Ocean Ridge Treatment & Recovery
Detox, Treatment, Recovery
If you’re considering treatment for substance abuse or drug addiction, one of the biggest concerns you may have is how this decision could affect your job. Will your employer find out? Can they fire you for seeking help? What rights do you actually have?
At Ocean Ridge Recovery, we often work with professionals who are balancing their recovery journey with the responsibilities of work. The good news is that there are several federal laws that protect employees seeking addiction treatment—so you don’t have to choose between your health and your job.
Let’s break down what these protections are, how they work, and how you can access help confidently.
Several federal laws safeguard your right to seek treatment for substance abuse or a substance use disorder without risking your job or facing discrimination.
The ADA protects employees with disabilities—including those in recovery from drug addiction or alcohol abuse—from discrimination in the workplace. While it doesn’t protect individuals who are currently engaging in illegal drug use, it does protect those who have stopped using and are receiving treatment or have successfully completed a program.
If you’re actively seeking help, your employer is often required to provide reasonable accommodations—like a flexible schedule or medical leave—so you can attend treatment.
FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for eligible employees who need time off for medical reasons—including substance abuse treatment, as long as it’s administered by or under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
This is especially valuable for employee assistance programs (EAPs) that refer workers to care and need formal leave arrangements in place.
Many employers offer employee assistance programs that provide confidential counseling, referrals, and short-term support for substance abuse, mental health, and family concerns. These EAPs are a great place to start if you’re unsure about how to talk to your employer or navigate your legal rights.
An EAP can also assist you in coordinating care, accessing benefits, and avoiding disciplinary actions related to a positive drug test, job performance concerns, or disclosure of a prescription drug issue.
Employers must walk a fine line between maintaining a drug free workplace and supporting employees in recovery. Here’s what they can and can’t do:
They can:
They can’t:
Even if you work in a highly regulated field or with federal agencies, your employer must follow laws that protect employees—including those related to drug use, prescription drug concerns, and past illicit drug use that is no longer active.
Some industries—such as transportation, healthcare, and federal government work—have stricter rules under the Drug-Free Workplace Act, especially when safety is a concern. However, even in these cases, employees in recovery are often eligible for support and accommodations.
Even seasonal agricultural workers and employees earning the federal minimum wage or minimum wage under state law are protected by many of these same standards.
While the law is on your side, employers are still allowed to take action if a substance use disorder is affecting your ability to do your job. If your employee’s job performance or conduct becomes unsafe or unreliable, treatment becomes not just an option—but a necessity.
At Ocean Ridge Recovery, we believe no one should be punished for choosing to get better. If you’re facing drug use, drug abuse, or dependency on a prescription drug, we’ll help you understand your rights, connect with your employee assistance program, and create a treatment plan that aligns with your career.
Whether you’re worried about a positive drug test, ready to request FMLA, or unsure how to approach your HR team, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Contact Ocean Ridge Recovery today for confidential guidance, compassionate care, and the clarity you need to move forward—legally, professionally, and personally.
Our medical, clinical, and counseling staffs on site are available 24/7.
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.
