Addiction is a disease that doesn’t just disrupt the individual—it impacts families, careers, and overall well-being. Taking time off work to seek professional treatment is often necessary for recovery, but many workers fear losing income or jeopardizing their job security. Fortunately, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can be a vital resource for employees in New Jersey seeking substance abuse treatment.
At Full of Life Recovery Center, located in Marlton, NJ, we understand the challenges of balancing your recovery journey with professional obligations. Our drug rehab in Marlton, NJ offers comprehensive treatment options designed to fit into your life, while leveraging FMLA benefits to ensure you can focus on healing with peace of mind. Below, we’ll explain how FMLA works, its benefits for addiction treatment, and how Full of Life Recovery can support individuals in New Jersey on their path to recovery.
What Is FMLA, and How Does It Work?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law enacted in 1993, designed to provide job-protected, unpaid leave to employees dealing with specific family or medical issues. FMLA protects your work position while allowing you to prioritize your health and recovery for a defined period.
Under FMLA, eligible employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave within a 12-month period for qualifying reasons. These reasons include:
- Personal medical conditions (such as addiction and mental health disorders).
- Caring for an immediate family member with a serious health condition.
- Giving birth to a child or caring for a newborn.
- Adopting a child or receiving a foster care placement.
The connection between FMLA and addiction treatment lies in the recognition that addiction is a medical condition that requires professional attention. Substance use disorders are covered under FMLA in much the same way as physical conditions (like heart surgery or pregnancy recovery), allowing employees to step away from work without fear of retaliation or job loss.
Who Is Eligible for FMLA in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, employees must meet specific criteria to qualify for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). First, the employer you work for must be covered under FMLA. This means the organization must employ at least 50 workers within a 75-mile radius. Coverage extends beyond private companies to include public agencies and both public and private schools. Employees are encouraged to verify their employer’s size and status before requesting leave to ensure they fall under FMLA protections in the state.
Along with employer eligibility, employees themselves must meet work history requirements. To qualify, you must have worked at least 1,250 hours for your current employer during the past 12 months. This averages to roughly 24 hours per week over the course of a year. Maintaining accurate records of hours worked can be helpful when it comes time to apply for FMLA leave.
Another key requirement relates to how long you’ve been with your employer. You must have at least 12 months of service before taking FMLA leave. These months do not have to be consecutive, which is especially beneficial for employees who have taken short breaks or worked seasonally, though breaks in service longer than seven years generally don’t count unless specific exceptions apply, such as military duty.
For employees who meet these qualifications, FMLA offers job-protected leave for addiction treatment. This includes a broad range of services, from residential rehabilitation to day treatment programs, therapy, and aftercare services. During your leave, your employer must maintain your group health benefits, and your job is protected for the duration of your treatment. This can provide critical stability for people seeking recovery from substance use disorders.
It’s important to understand that FMLA protection applies only to time off for receiving treatment under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Absences caused solely by substance use itself — such as being intoxicated at work or missing work because of a hangover or withdrawal without a treatment plan — are not covered. Providing proper medical certification and communicating with your employer about your treatment plan helps ensure your leave is protected under FMLA.
The Key Benefits of Using FMLA for Addiction Recovery
Addiction treatment requires time and commitment. From medical treatment services and therapy to learning practical coping strategies, healing from substance use can’t be rushed. This is where FMLA benefits become invaluable—they allow you to put your mental and physical health first while maintaining job security.
- Job Protection: FMLA ensures that your position (or an equivalent role) is waiting for you when you’re ready to return to work. This eliminates the stress and anxiety that comes with worrying about losing a source of income.
- Health Insurance Continuation: Employers are required to maintain your health insurance benefits under the same terms as if you were actively working, as long as you continue paying your share of premiums.
- Time to Focus on Recovery: Recovery from addiction is not just about stopping substance use—it’s about addressing the underlying causes and building new coping skills. FMLA provides the time you need to focus fully on treatment without workplace distractions or obligations.
