Going to Rehab? Here’s How to Break the News to Your Boss, Friends, and Family
Telling your boss you are struggling with addiction and need some time off to deal is never not going to be awkward. But being honest and straightforward with the people in your life (while giving them only as much information as they need, bc privacy) can help you exit gracefully—and, when you’re done with your treatment, get a fresh start.
Your school
This might actually be the least stressful one, because taking a semester off is NBD at most universities. If you leave suddenly and flunk classes, ask about a retroactive medical withdrawal, says Adrienne Otto Frame, associate vice president and dean of students at the University of Central Florida. At some schools, you have up to six months after dropping out to request a leave. “You may be able to get your grades forgiven—and your tuition back.” (You’ll need proof of where you’ve been though.)
Your job
No need to spill everything—just say, “My substance use is interfering with my life and I’m getting help,” suggests Patti Perez, a vice president at HR company Emtrain and author of The Drama-Free Workplace. You also don’t need to come armed with a grand plan for how your workload will be handled while you’re away. Addiction treatment is protected by disability laws, meaning you can take a “reasonable” amount of time off to deal. If you work at a larger company, go to your HR department (they’re required to keep your convo confidential), which can help you maneuver through how to bring it up to your manager or even run interference on the logistics for you.
Your friends
Your besties probably know what’s up. Actually, let’s be real, your besties definitely know what’s up. Just send anyone else a quick text letting them know you’re dealing with a medical issue and that you’ll be fine but you will be offline for a few weeks. “Say, ‘I’ll let you know when I’m situated,’” says Vanessa E. Ford, an addiction counselor and a licensed psychotherapist.
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