by Sam Lockard | Apr 17, 2025 | Addiction Treatment
Deciding to seek help for a substance use disorder (SUD) is a brave and life-changing step. Part of that process may involve informing your employer about your need for treatment. This conversation can feel daunting, especially when there are concerns about job security, stigma, or privacy. However, being honest with your employer and understanding your rights can help you navigate this situation in the most positive way possible.
Here’s a guide to help you approach this conversation with confidence and clarity.
Understand Your Rights
Before speaking with your employer, it’s important to understand your legal rights. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for serious health conditions, which may include substance use disorder treatment. Additionally, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects employees from discrimination based on a substance use disorder, provided you are actively seeking treatment.
If your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), this is another avenue where you can receive support, guidance, and resources for treatment.
Action Step: Review your company’s policies regarding medical leave and employee assistance programs. If you have access to an HR representative, they can be a helpful resource. Many employer-sponsored health insurance plans will cover addiction treatment in part or in full, so it’s worth contacting your insurance company as well.
Protect Your Privacy
It is entirely your choice how much or how little you disclose. You are not required to reveal the nature of your treatment unless you choose to do so. Simply stating that you need medical leave for health treatment is sufficient.
Additionally, your employer is legally required to keep your medical information confidential. If you are uncomfortable sharing directly with your manager, consider having the conversation with HR instead.
Plan the Conversation
Approaching your employer about your need for addiction treatment requires careful thought. Start by deciding who you feel most comfortable talking to—this could be your direct supervisor, an HR representative, or another trusted manager.
Prepare your message in advance. You do not need to disclose every detail of your substance use disorder, but you should clearly communicate that you need time off or accommodations for medical treatment.
Example Script:
“I’ve been dealing with some health issues and have decided to seek treatment to improve my well-being. I will need some time off to attend a treatment program, and I’d like to discuss the options available to me regarding leave or workplace accommodations.”
Remain professional, but do not feel obligated to divulge personal details.
Emphasize Your Commitment to Your Job
One common fear among employees seeking treatment is that they will be perceived as unreliable or replaceable. To counter this, make it clear that you are committed to your job and intend to return to work once you’ve received treatment.
Example Statement:
“I value my role here and am dedicated to continuing my work. I’m confident that addressing my health needs now will allow me to perform even better in the future.”
Reassuring your employer that your intention is to return can help mitigate any concerns they may have.
Discuss Practical Logistics
Once you’ve initiated the conversation, be prepared to discuss how your absence or treatment schedule may impact your work. Collaborate with your employer to create a plan that minimizes disruption while you are away.
Consider discussing:
- Whether you will take a formal leave of absence.
- Whether remote work or a reduced schedule is possible during treatment.
- Who will manage your workload in your absence.
Being proactive about solutions shows responsibility and foresight.
Utilize Support Systems
Taking this step can feel isolating, but you are not alone. Lean on support systems like:
Focus on Your Recovery
Remember, seeking help for a substance use disorder is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your health and recovery should remain your top priority. The workplace will continue to function, and once you return to work after addiction treatment, you’ll be in a much better position to perform at your highest capacity.
Take pride in the fact that you are choosing a healthier, more sustainable future.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder, Northstar Recovery Center is here to help. Reach out to us to learn more about our comprehensive treatment programs and support services. Call 888-339-5756 today and get your recovery journey started.
by Sam Lockard | Mar 13, 2025 | Addiction Recovery, Addiction Treatment, Detox to Recovery, Journey to Healing, Recovery Center, Rehab, Therapies
Starting your journey to recovery from alcohol or substance abuse is a brave and life-changing decision. If you’ve never sought help before, the process might feel overwhelming. You may not know what to expect, what steps to take, or what challenges lie ahead. But you’re not alone—millions of people have walked this path, found healing, and are living happy and fulfilling lives in sobriety. Understanding what the recovery process looks like from the beginning can help ease some of the anxiety and uncertainty.
