Working while living with active addiction is extremely challenging. Even if you think keeping up with your daily tasks is a walk in the park and abusing drugs or alcohol when you get home is not affecting your work, it most likely is. Addiction affects every aspect of a person’s life and their ability to function properly. When you’re finally ready to find treatment, it’s tough to know where to turn. If you are part of a union, you might have good healthcare benefits. But can a labor union help with addiction treatment services?
Don’t let employer benefits or the thought of job insecurity stop you from finding help. You won’t be able to juggle work and addiction without affecting your help or work. Call 888.340.2214 to get help from BlueCrest’s substance abuse treatment programs now.
Unions and Rehab Benefits
When you join a union, you gain many benefits to support your work and personal life. Having a group dedicated to advocating for your rights as an employee can be a significant advantage. This support includes access to healthcare benefits that can cover mental health addiction treatment services.
Having access to better healthcare benefits can make all the difference for someone struggling with addiction. Substance abuse treatment programs can be costly, and insurance coverage can help reduce financial barriers to getting the necessary care. With a union, you may have access to more affordable or even free addiction treatment services.
Can a Labor Union Help with Addiction Treatment?
You have rights as an employee at your job that help protect your employment status if you need medical attention. A substance use disorder is a chronic disease, and without treatment, it can negatively impact your job performance and health.
Some of your rights as an employee might include:
- The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – Affords time off to seek treatment for a serious health condition without risk of losing your job
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Offers protection against discrimination for people living in recovery and accommodations for some needing treatment for a disability
- The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) – Equal footing for insurance coverage of mental health and addiction services as physical health treatment
As a union worker, you likely have organizers and representatives who can help you navigate your rights. They may also assist in finding resources for treatment and support services.
Returning to Work After Rehab
Many trades represented by unions are skilled, physical, and/or serve public groups that require specialized training, regular testing, and certifications. Employers in these industries may ask for or require documentation that you are “fit for duty” after rehab.
Addiction treatment specialists and doctors may need to fill out paperwork stating you’re ready to safely return to work. Typically, this simply involves verifying that you have completed treatment and are capable of safely performing the tasks required for your job. Your health information, however, is protected, and you do not have to disclose specific details to your employer.
During recovery, you may need ongoing support to maintain your sobriety. The ADA allows for reasonable accommodations if you need to attend meetings or therapy sessions during work hours. Your union representative can help negotiate these arrangements with your employer while protecting your privacy.
Enroll in Rehab by Calling BlueCrest Health Group
Can a labor union help you with addiction treatment? It’s time to find out. Your union may be able to assist you in finding affordable addiction treatment services and supporting your rights as an employee. Call 888.340.2214 now or contact us online to enroll in one of BlueCrest Health Group’s substance abuse treatment programs and start your recovery journey.