Can I Use FMLA for Rehab? How the Family and Medical Leave Act Supports Addiction Treatment

Family Medical Leave Act FMLA

48.5 million (17%) Americans struggle with a substance use disorder, but only 23% receive the help they need. One of the biggest barriers? Fear of losing your job while seeking treatment. Fortunately, you may be legally protected through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This federal law allows eligible employees to take time off for serious health conditions, including substance use disorders, without risking job security.

What is FMLA?

The Family and Medical Leave Act is a federal law that gives certain employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for specific family or medical reasons. FMLA has made it possible to take care of your health and the health of your family without sacrificing your job or health insurance. Thankfully, treatment for substance abuse can be covered by FMLA. 

What reasons can I use FMLA for?

  • The birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child
  • Caring for a child, spouse, or parent with a serious health condition
  • Your own serious health condition that prevents you from working
  • Certain situations related to a family member’s military service

Can I use FMLA for inpatient or outpatient substance abuse treatment?

Generally, yes. The term “serious health condition” can include substance use disorders and mental health conditions if:

  • You’re receiving inpatient care (like a residential treatment program)
  • You’re receiving ongoing treatment by a healthcare provider (like intensive outpatient programs)
  • A covered family member needs your care during their treatment

It is important to note that if your substance use interferes with your job performance, your employer may still take disciplinary action.

Am I eligible for FMLA?

You may qualify for FMLA if you:

  • Have worked for your employer for at least 12 months, and worked at least 1,250 hours
  • Work for a company with 50 or more employees, a government agency, or school
  • Work for a covered employer

What protections does FMLA provide?

Eligible employees can:

  • Take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during a 12-month period
  • Take up to 26 weeks of military caregiver leave during a 12-month period
  • Use leave intermittently, even a few hours at a time
  • Return to the same job or a nearly identical role
  • Keep your group health insurance while you’re on leave

Your employer cannot fire, discipline, suspend, or retaliate against you for requesting or taking FMLA.  

Do I need to tell my employer why I am taking FMLA?

No, your medical privacy is protected. While you need to share enough information to show your leave qualifies for FMLA, you do NOT need to say that you’re seeking treatment for substance abuse, nor do you need to share any other medical history that is unrelated to why you are taking leave. 

Now that I know I can take time off, how do I find treatment for myself or a loved one?

When you’re ready to begin your recovery journey, The Council is the place to start for objective and expert advice. Our compassionate team will walk alongside you to ensure you find the support you or a loved one needs – whether it is with us or elsewhere in the Houston community. Contact The Council or call us at 713-942-4100 to take the first steps toward recovery.

Note: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For questions about your specific rights or situation, consult your HR department or a legal advisor.

Supporting Those in Recovery during the Holiday Season

As the holidays approach, a time usually filled with joy and celebration, it can also spark a range of emotions, especially for families navigating the complexities of recovery. Whether it’s a loved one overcoming addiction, managing mental health challenges, or healing from a significant life change, the holiday season can present unique hurdles.

In this blog post, we will share meaningful ways to support family and friends during this time, ensuring that the spirit of love and togetherness is still felt while creating an environment conducive to healing and growth.

Keep expectations realistic

Acknowledge that the holidays may look different, especially when celebrating with someone in early recovery, but different isn’t bad. You may need to adjust plans or skip some of your usual activities to be mindful of their needs. This transition may be hard for everyone, but it is important to help them (and yourself) realize the holidays can still be enjoyable.  

Express your support

Your loved one may be especially vulnerable during this time. Ask them, “What do you need from me to feel supported during this time?” Offer empathy, compassion, and positive communication. It is important to be mindful of their sobriety, but avoid making a show out of catering to them. Remember that connection is important.

Be open

Be open to hearing about triggers and cravings. Talking about them does not mean they will lead anywhere. Not talking about them is riskier.