Detox: The First Step to Healing
The first stage in your journey to recovery is detoxification. This is where your body clears itself of alcohol or drugs. Depending on the substance, length of use, and your physical health, withdrawal symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe medical complications. Detox is best done in a medically supervised setting where professionals can monitor symptoms and provide medications or treatments to make the process safer and more comfortable.
During detox, you may experience symptoms such as nausea, sweating, anxiety, restlessness, or cravings. For substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids, withdrawal can be more intense and require medical intervention. The detox process typically lasts from a few days to a week, but the emotional and psychological impact may persist beyond that timeframe. Detox alone is not treatment—it is the first step in preparing your mind and body for long-term recovery.
CSS (Clinical Stabilization Services): Finding Your Foundation
After detox, many people transition to a Clinical Stabilization Service (CSS), or part two of the journey to recovery. This step helps stabilize you both physically and emotionally while providing a structured environment to begin the real work of recovery. In CSS, you’ll start participating in therapy sessions, learning about addiction, and developing coping strategies.
Unlike detox, which focuses on physical withdrawal, CSS begins addressing the mental and emotional aspects of addiction. You’ll work with counselors, participate in group therapy, and start creating a treatment plan for the next steps in your recovery. The length of stay varies but often lasts one to two weeks. This stage is crucial for building a solid foundation before moving into more intensive therapy.
Day Treatment: Deepening the Work
Once stabilized, the next level in your journey to recovery is Day Treatment, which is an intensive, structured addiction treatment program that provides several hours of therapy each day, five to six days a week, while allowing you to return home or to a sober living environment in the evenings. Insurance companies may refer to this level of care as a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).
Day Treatment offers individual therapy, group therapy, relapse prevention education, and sometimes medication management including medication assisted treatment (MAT). The goal is to address the deeper issues surrounding addiction, including trauma, mental health disorders, and emotional regulation. You’ll learn practical skills to manage cravings, handle triggers, and rebuild relationships. This level of care helps transition from 24/7 support to a more independent routine while still receiving significant guidance and structure.
As you progress, you may step down to a lower level of Day Treatment, which provides more flexibility while maintaining structured support. At this stage, therapy sessions may be held several hours a day, three to five days a week. The focus shifts to integrating recovery into everyday life, allowing you to return to work, school, or family responsibilities while still engaging in therapy and peer support.
Outpatient Therapy: Long-Term Support for Lasting Recovery
The final step in this continuum of care is outpatient therapy. This stage in the journey to recovery is ongoing and can last for months or even years, depending on your needs. Typically, outpatient therapy consists of weekly or biweekly sessions with a therapist who specializes in addiction and mental health.
At this point, you’ll have a stronger foundation in recovery, but ongoing therapy helps reinforce healthy behaviors, manage stress, and address any setbacks. Many people also participate in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or SMART Recovery alongside therapy to maintain a sense of community and accountability.
What to Expect Emotionally and Mentally
Recovery is more than just abstaining from substances—it’s a complete transformation of mind, body, and spirit. It’s common to experience a range of emotions throughout this journey. In the beginning, fear, doubt, and frustration may be present. As you progress, you may feel a sense of hope, accomplishment, and renewed purpose. However, setbacks and challenges are a natural part of the process.
Having a support system, whether through treatment professionals, peers in recovery, or loved ones, is crucial. You will learn how to cope with cravings, handle stress in healthy ways, and repair relationships that may have been strained due to substance use.
Final Thoughts: A Lifelong Journey
Your journey to recovery won’t happen overnight. It requires patience, self-compassion, and perseverance. Each stage—from detox to outpatient therapy—serves a purpose in helping you rebuild a healthier, more fulfilling life. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, know that support is available. You don’t have to do this alone, and Northstar Recovery Center is here to help you wherever you are in your recovery journey.
Contact us or give us a call today for the relief you deserve: 888-339-5756