- Comprehensive Treatment Coverage: FMLA covers time for all stages of addiction treatment, including detoxification, inpatient rehab, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and outpatient care.
At Full of Life Recovery Center’s addiction treatment program in Marlton, NJ, we explore every avenue of care, combining evidence-based treatments with a supportive structure, so you can use FMLA benefits as a launchpad for long-term wellness.
Tips for Requesting & Documenting Leave From Work for Drug & Alcohol Rehab
Navigating time off for addiction treatment can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re worried about your job. Understanding how to properly request and document leave for drug and alcohol rehab not only protects your employment but also gives you peace of mind as you focus on your recovery program. By learning the right steps to take, you can ensure your leave is handled smoothly, your privacy is respected, and you have the support you need from your workplace while you get the care that’s essential to your health and well-being.
Obtain Proper Medical Documentation
To ensure your leave is protected, you must provide appropriate documentation. This typically includes a medical certification from your healthcare provider outlining the need for treatment, the expected duration, and any intermittent leave requirements. Submitting this documentation promptly to your employer’s HR department or designated FMLA coordinator will help streamline the approval process and prevent delays.
Notify Your Employer as Early as Possible
When requesting FMLA leave for addiction treatment, give your employer as much notice as possible—ideally, at least 30 days before your leave begins. If your treatment needs to start urgently, notify them as soon as you’re able. Early communication helps your employer plan for your absence and keeps your leave request in good standing.
Protect Your Privacy
You’re not required to share specific details about your diagnosis with your employer. Instead, you only need to provide enough information to demonstrate that your leave qualifies under FMLA. Maintaining open communication with HR while protecting your personal health information can help reduce stress during the process.
Keep Accurate Records
Maintain copies of all forms, correspondence, and medical certifications in your personal records. These documents can be critical if any issues arise later or if you need to extend or modify your leave. Having organized records gives you added peace of mind and makes follow-up easier.
Focus on Recovery with Confidence
By meeting eligibility requirements, submitting the right documentation, and following your employer’s notification process, you can take advantage of FMLA protections without jeopardizing your job or benefits. This allows you to focus fully on your recovery while knowing your employment and health coverage remain secure.
How Full of Life Recovery Center’s Substance Abuse Programs in Marlton, NJ, Can Help
At Full of Life Recovery Center, we understand that addiction treatment is not easy, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take toward reclaiming your life. Our drug rehab in Marlton, NJ, is more than just a treatment facility—it’s a supportive community dedicated to helping you heal, grow, and transform. From the moment you arrive, you’ll find a compassionate team and an environment designed to foster hope and recovery.
We offer a comprehensive range of evidence-based therapies to address the root causes of addiction, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and other proven treatment methods. Each client receives a customized treatment plan tailored to their needs and goals, whether that involves medication-assisted treatment, intensive outpatient services, or partial care. Our clinicians, therapists, and counselors work tirelessly to provide individualized care and ensure you receive the support necessary for lasting change.
Recovery doesn’t stop when treatment ends, which is why we emphasize continuity of care through relapse-prevention planning and aftercare services. We also assist clients with the logistics of filing for FMLA to make the process less overwhelming, providing the guidance and documentation needed to protect your job while you focus on treatment. At Full of Life Recovery Center, every element of our program is built to help you move forward with confidence and maintain long-term wellness.
Begin Your Recovery Journey With FMLA-Covered Addiction Treatment in South Jersey at Full of Life Recovery
Addiction is a disease—it’s not your fault, but seeking help to overcome it is your responsibility. By leveraging FMLA benefits, you’re giving yourself the chance to prioritize your health while safeguarding your professional life. At Full of Life Recovery Center in Marlton, NJ, we provide the care, support, and resources you need to embrace the transformative power of recovery.
Call us today to learn more about using FMLA benefits in New Jersey for addiction treatment.
Let us walk with you every step of the way—as you say no to addiction and yes to a healthier, brighter future. Contact Full of Life Recovery Center now to reclaim your life.