Strategize an exit plan

Help your loved one create an exit plan for potentially triggering situations – let them know they have an “out” with you. Reassure them that you will support their choices, even if others are uncomfortable with the changes. Try to give grace and understanding if the recovering person misses an event or has to leave early.

Find support for yourself

Recovery is hard for families and friends too, so have a trusted person or two that you can lean on. The Council is also ready to support and guide you, even if your loved one is not seeking help here, through group meetings and more. Give us a call at 713.942.4100 or visit our website at any time. We invite you to join us on January 11 for the Wayfinders workshop to learn therapy-based skills about navigating a loved one’s addiction while also caring for yourself.

Maintaining Recovery during the Holiday Season

The winter holidays are usually a time of celebration, but for those in recovery, they can also bring added challenges. With the pressure of social gatherings, heightened expectations, and the overall emphasis on happiness, the holiday season can test your commitment to recovery in ways that other times of the year don’t.

In this blog, we’ll explore practical strategies for maintaining recovery during the holidays, whether you’re newly in recovery or have years under your belt. From navigating tricky social situations to finding moments for self-care, The Council is here to help turn this season into one of strength, joy, and resilience in recovery.

Keep expectations realistic

Just like with any other disease, substance abuse does not take a vacation just because the calendar says so. It’s important to keep expectations for yourself realistic in how you will maintain your recovery. Know your holidays may look different, but different isn’t bad.

Set healthy boundaries

Saying “no” can be one of the most empowering acts of self-care. It is more about being honest about what you can and can’t handle. Try to let go of the guilt of what you “should” do and prioritize what protects your recovery. One missed holiday event is worth being present for the next 10, 20, 30…

Surround yourself with the right people

Spend time with people who already know your struggle and can be there for you if the environment becomes a challenge to your sobriety or mental health.

Have an exit plan

If things don’t feel right, you might need to excuse yourself quickly. So before you go, think about how you will leave. Have your own transportation, ride-share apps installed, or a supportive friend ready to pick you up. Maintain your boundaries and remember that you are in control.

Schedule something to look forward to

Having something positive on your calendar can boost your spirits so plan an activity that excites you, whether it’s volunteering or attending a sober event. Mark your calendar for the Sober Recreation Committee bowling event on December 7 or come volunteer at The Council.

Reach out for support

If you’re wondering whether to reach out for support or not, go ahead and reach out now. The Council is ready to guide you through this season. We have over 15 different recovery group meetings on our campus and recovery support services available. Call us at 713.942.4100 or visit our website anytime for assistance.

The Council Joins Forces with Teen and Family Services to Support Teens and Parents in the Face of Rising Overdose Deaths

The Council on Recovery is excited to welcome Teen and Family Services whose central office will now be housed at The Council’s campus on Jackson Hill Street in a strategic move that will multiply impact and conserve resources. The two recovery-focused nonprofits will maintain their distinct identities while sharing space and coordinating services for families with young people impacted by substance use.

The move comes amidst an alarming spike in drug overdoses, which is now the leading cause of unintentional death in the United States. Declining mental health is also a significant concern, with Texas Children’s Hospital reporting that the number of emergency room visits related to mental health crises has skyrocketed 800% since before the pandemic.

TAFS

“Teens today face more challenges and pressures than ever before,” said George Youngblood, President & CEO of Teen and Family Services. “Together, Teen and Family Services and The Council on Recovery can support the entire family as they navigate a complicated world.”

Long-time allies, the two nonprofits hope that by strengthening their collaboration, they can improve the landscape of care in Houston. “Addiction is too big a problem to solve alone. This partnership helps make the road to recovery easier,” said Mary Beck, President & CEO of The Council. “With so many families in need, it is essential that we join together with like-minded organizations to extend our own impact and make the best use of limited resources.”

With nearly a century of combined experience, The Council on Recovery and Teen and Family Services will work together to leverage their unique strengths to more fully serve families with teens affected by addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions. Services will include screening and assessment; education and parent coaching; individual, family, and group counseling; and recovery support services.

