Ocean Ridge Treatment & Recovery
Detox, Treatment, Recovery
If you’ve recently gone through treatment for drug or alcohol use and you’re doing your best to stay on track—but find yourself struggling with a relapse—you might be wondering: Can I get fired for this? It’s a scary and deeply personal question, and if you’re here, we want you to know you’re not alone. Relapse is more common than people think, and there are protections in place that might help you stay employed while you continue your recovery journey.
Let’s break it down in real terms.
The answer is… it depends.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act), substance use disorder is considered a medical condition. If you seek treatment, and you’re not actively using illegal drugs on the job, you may be protected. But if relapse occurs and it impacts your work (such as showing up impaired, violating safety policies, or missing shifts without communicating), employers may have grounds for termination.
However, if you’re honest, proactive, and follow the right steps, many employers will support you in your continued recovery process.
Here are some general guidelines:
When in doubt, consult a legal professional—especially if you’ve received any kind of warning or disciplinary notice.
Relapse isn’t just about physically using again—it actually happens in stages:
All of these stages of relapse are part of the relapse process, and they’re not a sign of failure. They’re a signal that you need more support, coping skills, or possibly an adjustment to your treatment plan. The truth is, many people in recovery experience multiple relapses—it’s a challenge, but one that can be overcome.
We know how hard it is to admit when you’re struggling. But there are relapse prevention strategies and treatment centers, like Ocean Ridge in Orange County, California, designed specifically to help people just like you. Whether you’re experiencing a mental relapse stage or fully into physical relapse, it’s not too late to get back on track.
Here’s what you can do:
At Ocean Ridge, we’ve seen the toll drug abuse, alcohol and drug relapse, and substance use can take—not just on people’s health, but on their jobs, relationships, and sense of self. But we’ve also seen the power of long-term recovery, especially when people get the right kind of support.
If you’ve had a relapse and you’re worried about your job, your future, or your ability to bounce back—please know this: you’re not alone, and you’re not beyond help. Many people have been exactly where you are, and they’ve come out stronger on the other side.
If you’re ready to talk, we’re here to listen—no shame, no judgment. Reach out to us today to turn relapse into real recovery.
Our medical, clinical, and counseling staffs on site are available 24/7.
The emotional relapse stage is the first phase of relapse where you’re not thinking about using yet, but you’re bottling up emotions, isolating from support systems, and neglecting self-care—early warning signs that need attention.
Substance abuse can lead to decreased productivity, missed workdays, and safety issues, but it’s also a treatable condition—many employers support treatment rather than punishment.
To prevent relapse, it’s essential to develop coping strategies, attend support groups, maintain healthy routines, and stay connected with a mental health professional or addiction counselor.
Yes, alcohol use disorder is a chronic condition, and relapse can happen—but it’s not a failure. It just means you may need to revisit your treatment plan and strengthen your recovery support.
Not always—a slip is different from a full relapse, but any alcohol consumption in recovery should be taken seriously and discussed with your treatment provider.
Drug use—especially on the job or in violation of company policy—can put your job at risk, but seeking help before it affects your work can protect your employment and support your recovery.
Common risk factors include high stress, isolation, poor sleep, relationship issues, lack of support, and untreated mental health conditions.
Untreated or poorly managed mental health issues like anxiety or depression can increase your vulnerability to relapse, making integrated treatment essential.
Withdrawal symptoms may appear if you’ve returned to substance use and then try to stop again. If you’re experiencing them, seek medical guidance immediately.
Alcohol research shows that relapse is common but manageable with proper treatment, support, and ongoing relapse prevention strategies.
Warning signs include mood swings, poor self-care, alcohol thinking, isolating from others, being caught drinking alcohol, romanticizing past substance use, and skipping recovery meetings or therapy sessions.
