Can I get fired because of my pill addiction?

[Claire300]

Last week, I had a near nervous breakdown and took some, what I called "emergency vacation", to detox from my Hydrocodone addiction. Tomorrow I go back to work and I am extremely worried and scared to hear what my boss has to say. I have a meeting with him and my manager in the morning. I just hate what this has done to my life. I haven't said "I'm sorry" so many times in my life as I have over the past 6 days.

I am not even sure how to handle myself. I don't want to go in there with the "poor me" attitude and feel the need to explain how this all happened again; although, this is what I would like to do. It is always easier to play the victim, but I don't want to be a victim to this addiction.

I'm lost and terrified. Has anyone experienced this before?

[landbray]

Hi,
In Pennsylvania they also can't fire you b/c of addication. Most employer have to offer you rehab. My empolyer does for 30 days.
It is disrimantion (spelling sorry) to fire you.
But all employers have ways of getting around this.
Since you have been honest. I would continue to be so to a point.
Employers don't need to know everything.
Do you have a presp for the vic's?
I hope everything works out for you
best of luck in your recovery.
paaddict

[orange7770]

I know here in the state of Indiana they cant fire you for an addiction.  They have to send you to a treatment program and offer help.  I'm sure your boss will be understading.  There is a whole chapter in the AA book, called "to the employer" that will help you and your boss understand what is going on.  If your boss helps you through this he knows you will be one heck of a loyal employee.  If you stumble again and agian though, do not expect to have your boss do this over and over, take this one chance and make a better life for yourself!!!

God Bless
James

[HelpinUtah]

I'm so sorry this has happened to you.  I also took a couple days off work last week to deal with the withdrawals and also came clean with my boss.  She was extremely understanding.  I'm hopeful that they just want to have that meeting with you since you requested one.  Being honest with them, will most likely help them to trust you more.  Sometimes when we hide things, it hurts us more in the long run.  Good for you, for being willing to admit such a thing to your management.  I hope they are understanding and that things go well.  You are in my prayers!!!

[NautyOne]

I think she told her boss about her addiction....oiy.

Claire, how did it go???????

Nauty.......

[sparkie825]

What was it that you said to your boss?  Did you call in sick all week, or did you just disappear?  Can you be more specific?

[Claire300]

I didn't have an actual nervous breakdown. I felt I was on the verge of one Tuesday morning. There were a few stressful situations at the office that put me over my limit. I left work around 10:45 for my daughters doctor's appointment; which my bosses knew about. After her appointment, I was so stressed out that I went home, contacted my manager that I was going to take a personal day. I stayed in bed for the rest of the day Tuesday.

Wednesday, I got up and didn't have the strength to go in to work. I sent an email to my manager letting her know that I needed to take some time off work due to personal issues. (email notifications are acceptable) Then, I sent my boss (the owner) an email as well, explaining my leave and why I needed to take it. I have taken off a lot due to this addiction. I don't know why I told him. I just felt compelled to explain myself. He emailed back that he wanted the best for me and that he supported me getting help. He is a very understanding man; which is why I hate that I have become such a slacker!

So, then later Wednesday, I sent my manager an email explaining why I was taking the time off. I knew that I had just left things hanging with the email I sent to her. She didn't reply. This made me incredibly nervous. On Friday, I couldn't take it anymore, so I sent her another email asking her if she got my email from Wednesday and if we could have a meeting when I come back to work on Monday. I told her that I was feeling overwhelmed with the idea of coming back to work and hoped to talk to her either before Monday or first thing Monday morning. She replied that she did get the email, hoped I was doing well, she was unable to talk to me that day (Friday) and would set up a meeting for me, her and my boss Monday morning.

I know this is a lot to ready and I appreciate you taking the time! Thanks so much.

[NautyOne]

I don't understand?.....so did you mean "Nervous Breakdown" figuratively ? or did you lose it at work?.......do they know about your pill problem.  I just don't understand...so you took a week off?......can you explain or maybe it's just me that doesn't get it.

sorry,
nauty........