Drug Addiction / Dependence & Employment?

Question by cna1970: Drug Addiction / Dependence & employment?
I’ve been taking pain medication for a medical reason for a few years…. I take more than I should and realize that I am going to need help getting off this medication. I function & work normally…. noone has a clue & if I run out of meds early then I just say I got a cold/flu or whatever.
My pain is controlled but as I said I take more than I should…. not alot more but still it’s getting to be an issue and I want to try and get off this stuff. I’ve tried weaning off…ya right…no will power.
I started a new job a few moths ago & can’t just take a week off yet. I really can’t afford to miss even a day of work either but I will if I have to but I am scared to lose my job as well.
My question is:
If I’m honest with my employer and just tell them I need a week or 2 off to attend a detox program…. can they fire me legally or do I have any rights? Instead of pain meds I was going to say I drink as soon as I get home until I go to bed every night and I need help.
I take a long acting pain med…. 1 every 12hrs and I don’t get “high” or at least I don’t feel “high” plus I take a fast acting pain pill when needed & I’m allowed 2 of those a day ….. I take a couple extra of the fast acting pain med at night when I’m home for the night….never at work.
I work fine and not doppy or anything so there is no reason for work to think I’m on anything unless I tell them.
OH and by the way whoever said I was still on probation….. ya ok whatever…. I’ve never been in legal trouble in my life so try another one.
Also- I’ve never called out of work….. I’ve run out of meds a few times and still deal with it and go into work. They have no reason to fire me except this one issue….. but I think I will tell them I’ve been on them awhile and my pain is controlled I want off the meds and try new things. Maybe in future I’ll need meds again but hopefully my tolerence will be lower and 1 pill will work instead of 2.

Best answer:

Answer by feedymite
You should just explain that you’re on a legitimate pain medication, and that you need a week to get off it, because you’ve been on it so long that stopping seems to be causing withdrawal. You don’t have to mention that you’re taking more than you should.

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