Preparing to Enter Rehab: A Guide for Business Professionals
The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that, in 2013, 17 million people in the U.S. had an alcohol use disorder or dependence. An additional 9 million abused or were dependent on legal or illegal drugs.1 Although addiction to alcohol or drugs is a chronic illness, in public perception, there is a stigma attached to the illness.2 This may partly explain why only 10 percent of people who need help seek professional treatment or enter rehab.
Substance abuse has many negative impacts on an individual. There are health and financial consequences, and in many cases, substance abuse puts a significant strain on personal relationships. Addiction and substance abuse often lead to lower productivity and poor decision making. For business professionals, the problem can interfere with the livelihoods of those who depend on them.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorders
While some people can get sober without any outside help, the majority will require treatment at specialist rehab facilities like Silver Ridge. Addiction specialists at Silver Ridge provide the very best treatment, backed up by evidence of success. They are passionate about getting their clientele healthy again, and giving them the strength and confidence to remain sober.
Professionals who enter rehab should be able to focus on their recovery, and Silver Ridge provides a warm, inspirational and caring environment where clientele will not be distracted by day-to-day concerns. Every need is catered to at Silver Ridge.
Preparing to Enter Rehab
While there is a stigma attached to substance abuse, that should not deter you from seeking treatment if you have a problem. The consequences of continuing to abuse substances will be far worse than any shame you may feel.
If you are employed by someone else, you will need to request time off for treatment. In most cases, it is best to be honest and tell your employer you need to enter rehab. Your employer will most likely recognize that your contribution to the business will be enhanced when your health has been cared for.
You are already a valuable asset to your employer, and they will not want to lose you. Requesting time off to deal with substance abuse problems is no different than getting time off for treatment of other health issues or talking a medical leave. Federal law dictates that people must be given time off without prejudice for treatment of disabilities, and addiction is classified as a disability.
If you own your own business, try to delegate your responsibilities to others you can trust with the responsibility. It can be tempting to let important employees or business partners have numbers to contact you while you are away. Ideally, you should not do this. Outside distractions can interfere with your treatment program.
If you have business clients who deal with you directly, make sure you let them know you will be unavailable for a time. It may help if you can introduce them to your replacement before you leave for treatment.
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