Facing addiction is hard – telling your boss can feel even harder. But getting help shouldn’t cost you your job, your dignity, or your future. If you’re considering rehab and wondering whether to tell your employer, here’s what you need to know.
The stigma surrounding alcoholism and addiction is often one of the biggest barriers to reaching out for help. Many people don’t fully understand what addiction or alcoholism is. As a result, they may struggle to identify it in themselves or others – or know how to talk about it.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of alcohol dependency or drug addiction, simply making a decision to stop drinking or using drugs will likely be beyond your control. Addiction is not something you can simply switch off.
What is within your power, is choosing to get honest about what’s going on for you and asking for help. This might start with an open conversation with a family member, a trusted friend, a counsellor or even your employer.
Some people benefit from a residential drug and alcohol rehab like the program offered at The Sydney Retreat, which removes them from their current environment so they can focus fully on recovery. Once you’ve made the decision to go to rehab, you’ll need to consider whether or not you tell your employer – and weigh your options carefully.
Fear of losing their job, being looked over for a promotion or how their workplace will survive without them for 28 days are some of the main concerns guests have when they are considering attending our program. While it may feel daunting to take time off work or speak to your employer, continuing to drink or use drugs could cost you far more than just your job.
We find many companies are happy to pay for their valuable employees to attend our program as they understand they are good people going through a tough time. They know that with the right care to address their problem, their staff member will be able to return to work and are likely to become a more productive and better employee.
If you know you need help but are unsure of how to tell your employer, you can call and speak directly to John Malone, our CEO who can provide you with more information and support you through the process. Call (02) 9171 2920 or email [email protected].
What to look for in a drug and alcohol rehab
Discretion – Disclosing that you’re going to rehab or that you have a problem can be a scary proposition. What if they judge me? What if they fire me? Or worse, what if they tell me I’m overreacting and I don’t have a problem? We understand the need for privacy and discretion as you undertake the brave decision to do something about your addiction. Attending our 28 day rehab program won’t appear on your medical record, nor do we share ‘notes’ or details with anyone.
Understanding – At The Sydney Retreat, we know what it’s like to live with addiction – the guilt, shame and remorse and utter bewilderment that often goes hand in hand with not being able to stop once you start. Our team also know what it takes to get clean and sober and have first-hand experience maintaining long term recovery. Having people who truly understand what you’re going through and can help you find a way out by sharing their experience is vital.
Support – Not sure how to talk to your boss about going to rehab? Worried about being away from your job for 28 days? Feeling nervous about approaching the subject of addiction and rehab with your family? We can help. Every day we talk to employers, lawyers and family members and help people make the transition into rehab as smooth as possible. We help you navigate those difficult conversations so you can focus on getting the help you need.
A long term plan and solution – We provide a clear relapse prevention plan and connect you with a supportive recovery community to help you stay on track after you leave our program. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of addiction and learn practical tools to help you maintain your sobriety as you return to everyday life, including work and family responsibilities.
Supporting someone with a drinking problem
- Remember they are sick people, not bad people
- Learn all you can about addiction and know what to look for
- Don’t be afraid to have uncomfortable conversations – sometimes the worst thing we can do is just turn a blind eye and pretend everything is OK
- Be ready when they ask for help
- Learn how to support them once they stop
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