If you’re thinking about taking time off work to seek help for alcohol use, you might be asking, “Does FMLA cover alcohol rehab?” It’s one of the most common questions we hear—and the good news is, in many cases, the answer is yes.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave each year for certain health-related needs.
At Hammocks on the Edisto, we understand how complex this decision can feel. That’s why we don’t just provide holistic, trauma-informed care—we also help you navigate the logistics with care, compassion, and confidentiality. You deserve time to heal, and we’re here to support you in taking that first step.
Understanding FMLA and How It Applies to Alcohol Rehab
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was created to protect your right to care for your health without sacrificing your livelihood. It allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave that is job-protected, within a 12-month period, for specific medical or mental health needs.
Does FMLA cover substance use treatment?
So, does FMLA cover alcohol rehab? Yes, when rehab is considered medically necessary by a licensed healthcare provider. That includes residential treatment, like what we offer here at Hammocks Recovery.
In order for FMLA to apply, your alcohol treatment must be:
- Recommended and overseen by a licensed medical or mental health professional.
- Part of a formal treatment plan.
- Addressing a serious health condition, such as alcohol use disorder.
This means that time spent in inpatient or residential care—such as our women-only program on the Edisto River—can be protected under FMLA. And while the law doesn’t guarantee paid leave, it does ensure your job and health insurance benefits are safe while you focus on healing.
What Types of Alcohol Rehab Does FMLA Cover?
If you’re wondering whether your specific treatment plan qualifies for FMLA, it’s helpful to know what kinds of care are typically covered. FMLA is designed to support you when you’re receiving medical treatment for a serious health condition—including substance use disorders—so long as the care is deemed medically necessary.
Here’s what FMLA may cover when it comes to alcohol rehab:
- Residential inpatient programs, like the one we offer at Hammocks Recovery, where you stay on-site and receive 24/7 care in a structured, supportive environment.
- Medically supervised detox, if it’s required before beginning formal treatment. Detox can be a crucial first step in safely managing withdrawal symptoms.
- Continuing outpatient treatment, such as therapy sessions or recovery meetings, if they’re part of your doctor’s recommended care plan.
What FMLA does not cover are absences caused by substance use itself. For example:
- Missing work because of being intoxicated.
- Being late or absent due to hangovers.
- Calling out sick repeatedly without a treatment plan in place.
FMLA is meant to protect your job while you’re actively seeking help—not to excuse substance-related job issues outside of a treatment framework.
Your Rights Under FMLA—And What to Expect
Choosing to step away from work to begin alcohol rehab is a courageous decision—and you have legal rights that are designed to protect that choice.
To be eligible for FMLA, you must meet a few basic requirements:
- You’ve worked for your employer for at least 12 months.
- You’ve clocked at least 1,250 hours in the past year.
- Your employer has 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius.
If you meet those criteria, you’re entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical needs—including alcohol rehab recommended by a provider.
Here’s what FMLA guarantees:
- Job reinstatement: You can return to the same or a similar position after treatment.
- Continuation of health benefits: Your employer must maintain your group health insurance during your leave.
- Confidentiality: Your employer is not entitled to know the specific nature of your condition—only that you’re receiving care for a serious health issue.
At Hammocks Recovery, we know how hard it can be to ask for time to take care of yourself. But you are not alone—and you do not have to choose between your health and your job. FMLA exists for this very reason: to give you the space and protection to heal.
Why Women Choose Hammocks Recovery for Alcohol Rehab
The team at Hammocks Recovery understands that true healing occurs in a space where you feel safe, supported, and acknowledged. That’s why women from all walks of life choose our residential alcohol rehab program—not just for the clinical care, but for the peace, privacy, and sisterhood we offer.
Nestled along the Edisto River in Jacksonboro, South Carolina, our women-only program provides a serene, nature-based setting where you can get away from daily stressors and reconnect with yourself. We’re more than a treatment center—we’re a place to rest, reflect, and rebuild.
Treatment approaches at Hammocks Recovery
Our approach to alcohol rehab is both evidence-based and holistic, with a wide range of therapies designed to treat the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Depending on your needs, your treatment plan may include:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to process trauma at its roots.
- Trauma-focused therapy that honors your lived experience.
- DBT and CBT for emotional regulation and healthy thought patterns.
- Acupuncture, Reiki, and Yoga to support physical healing and spiritual grounding.
We also incorporate wellness coaching, 12-Step and non-12-Step recovery options (including SMART and Dharma Recovery), offering space for self-discovery in a way that feels most aligned with you.
You deserve a program that sees the complete picture of who you are—not just your symptoms. At Hammocks Recovery, healing isn’t something we do to you—it’s something we nurture with you.
Start your healing journey with us
We know that taking leave from work to enter treatment can feel like a leap—but so is choosing to reclaim your health, your peace, and your future. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
At Hammocks Recovery, we’re here to help you navigate every part of the process—from understanding your FMLA rights to verifying insurance and creating a personalized treatment plan that meets you where you are. There’s no judgment here—just a team of women who will walk beside you, every step of the way.
Ready to take the first step? Contact us to begin your journey toward peace and recovery.
FAQs About FMLA and Alcohol Rehab
Can I lose my job if I go to rehab?
If you’re eligible for FMLA and your alcohol rehab is considered medically necessary, your job is legally protected. Your employer is required to hold your position—or a comparable one—while you’re on approved FMLA leave.
Will my employer know I’m going to alcohol rehab?
No, your employer does not have to know the specific reason you’re taking medical leave. While your FMLA paperwork will need to confirm that you’re receiving care for a serious health condition, the details of your treatment stay private. We’ll work closely with your treatment team to ensure all necessary documentation is handled professionally and confidentially, so you can focus on healing, not explaining.
Does FMLA cover the cost of rehab?
FMLA protects your job, not your finances—so while it allows you to take time off for treatment, it doesn’t cover the cost of rehab itself. However, most clients use a combination of health insurance and self-pay options to fund their care.
How do I start the FMLA process?
The first step is to speak with your HR department and request FMLA forms. From there, you’ll need a licensed medical or mental health provider to certify that alcohol rehab is medically necessary for your recovery. Our team can help coordinate with your provider to make sure everything is in place—from documentation to treatment timelines—so you can move forward without added stress.
Can I use FMLA more than once for rehab?
Yes, in many cases you can use FMLA more than once—as long as you haven’t exceeded your 12-week allotment in a 12-month period. If you’ve already used FMLA for another qualifying condition, or if you’re seeking treatment in a future year, you may be eligible again.
