Can I Be Terminated for Checking Myself Into a Drug Treatment Program?

Question by : Can I be terminated for checking myself into a drug treatment program?
I live in Missouri and voluntarily checked myself into a drug treatment center. I was never accused of using drugs or alcohol while on the job and I passed all UA’s they gave me. Now they are saying that they can terminate me because of their “zero tolerance” policy. Can they legally do this?

Best answer:

Answer by OGRE!!!
i’m pretty sure that’s illegal.

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5 Responses to Can I Be Terminated for Checking Myself Into a Drug Treatment Program?

  • Tina says:

    If you live in a “at will” state yea. That means you work at will. They can fire you for something that is not legally protected.

  • Armchair Legal says:

    It depends on what the written company policy states. If it states that there is a “zero tolerance” policy, they could very well terminate you. Even though you passed your UAs, you still are admitting to using drugs by checking yourself into treatment (even though that was the smart thing for you to do, and you deserve to be given credit for that).

    Good luck.

  • CeciliaM says:

    Missouri is an employment at will state. This means that unless you are part of a union or have an employment contract, they can fire you for any reason, or no reason at all.

  • David S says:

    By checking yourself into a drug treatment program, you have as much as publicly admitted that you have a drug problem, so whether or not you passed previous drug tests is now irrelevant. Those with drug problems are not a protected class under the EEOC, so you can certainly be let go.

  • wizjp says:

    uh…did you go in for a vacation?

    It’s pertty much an admission of guilt.

    Mzou has at will employment. If they can fire you is not the question (they can). Will you be elligible for U/e when they do?

    I’m betting no,

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