Rehab After Work

What Is After-Work Rehab?

After-work rehabs are outpatient treatment programs designed for those with mild to moderate substance use disorders (SUD) who have responsibilities that prevent them from moving into a facility for the duration of their care.

A primary benefit of after-work rehab is the ability to focus on recovery without disruptions to a person’s work, home, or school responsibilities. Often, the controlled environment and rigid schedule of inpatient treatment may be too restrictive for those who are caretakers or the main provider for their family, so after-work rehab provides a more viable option for those individuals, as it is much less restrictive. Individuals dedicate about 10 to 12 hours to weekly treatment and can continue living at home.

During after-work rehab, participants can receive outpatient detoxification if needed. On average, the process takes about a week. During outpatient detox, patients must visit the treatment facility for physical and mental check-ups. Trained medical professionals may provide medication to assist with any withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or depression. To support their recovery, participants receive traditional and alternative therapies during these after-work rehab sessions.

Can I Be Fired For Going To Rehab?

When looking into treatment for substance use, you should not have to worry about job security, as a healthy recovery should be your main focus. Many employers are willing to help staff members with addiction issues through in-house policies and health insurance provided by the company. Furthermore, certain laws protect those in recovery or those seeking treatment from being fired.

Laws, Protections, And Rights For Those Going To Rehab While Employed

The federal government has laws in place that protect employees seeking addiction treatment. The two primary laws that do this are:

The American Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA protects anyone seeking recovery treatment from discriminatory actions, including refusing to hire or promote someone in recovery. Employers cannot fire a person who has sought or is currently seeking treatment for a SUD, and a person’s participation in an addiction treatment program, now or previously, cannot be used against them.

The Family And Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The FMLA protects anyone who has worked in the private or public sector for more than a year with a company, agency, or organization that has more than 50 employees on staff. Under this act, a person must be allowed to seek treatment for a SUD, for a physical illness related to addiction, or to care for a family member with an addiction. Employers cannot retaliate against an employee who requests leave under the FMLA.

Other laws that support employees seeking addiction treatment include:

• The Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 expands insurance coverage for behavioral health treatments.
• The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 protects patient confidentiality.
• The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008, like the ACA, ensures everyone has access to insurance for behavioral health.

It’s important to be aware there are some circumstances in which a company or organization can legally fire a person who is misusing drugs or alcohol, especially if it prevents an employee from completing job requirements and duties.

There are many nuances to employment laws, especially those related to substance use disorder treatment. Seeking professional legal support can ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

How To Talk To Your Employer About Rehab

Before speaking with your employer, know your rights. Understanding your rights will give you confidence when discussing after-work rehab with your employer. Remember that addiction is a medical condition (a brain disorder, specifically) that requires treatment just like other physical conditions.

Some tips to follow when talking to your employer include:

• Expressing genuine appreciation and gratitude for your job
• Explaining your situation openly and honestly
• Disclosing your understanding of the laws and protections for employees
• Explaining how after-work rehabs function and how little your job will be affected
• Expressing the many ways attending an after-work rehab will improve your job performance

To ensure you have a clear and complete understanding of your rights and protections, you may want to speak with a legal representative before meeting with your employer.

Treatments Offered At After-Work Rehab

Treatment plans at an after-work rehab are created based on an extensive assessment of each participant. No two people will have the same treatment plan due to the differences in their situations. However, recovery plans often consist of multiple treatments, such as:

• Medication assistance for withdrawal
• Individual psychotherapy
• Psychoeducation
• Group counseling or peer support groups
• Early recovery skills
• Relapse prevention
• Family therapy
• Alternative or holistic treatments

Some people may struggle in early recovery, which is why after-work rehabs offer varying levels of treatment intensity. Participants can receive intensive outpatient services that allow them to receive services three or more days weekly, while some may only need traditional outpatient services.

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Types Of Therapies Offered At After-Work Rehab

Therapies in after-work addiction treatment programs are facilitated by licensed therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists with extensive training and experience. The following are some of the evidence-backed therapies used in treatment.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps an individual recognize the thoughts that may trigger them to misuse substances. They learn to replace unhealthy thoughts with healthy ones to change how they react or respond to situations.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a form of psychotherapy used to treat substance use disorders. Therapists teach mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation skills.

Contingency Management (CM)

CM is a behavioral reward system that motivates participants to continue in recovery. Participants get rewards at milestones, such as the number of days sober, counseling sessions attended, or days they take medications as prescribed.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)

MET is a short-term therapy to encourage someone ambivalent about entering recovery. Key components include setting goals, reflecting on the current situation, and motivating them to desire change.

Family Therapies

Therapists have multiple approaches to help families affected by a loved one’s substance abuse and to teach them how to support their recovery. Examples include multi-systemic therapy (MST), psychoeducation, multi-dynamic family therapy (MDFT), behavioral couples therapy (BCT), and community reinforcement and family training (CRAFT).

12-Step Facilitation Groups

Peer support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), are effective in helping people maintain long-term recovery. These 12-step groups consist of confidential daily or weekly meetings. Hearing others tell their stories helps a person feel less alone. They help participants accept that they have a substance use disorder, recognize addiction controls them, and take actionable steps for recovery.

Alternative And Holistic Treatments

Psychiatrists and therapists understand the importance of treating the whole body simultaneously for substance use disorders. Alternative and holistic therapies can help treat the whole self, utilizing meditation, yoga, fitness, nutrition, art or music therapy, and acupuncture.

How Much Does After-Work Rehab Cost?

Because patients return home after their sessions, they do not pay any lodging fees, which can help lower the cost of rehab. The cost for one person may be completely different than another’s due to several factors, including:

• Location
• Number of current participants
• Types of therapies and treatments
• Prescription medications
• Treatment team members such as psychiatrists and therapists
• Number of weekly sessions
• Length of time in the program
• Type of insurance coverage

Never let the cost of a program be a deterrent. Many programs offer scholarships, grants, pay scales, or reduced prices.

Benefits Of Rehab After Work

After-work rehab may be recommended for anyone with mild to moderate SUDs. It eliminates many barriers to seeking treatment by people who cannot leave home for weeks or months. Benefits of rehab after work include:

• Attending programs that are flexible to meet a person’s needs
• Pricing is generally more affordable than more intensive rehab programs
• Being able to continue a weekly work schedule while participating in the program

Finding Rehab After Work

Because you will continue to work during treatment, finding an after-work rehab close to your work or home is essential. Transportation is often an issue for program participants. Depending on your situation, being able to walk to the treatment center or utilize public transportation to get there may be important.

Other things to consider when finding rehab after work include insurance coverage, types of evidence-based therapies, family inclusion, and aftercare programs.

Find Your After-Work Rehab Program

It can be a difficult decision to commit to a rehab program, especially if you have many responsibilities and people at home who are dependent on you. However, one of the best things you can do for yourself and your loved ones is to seek treatment if you are struggling with substance misuse.

Contact a treatment provider today to learn more about rehab after work. They can help check your insurance coverage, find treatment centers near you, and answer your rehab-related questions. Reach out today to start your recovery journey.