Asking for Time Off from Work for Addiction Treatment

Making Time for Addiction Treatment

When you need addiction treatment, you will find yourself noticing it in a variety of ways.

It encroaches on all aspects of your life.

If you already know that you have a problem and need help, you have overcome the first hurdle.

The hurdle that comes next is making room in your life for treatment.

You may cite work as a reason not to get the care you need.

Asking for time off feels daunting, adding to your reasons to sweep this problem under the rug.

But your addiction is not going anywhere.

Addiction treatment is worth the effort.

Understanding how to ask is often half the battle.

How Much Time Will I Need?

One of the first questions that anyone entering alcohol rehab or drug rehab has is: “How long will it take?”

This is a difficult question to answer, as it is not always easy to see upfront.

Experts in our field have spent years studying substance abuse patterns and success rates for various treatment methods, settings, and lengths.

Generally, higher success rates come with longer durations of addiction treatment.

But the right treatment length will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Our treatment specialists can help.

The dedicated team at Emerald Isle is determined to improve the health and happiness of each patient and family we encounter.

Part of achieving this goal means helping you work through all of the details before you even step foot through our doors.

Our treatment specialists are available to answer questions; conduct a brief intake to help us evaluate your needs; and, help determine the most effective course of action to take for your addiction treatment.

You do not have to face this alone.

We will walk you through the process from our first phone call through our aftercare addiction treatment program.

Dangers of Combining Substances

When you are facing an addiction to alcohol or drugs, it is easy to feel like you are losing control.

Getting help right away can help you avoid many different health concerns and other complications that are associated with substance abuse.

One of the most pressing concerns is the danger of combining substances.

Addictions often occur in multiples and the practice of combining substances can be fatal.

One example is opioids and benzodiazepines. They are prescribed to treat physical pain and anxiety, respectively. Nearly all heroin users admit to starting with prescription opioids.

In the case of opioid overdoses in recent years, benzodiazepines were involved in 30% of the total. Combining substances – prescription or illicit – increases many risks.

Do not let your job prevent you from taking control of your future.

Asking for Time off Work for Addiction Treatment

Once you have a better understanding of your addiction and needs, you will be better prepared to ask for time off.

This is necessary for your long-term health and well-being.

Keep this in mind as you approach the conversation. Be upfront and honest.

Addiction is often more obvious to those around us than we would like it to be. They may already have an idea that you need help. And, because this benefits them in the long-term too, they should be understanding of your needs and willing to give you the time you need to address them.

Each year, illicit drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse take a toll of over $740 billion. Crime, health care, and lost work productivity in the United States are all factored in.

Your employer has every reason to want to see you be a healthy and productive individual. They are unlikely to prevent you from doing so.

However, if they argue against getting the care you need, you may have other options to consider.

Under the Family and Medical Leave Act, there are three months of unpaid leave allowed for addiction treatments each year.

If your employer has a human resources department, they can outline their existing policies, confirm your eligibility for back-up plans such as this one, and help with your paperwork.

Treatment

Inpatient Addiction Treatment

Whether you are seeking alcohol rehab, drug rehab, or a combination program, we can help.

There are many reasons that we recommend inpatient addiction treatment more often than any other treatment setting.

This type of program gives you the highest levels of support, care, and guidance. You have 24-hour access to everything that you need for as long as you are here with us. You have a safe, comfortable space in which to begin recovering.

Inpatient or residential treatment programs offer shorter amounts of time in rehab.

Long-term inpatient rehab can last more depending on your addiction.

Here are a few reasons you may benefit more from residential care:

• You have a moderate to severe addiction.
• Cravings or withdrawal symptoms have led you to relapse in the past.
• You need a medical detox to ease your withdrawal symptoms.
• You need help with medication management.
• You have multiple addictions.
• You face overwhelming temptations or triggers at home.
• You have underlying mental health disorders that we can help you address.

Comprehensive Addiction Treatment After Hours

While inpatient or residential care is the better choice for most, it is not the right choice for everyone.

Our intensive outpatient programs and traditional outpatient programs combine dedicated addiction care with increased flexibility.

In our intensive outpatient or traditional outpatient programs, we will focus on achieving many of the same goals as in our inpatient programs.

The most notable difference is that you will continue to live at home while attending therapy sessions, support groups, and other meetings at our facility each week.

If you are eligible for one of these supplemental care programs, asking for time off may be limited to a day or two each week.

You may be able to adjust your hours, change your days, or make other arrangements that allow you to work and attend your treatment program.

We will work with you to determine the best course of action.

You should not feel obligated to try to make this decision on your own.

Addiction Treatment Methods

Therapy is a large part of any addiction treatment program.

For both alcohol rehab and drug rehab, this is an effective way to learn about what triggers your substance abuse.

This way, you can learn how to recognize damaging thoughts and behavior patterns. You can swap these for healthy habits and coping mechanisms, practice relapse prevention techniques, and choose more rewarding activities and social circles.

You will also work toward improving damaged relationships, listening and communicating effectively, and managing your stress and addiction.

You will exchange support and stories, gain helpful insight, and build support systems that may last far longer than your time here.

Payment Options

Do you want treatment but are worried about how you can pay for it?

We have a team of financial professionals who provide free insurance verification.

We will work with you to determine how to move forward with the treatment in a way that works for you and your financial situation.

How to Get Help

Seeking addiction treatment care for your drug or alcohol abuse may be the best decision you can make for your future.

It is a decision that will benefit your loved ones, too.

You deserve every chance to find long-term sobriety and live a healthy, happy life.

Let the dedicated, caring, and knowledgeable staff at Emerald Isle help you find that life.

Call 855-613-0620 to schedule your consultation.