent about their time away, laws are in place to protect them.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for individuals seeking medical treatment, with job protection upon return. This law ensures their position is held open until they’re ready to resume work.
Employees are not required to specify the reason for their leave. A physician can simply confirm the need for time off due to a serious medical condition.
If an employer doubts the severity of the medical condition, they may request a second opinion but cannot seek further details from HR, healthcare providers, or management. Doing so could result in legal consequences.
How Does the Family and Medical Leave Act Work?
While FMLA leave is unpaid, it protects the employee’s job. This means employers must keep the original position open or provide an equivalent role that:
- Offers the same pay and benefits, such as vacation, sick pay, health insurance, pensions, and life insurance
- Is located in a similar geographic area and follows similar shift patterns
- Carries similar responsibilities and duties
- Requires the same level of skills
Dealing with Co-Workers
Returning to the office after attending rehab can bring challenges in managing interactions with colleagues. After an extended absence, coworkers may be curious about where you’ve been, and some might notice your decision to no longer join after-work drinks.
This situation can lead to a difficult choice:
Should you be open about your situation, or create an alternative explanation, such as caring for a sick family member? While choosing to mask the reason for your absence is valid, it may require maintaining a complex story. Alternatively, being transparent may invite judgment, which can also bring anxiety.
Some colleagues may quickly understand where you’ve been, while others may be unaware, or may even have their own experiences with recovery. Honesty, though challenging, can offer strength to others facing similar journeys in the workplace, setting a positive example.
Assuming you’ve completed the crucial stages of recovery, including medical detox and either a residential or outpatient rehab program, what comes next?
Staying Strong When You Return
Your first day back at work after recovery will be significant and challenging.
Walking into the workplace may feel as though all eyes are on you, potentially causing self-consciousness and concern about judgment. This reaction is natural and a common part of reintegration.
Accepting these feelings without letting them weigh you down allows you to move forward. Holding your head high despite any discomfort is a meaningful step in your recovery journey, and an immense personal victory.
Having achieved detox and gained freedom from substance use, you’re now in a position to thrive and make the most of this new chapter.
Hold Your Head Up High
Addiction is a disease, not a reflection of moral failure—always keep this in mind.
During your time in rehab, you’ve likely done a lot of personal reflection and had the space to take a break from work and coworkers.
Being open about your absence may feel intimidating, but by doing so, you are embracing your recovery and potentially inspiring others in similar situations. You’re likely not the only one in recovery at your workplace, and that means there are allies who understand your journey.
As you continue to strengthen your recovery and excel in your role, new opportunities will begin to present themselves.
Remember that by demonstrating your ability to overcome addiction and turn your life around, you’re helping reshape perspectives. When colleagues see your success, both in recovery and at work, they may develop a deeper understanding of addiction and those who face it.
Your openness is an important step in healing the broader community and challenging the stigma surrounding addiction.
What To Do Next
The first and most essential step in your recovery is taking action. You don’t have to face this journey alone—call us today at +1 (877) 978 – 6747, and we’ll help you take the next steps toward reclaiming your life.
