Union First Provides Employee Advocacy Services

Lumberton Township, New Jersey -

Toms River, New Jersey – Union First is committed to helping union workers and federal employees access high-quality addiction treatment without fear for their job. Today, there are more than 24 million people who are living with a substance use disorder; roughly 70% of these individuals have a job, but only a small fraction will enroll in rehab treatment.

Union First is working on challenging the stigma associated with behavioral health issues like substance use disorders. When a person chooses to enter a treatment facility, it’s worthy of celebration, but too often, people fear that their employer will find out and their employment will be jeopardized. That’s unfortunate because treatment can help people achieve lasting addiction recovery.

The employee advocacy team of Union First informs workers of their rights. The organization also provides outreach services to unions and employers because they aren’t always clear on workers’ state and federally protected rights. A person should not fear job loss by getting healthcare treatment that involves substance abuse treatment. With legislative protections in place, union and federal employees have the right to enroll in rehab programs without losing their job.

Substance addiction is a complex condition that involves physical and psychological dependencies. Most people do not achieve recovery without treatment. And, yet, drug and alcohol addictions are treatable conditions. Union First has stepped forward to advocate for addiction sufferers by informing them of their rights and helping them access treatment. Employees can focus more fully on their addiction therapies when they aren’t in fear for their livelihood.

Union First pairs employees with addiction treatment centers in their area. There are many types of addiction treatment programs today, including medical detox, inpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment. People who have substance use disorders have many different options for treatment; they aren’t limited to inpatient or outpatient only. In fact, today, insurance providers are also mandated by legislation, the Affordable Care Act, to provide coverage for inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment.

When Union First pairs employees with rehabs in their area, employees can expect to undergo an evaluation of their condition and psychological health. This allows addiction specialists to recommend the ideal course of treatment for each person. Some people benefit from residential treatment. Others might be candidates for outpatient treatment.

Before clients enter their treatment program, Union First advocates counsel employees about their rights. They can also help them navigate the process. Employees will typically want to alert their union and employer about their pending treatment. Union First representatives can answer employees’ questions and address any concerns they have about informing their employer of their behavioral health care treatment.

Knowing that their job is safe makes it easier for people to enroll in addiction treatment. It is illegal for employers to discriminate against people who are enrolled in behavioral health treatment. This means they cannot legally fire employees enrolled in treatment, punish, or withhold promotions from these employees either. While many employers know this, Union First is always happy to remind them and unions about employees’ rights when it comes to behavioral health treatment.

After alerting work, employees can begin treatment for their substance use disorder. Treatment often begins with medical detox. Clinically supervised detox is a safe process that targets physical dependence. Yes, clients will experience withdrawal symptoms, but the advantage of medical detox is that clinicians treat these symptoms to eliminate them or reduce their severity. Clients can detox safely and comfortably while under the supervision of clinicians.

After detox is complete, clients will begin their addiction treatment plan that targets the psychological and behavioral aspects of their substance use disorder. During this process, clients can identify their triggers and get help developing strategies to manage them successfully. Since each person is different, the time frame for treatment differs too. Treatment plans are often offered in 30, 60, and 90 day increments.

As clients progress through treatment, many will return to work while continuing with outpatient therapy. Employees have the right to continue their behavioral health treatment. As they grow in stability, they can, ultimately, begin to put addiction behind them.

Union First is pleased to be part of employees’ recovery success stories. As advocates for employees, Union First works to help them get the behavioral health care treatment they need while still keeping their jobs.