Drug and Alcohol Rehab Treatment for Professionals

Statistics on Drug & Alcohol Abuse in Professionals

According to a recent national report, about 9.5% of full-time workers were dependent on or abused alcohol or illicit drugs in the past year.¹ Additionally, several industries have considerably high rates of substance use disorder (SUD) among workers, including:¹

• 3% in construction.
• 9% in the arts, entertainment, and recreation.
• 4% in company and enterprise management.
• 0% in real estate, rental, and leasing.
• 4% in finance and insurance.
• 1% in transportation and warehousing.
• 8% in professional, scientific, and technical services.
• 7% in healthcare and social assistance.
• 5% in educational services.

What Happens in Rehab?

Rehab programs for professionals are customized to fit the patient’s needs. However, rehab for professionals typically begins with medical detox to ensure safe and comfortable withdrawal periods. During this time, medication may be used to help reduce some of the uncomfortable physical withdrawal symptoms that arise after a person stops using drugs or alcohol. After detox, a professional may begin a formal substance use treatment program by working with a highly skilled team of professionals to move forward in maintaining their recovery.

Specific issues, such as a person’s needed length of stay, whether they will go to inpatient or outpatient treatment, and other details, are typically determined by the professional and their care team prior to starting treatment. Unfortunately, many professionals are fearful about attending inpatient rehab for fear of losing their jobs. For those who wish to keep their jobs and go to rehab, this can cause considerable stress. It is important to note, however, that there are supports in place to help working professionals pursuing quality treatment, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and more.

Will I Get Fired for Going to Rehab?

No, you will not get fired for going to rehab. In fact, professionals seeking rehab may find protection of confidentiality and of their careers under laws such as the ADA and FMLA.

The ADA protects the rights of people with disabilities, such as professionals in recovery for addiction to alcohol, opioids, and other substances.³ To be protected under the ADA, you must:³

• Be in recovery from a SUD.
• No longer engage in the illegal use of drugs.
• Currently participate in or have already completed a rehab program.

The FMLA permits eligible professionals to take unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons.⁴ Additionally, the FMLA allows them to maintain their group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions that they had before taking leave.⁴

How Long is Rehab?

Rehab for professionals varies in length and may last between 30-90 days or more. Typically, a person’s length of stay depends on factors like their insurance coverage, their unique needs, the capacity of the provider’s program, and others.

Will Insurance Cover Rehab?

Yes, insurance typically covers rehabilitation. In fact, American Addiction Centers (AAC) accepts most large health insurance plans and offers a variety of treatment options such as co-occurring disorder treatment, behavioral therapies, and more.