Ocean Ridge Treatment & Recovery
Detox, Treatment, Recovery
If you or a family member are struggling with substance abuse or drug or alcohol abuse, the thought of stepping away from work can feel overwhelming—especially when your job and financial security are on the line. But here’s the good news: the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was created to protect people just like you, offering job protected leave so you can focus on your health without risking your career.
At Ocean Ridge Recovery, we regularly work with clients who are presently taking FMLA leave or are considering it to begin addiction treatment. If you’re unsure about your rights, how to get started, or whether your health condition qualifies, this guide is here to help you understand your options and take the next step with confidence.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job protected leave per year for certain serious health conditions, including those related to substance abuse and mental health.
The Medical Leave Act, or FMLA, allows you to take time off to receive addiction treatment or care for a family member dealing with a qualifying health condition. It ensures your job is protected during your leave, and that you can return to the same or an equivalent position once your leave is complete.
Yes. Under the FMLA, substance abuse is considered a serious health condition—but only when treatment is provided by or referred through a healthcare provider.
This means you can use FMLA leave to enter a rehab program, attend therapy, or participate in outpatient treatment, as long as it’s part of a plan overseen by a qualified healthcare provider. However, absences due only to active drug and alcohol use—without seeking treatment—do not qualify.
The FMLA entitles eligible employees who:
If you meet these criteria, you’re eligible to request family and medical leave to address a serious health condition related to addiction treatment or drug or alcohol abuse.
Yes. FMLA leave can also be used to care for a family member—such as a spouse, child, or parent—who is undergoing addiction treatment for a serious health condition. This provision is especially helpful if you’re the support system for someone in need of substance abuse care and need time to help them through their journey.
At Ocean Ridge Recovery, we understand that asking for help isn’t easy—and neither is navigating paperwork and policies while dealing with a health condition. That’s why our team is here to help guide you through the process of using the medical leave act to enter addiction treatment.
We provide:
Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a family member, we’ll make sure you get the support and protection you need to focus on what matters most—your recovery.
If FMLA leave is the only thing standing between you and the treatment you need, it’s time to take action. You don’t have to choose between your health and your job—you’re entitled to both.
Let Ocean Ridge Recovery help you navigate the family and medical leave process so you can step into addiction treatment with peace of mind and the confidence that your future is protected.
Reach out today for a confidential consultation and let us help you get started on the road to recovery.
Our medical, clinical, and counseling staffs on site are available 24/7.
Yes. If you are receiving care from or referred to treatment by a licensed healthcare provider, drug abuse qualifies as a serious health condition under FMLA regulations. This means you can take protected leave to enter an approved inpatient treatment program or attend outpatient rehab.
If an employee unable to perform their job duties due to a substance use disorder and is seeking treatment, they may be eligible for FMLA leave. The leave must be tied to treatment recommended by a healthcare provider for it to qualify under FMLA regulations.
Yes. Inpatient treatment for substance abuse is covered under FMLA if it is provided or referred by a healthcare provider. This includes detox, residential rehab, or other medically supervised programs.
Your healthcare provider must certify that you are being treated for a serious health condition related to drug abuse. This documentation will be submitted to your employer according to FMLA regulations and will help support your request for job-protected leave.