Bobby Nassiri is a seasoned Program Director and Business Development Director with over 12 years of experience in the behavioral health industry. Since earning his CADCII counselor certification in 2017, Bobby has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals through compassionate care and innovative program development. Bobby’s expertise spans a wide range of areas, including strategic business growth, program management, and client counseling. His comprehensive approach to behavioral health ensures that every program he directs is both effective and empathetic, catering to the unique needs of each individual client. Outside of his professional endeavors, Bobby enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, practicing Brazilian jiu jitsu, and attending concerts. His diverse interests and commitment to personal well-being reflect his holistic approach to life and work.
So, you’ve decided to go to rehab. You’ve figured out where you want to go. You’ve figured out how to pay for it. You’ve figured out what to do about your job. Everything is falling into place except…
Failing a drug test can be a stressful and life-changing event, especially if it happens at work. Drug tests are often required by employers to maintain a safe and productive work environment. But if you fail, it could lead to consequences that impact your job and future opportunities.
Whether for mental health or drug abuse, seeing recovery is a courageous and important choice. But a lot of workers put off getting help because they’re concerned that it will affect their jobs.
Going to rehab can be a powerful experience. Here, you’re giving yourself the chance to pick up a new set of tools that will allow you to proactively deal with life, addiction, and cravings. At the same time, moving to rehab can be an incredibly lonely experience as you leave friends, family, and your home behind.
Leaving rehab can be daunting. The transition back into everyday life feels overwhelming for many in early recovery. Sober living homes can provide the vital support and structure needed to navigate this challenging yet crucial stage of your journey.
Addiction recovery is a tough journey, and it often takes a unique approach to tackle the physical and mental challenges of substance abuse. One exciting and effective method making waves in addiction recovery: Jiu Jitsu.
At Ocean Ridge, we understand that the demanding schedules, high-stress environments, and physical demands of a job at BNSF Railway can contribute to substance use issues. Our mission is to provide compassionate, effective treatment tailored to the needs of BNSF Railway employees, helping them reclaim their lives from addiction.
At Ocean Ridge, we get it—balancing a high-pressure career while seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. That’s why our Executive Treatment program is here to make things easier, offering top-tier care in a private, confidential setting.
Addiction doesn’t discriminate—it can impact anyone, no matter their career or position. For professionals, juggling work responsibilities while trying to seek help can feel nearly impossible. You might not have the option to step away from your job entirely to focus on treatment. That’s why finding a rehab tailored to professionals is crucial.
Addiction doesn’t discriminate—it can impact anyone, no matter their career or position. For professionals, juggling work responsibilities while trying to seek help can feel nearly impossible. You might not have the option to step away from your job entirely to focus on treatment.
Now, more than ever, our friends, family, and loved ones need medical help for drug and alcohol abuse.
In fact, in 2020, 40.3 million Americans struggled with a substance use disorder. Our friends, family, and loved ones need help and compassionate care from quality drug and alcohol rehab centers.
The admissions process for Ocean Ridge Treatment and Recovery is quick and convenient. Our Drug Rehab and Alcohol Rehab programs are modern, effective, and based in clinical excellence.
The Georgia Sue house is a gorgeous six-bed facility in Laguna Hills that boasts a warm, upscale environment created to help our clients feel at home during their recovery journey.
The Del Campo House is a six-bed facility in beautiful San Clemente that offers clients both privacy and community. Surrounded by gorgeous natural views, this space provides those seeking help for substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders with everything they need to feel relaxed, supported and empowered.
For individuals seeking freedom from substance use, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offers a free, compassionate and supportive community. With its emphasis on the 12-step framework, NA meetings in Orange County, CA provide recovering addicts with the tools and encouragement they need to achieve and maintain sobriety.
For many, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers a vital foundation for recovering from alcohol addiction. With its supportive community, structured program, and proven success, AA provides alcoholics with the tools and encouragement they need to stop drinking and rebuild their lives.
Drug testing is a common practice in many industries to ensure workplace safety, compliance with regulations, and employee productivity. Employers across a variety of sectors often require drug tests during the hiring process, after an accident, or at random intervals to maintain a safe and drug-free work environment.
#300391BP | exp 08/31/2025
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.
It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
