How to Take a Leave of Absence From Work for Rehab?

Reviewed by: Dr. Ryan Peterson
Updated on: July 9, 2025

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A leave of absence for rehab (or medical rehabilitation) is a period away from work to focus on getting the needed physical, emotional, and mental help. It's an important step in helping people get back to their full potential, and it's becoming more common as workers recognize the benefits of taking time off for recovery.

Having this conversation with your boss can be one of the most difficult, but it doesn't have to be. It's important to remember that taking leave for rehab is often protected by law, and not doing so can lead to legal outcomes from employers. Let's look at the steps to take if you're wondering how to take a leave of absence for mental health.

What is a Leave of Absence?

A leave of absence (LOA) is when an employee takes away from work for many reasons. An employer may offer a LOA for medical, personal, or family purposes. In many cases, it can be used as a form of rehabilitation for employees struggling with physical and mental health concerns.

This also applies to taking a leave to tackle drug addiction and work towards getting sober. Rehab leave can provide invaluable support for employees who are struggling with addiction. With proper care, it can help them achieve long-term sobriety and lead to improved well-being.

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What is the FMLA?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that provides unpaid leave for those on qualified medical or family leave. It allows employees to take up to 12 weeks off for specified reasons, such as the birth or adoption of a child, a serious health condition, or caring for an ill relative. The FMLA also requires employers to provide job protection, meaning that an employee's job may not be terminated or their benefits reduced while on leave.

The FMLA does not apply to all employers; it only applies to those with 50 or more employees and only applies if the employee has worked for at least 12 months and 1,250 hours in the past 12 months. Employers must provide notice of rights under the FMLA and an application for leave.

If you take a leave to go to a drug rehab facility for addiction issues or a severe mental health condition, you may be eligible for FMLA leave. To qualify, the employee must have a serious health condition, including any drug dependency or addiction that significantly limits one or more major life activities. Employees who take FMLA leave are protected from discrimination or retaliation by their employer.

When and why do you request a leave of absence from work to go to treatment?

When addiction or mental illness has become unmanageable, and your daily functioning is suffering, a leave of absence from work may be necessary to attend rehab. You can focus on making the most out of the treatment program with minimal distractions by taking a leave of absence. It also helps ensure that your job will remain there for you when you complete your treatment.

Your employer may or may not know about your addiction, but explaining why you need a leave of absence is important. Be honest and open with your employer about the situation and how rehab can help you overcome substance abuse. It's also helpful to provide details about the program so they understand what you will be doing during treatment and how long it will take.

If finances are an issue, you may be able to apply for short-term disability or other forms of assistance to cover your living expenses while away from work. Resources such as grants and scholarships are available for those who need help paying for rehab.

How to ask for a leave of absence for going to rehab?

Asking for a leave of absence to go to drug rehab is an important step in recovery. It can be intimidating, but it's important to remember that you have rights as an employee and that many employers understand the need for rehabilitation.

When asking your employer for a leave of absence, here are some tips to keep in mind when trying to tell your boss you need an out-patient treatment program:

  • Be honest with your employer about why you need the time off. They are more likely to support your decision if they understand it's due to a medical condition.

  • Make sure to have documentation from your doctor or therapist in case your employer needs proof of the situation.

  • Remember, you may be able to use benefits such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to provide job protection during your time off.

  • Before taking leave, consider discussing options for qualifying for a leave of absence with an experienced employment lawyer.

  • Have a plan with your employer on how you will handle any work that needs to be done while you are away.

Conversation is an excellent way to ward off negative thoughts like can you get your job back after rehab? Plus, it makes it easier for you and your employer to communicate.

Can the leave of absence be paid?

Whether or not a leave of absence is paid or unpaid depends on the employer's policies and where you live. Some employers may offer paid leaves of absence in situations such as medical or family care, while others may only provide unpaid leaves.

It's important to check with your employer before taking a leave of absence to ensure that you understand their policies and have a plan for managing household bills or other obligations while on vacation. Additionally, state and federal laws may provide certain protections for employees taking leaves of absence due to medical conditions.

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How will taking a Leave of Absence from work will affect me?

Taking a mental health leave from work can be difficult, especially if you seek treatment for substance abuse or alcohol addiction. Depending on the type of job and workplace benefits, taking time away from work to seek help may come with certain risks. Understanding how your employer's policies will affect you in such a situation.

Employees can often take a leave of absence for drug or alcohol rehab without worrying about losing their jobs. Generally speaking, employers must provide reasonable accommodation for employees who need time away from work due to medical issues. This includes leaves of absence related to substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation. You also have to consider if your mental health issues would extend your mental health leave longer than expected.

What are the rights on taking leave of action from work to going into rehab?

You have certain legal rights when taking a leave of absence for drug or alcohol rehab. For example, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in the United States guarantees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for employees who need time away from work due to medical issues, including substance abuse treatment.

Your employer may also be required to provide paid leave for rehab, depending on the type of job and workplace benefits. It's important to understand your rights before taking a leave of absence, as employers are not allowed to discriminate against employees who take time away from work for medical issues. Mental health conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Bipolar Disorder affect your physical health and everyday performance. Depending on the severity of the mental health concern, you could be eligible for employee assistance programs.

Treatment Providers Near You

Finding a rehab center that fits their needs and budget is important for people suffering from addiction. Fortunately, we at NuView Treatment Center can help you with such services. With our fully certified and experienced staff, we offer a range of treatment options specialized to the individual's goals and needs. Our rehab centers are affordable and can provide the resources to control your addiction. Contact us at (323) 307 - 7997 or email us at info@nuviewtreatment.com to learn more about how we can help you.

  • What is a Leave of Absence?
  • What is the FMLA?
  • When and why do you request a leave of absence from work to go to treatment?
  • How to ask for a leave of absence for going to rehab?
  • How will taking a Leave of Absence from work will affect me?
  • Are there any legal considerations you should know when taking a leave of absence for rehab?
  • Treatment Providers Near You

  • What is a Leave of Absence?
  • What is the FMLA?
  • When and why do you request a leave of absence from work to go to treatment?
  • How to ask for a leave of absence for going to rehab?
  • How will taking a Leave of Absence from work will affect me?
  • Are there any legal considerations you should know when taking a leave of absence for rehab?
  • Treatment Providers Near You

Get Help Today!

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  • Feitosa, C. D. A., & Fernandes, M. A. (2020). Leave of absence due to depression.Revista latino-americana de enfermagem, 28, e3274. https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.3634.3274

  • Nichulson, P. J., & Gration, J. C. (2018). Helping patients with common mental health problems return to work.The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal Cullege of General Practitioners, 68(669), 164–165. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp18X695333

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  • Hogg, B., Moreno-Alcázar, A., Tóth, M. D., Serbanescu, I., Aust, B., Leduc, C., Paterson, C., Tsantilla, F., Abdulla, K., Cerga-Pashoja, A., Cresswell-Smith, J., Fanaj, N., Meksi, A., Ni Dhalaigh, D., Reich, H., Ross, V., Sanches, S., Thomson, K., Van Audenhove, C., Pérez, V., … MENTUPP consortium members (2023). Supporting employees with mental illness and reducing mental illness-related stigma in the workplace: an expert survey.European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience, 273(3), 739–753. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-022-01443-3

  • Habibi, Z., Tourani, S., Sadeghi, H., & Abulghasemi, A. (2013). Effectiveness of stress management skill training on the depression, anxiety and stress levels in drug addicts after drug withdrawal.International journal of high risk behaviors & addiction, 2(2), 82–86. https://doi.org/10.5812/ijhrba.10695

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