Should I tell my employer about going to treatment?

Deciding whether to tell your employer about treatment is a personal decision that depends on your specific workplace, your relationship with your supervisor, and your legal protections. You're not legally required to disclose the specific reason for taking medical leave, but there are pros and cons to consider. If you decide to disclose, you may be protected under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) if your company has 50 or more employees and you've worked there for at least a year. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may also provide protections, as addiction recovery is considered a disability when you're in recovery. These laws can protect your job while you're in treatment. Benefits of disclosure might include accessing employee assistance programs (EAP), getting support from understanding supervisors, or reducing Psychological stress about hiding your situation. Some employers are very supportive of employees seeking help for health issues, including addictive behaviors. However, there can be risks, including potential discrimination (though illegal, it can still happen), damage to professional Interpersonal relationship, or impact on future opportunities. Consider your workplace culture and how mental health and substance addiction are generally viewed. If you choose not to disclose specifics, you can simply request medical leave for "a health condition that requires treatment." Work with your treatment center and healthcare provider to provide any necessary documentation without revealing details about addictive behaviors. Consider consulting with an employment attorney or your HR department about your rights and options before making this decision.