Time off for alcohol rehab

[OutbackQueen]

I have a job I love (admin NHS) and have worked for my employer for almost 15 years. I’ve had a lot of time off for mental health issues and recently went through a disciplinary process because of this. I got through it and they’re happy with me now. Recently I’ve really struggled because my mother is dying and I have a huge alcohol problem. I need time off for rehab but am concerned if I tell them that this is the reason they’ll say enough is enough. I have a good relationship with my manager but because I’ve been through one disciplinary they’ll tell me to go. What are my rights? Should I be open with them about my alcholosim or put it down to my previous MH issues?

I would just be honest with your manager, you won't be the first to go to rehab or the last. You could speak to ACAS to find out where you stand, but I see it as if you needed time off for an operation or if you were sectioned, it would be normal sick leave, this shouldn't be any different. Are you in a union?

If your mental health problems are causing your alcohol misuse then you’ll get a more sympathetic hearing. Good luck with rehab!

Could you get a doctors note to sign you off for generic “mental health treatment”? Presumably at the rehab there will be doctors, and you won’t be the first person to not want to tell an employer.

If not, it really does sound like your manager will be understanding, and will want to support you in getting help

Your GP doesn't need to put what you are in hospital for on the medical note. So if you don't feel up to sharing with your manager then I would just tell them you are going into hospital for treatment, fairly near the time so you don't have lots of time for questions. And ask GP to put hospital admission or mental health treatment or something similar on the note.

But also think how you're going to be /what you'll say when you come back and have the return to work meeting and your colleagues are all asking how you are now.
Good luck

A close relative was in the same situation - she shared her problems with a colleague and it caused quite a few problems for her. Colleague refused to speak to her when she came back - it was very distressing.

An effective rehab would be about four weeks, are you able to take this as annual leave or unpaid leave? I honestly wouldn’t advise that you tell your employer the real reason, most have policies that indicate zero tolerance for any absences due to drugs or alcohol.

Honestly I wouldn't. Given you're on thing ice already. It may be the straw that breaks the camels back.

I would tell your manager and be honest about it and the treatment you are seeking- I’d rather know as a mgr to ensure support is given. You are showing you are seeking support to get better.
i can understand others views however so I do think it depends on the relationship you have with your mgr. if you have the time off sick are you likely to be issued a warning? (Ie do you have trigger points that you’ll reach?) I would just consider the best way to take the time off if that is the case. (Sickness, annual leave, unpaid)
best of luck!

To add, I have dealt with many sickness cases where the employee admits they have an alcohol problem and unless they are coming into work under the Influence/ drinking at work, it’s not a conduct issue. The business should be supporting you

Look at the HR policies on your trust intranet. Look at the sickness and attendance policy and the Alcohol and drugs misuse policy to get an understanding g of how your manager will deal with your situation. For instance our policy allows time off for specialist treatment.

As I have such a good relationship with my manager, I was completely honest with her yesterday. She couldn’t have been more supportive and told me she appreciated my honesty. I have the month of September off, 2 weeks as annual leave and 2 weeks sick. I spoke to my GP too and she agreed to sign me off sick for alcohol rehab.

The rehab is actually free; it involves going in daily to a local facility for group sessions and has been recommended to me by various people. I’m going to tell my colleagues I’m taking compassionate leave (my mother has gad a massive stroke and is in hospital). Thanks for all your advice.

Best of luck with it OP

So glad to hear your manager is supportive. The last thing you need is to worry about work- 😊