For more information on these services, or to make a referral, contact us through our website or call 713.914.0556.

How we’re combatting the opioid overdose crisis

The Council is troubled by the alarming spike in drug overdoses, which is now the leading cause of unintentional death in the United States. After a number of recent losses close to home, we wanted to provide an update on our efforts to combat this crisis in our community.

What we know.

Since 2020, the highest number of opioid overdose deaths in Texas occurred in Harris County. The threat of fentanyl is worsening this crisis. Fentanyl is an opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and is often mixed with other substances and counterfeit pills. This means that when people use drugs without a prescription like Adderall and Xanax, they are at risk of fentanyl poisoning and overdose.  As few as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal. The Center for Disease Control found that about 66 percent of opioid-related deaths in Texas involve synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl.

How we help.

  1. We provide integrated outpatient treatment for anyone impacted by any substance use disorder, including opioids. If we cannot help someone here, we work with individuals and families to identify and connect them with services that are right for their needs. Finally, we provide ongoing support for those further along in their recovery from opioid abuse.
  2. : We distribute Narcan, a life-saving medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. We have also trained more than 4,500 people in Narcan administration in homes and communities across Houston, including healthcare professionals, law enforcement, educators, public park officials, and more. Additionally, all clients receive overdose prevention education.
  3. In 2022,The Council and Prevention Resource Center – Region 6 (PRC 6) collaborated with Houston High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area on a billboard campaign to promote awareness of the dangers of fentanyl. This “One Pill Can Kill” campaign strategically placed eight billboards across the greater Houston area and garnered an estimated 14,000,000 impressions. The Council and PRC 6 also hosted the 2022 Houston Virtual Fentanyl Summit, as well as the Family Summit on the Overdose/Poisoning Epidemic, both of which attracted hundreds of attendees to address this public health emergency.
overdose

What’s next?

The Texas legislature passed Senate Bill 629, which requires all public and private schools to adopt and implement a policy regarding the maintenance, administration, and disposal of opioid antagonists such as Narcan at every campus. It also passed House Bill 3908, which requires each public school district to provide annual instruction on fentanyl abuse prevention to students in grades 6 through 12. The Council is Houston’s go-to resource for local schools to develop and implement these new policies and procedures around Narcan availability and administration, as well as substance abuse awareness and education.

We will continue to explore new ways to effectively address this crisis through our own programs and services as well as through innovative partnerships with organizations and institutions across the city and state. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, or may be at risk of opioid overdose, call us today at (713) 914-0556, or contact us online.

Comedian Craig Ferguson to Serve as Keynote Speaker at The Council’s 2023 Fall Luncheon

The Council on Recovery is excited to announce that award-winning comedian and host of the Late Late show Craig Ferguson will serve as keynote speaker at our 2023 Fall Luncheon on Friday, October 13, 2023 at the Hilton Americas – Houston Hotel!

Craig Ferguson is a multiple Grammy-nominated, Peabody and Emmy Award-winning actor, writer, producer, director, and comedian with a diverse career that encompasses film, television, and the stage. He hosted the wildly popular Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, which ran for ten years on CBS and remains a cult favorite.

Craig Ferguson

He achieved notable success on the North American comedy circuit and has performed to sold-out theaters all across the country, including Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall. Craig has recorded five widely acclaimed stand-up comedy specials for Netflix, Comedy Central, Epix and Amazon. He is also a New York Times bestselling author and published his most recent book, Riding the Elephant, in 2019.

Ashley and Steve Birdwell, and Walt and Edith Parmer will serve as event co-chairs. As a non-profit organization, gifts from our Speaker Series events make our services accessible to those who may otherwise not be able to receive them. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, The Council can deliver best-in-class education, treatment, and recovery support to all families, with the promise that we turn no one away.

Visit our Speaker Series website to learn more or reserve your table today.