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.    Read more...