Many people who suffer from a drug addiction and are receiving an outpatient form of drug rehabilitation are sometimes concerned about how their treatment may affect their ability to get a job. Often times, people feel the need to hide this information from potential employers, or use their rehab as an excuse to not apply for a job, saying no one will hire someone going to rehab anyway.  

Seeking treatment for your drug addiction is no reason to hesitate in trying to better your life by finding a good job. According to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, employers are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with disabilities which include alcoholism or drug addiction, among other disabilities. There are of course exceptions to this law, and a few requirements that must be met for an individual to be considered “disabled” by their addiction and protected by the law.  

A person whom is currently using drugs will of course not be protected by this law. If you are using illegal drugs, it is perfectly legal for a potential employer to deny your employment with their company. However, if you are currently enrolled in a supervised drug rehabilitation program and are no longer using illegal drugs, you treatment program cannot be used against you when being considered for employment.  

Additionally, if you have completed a supervised drug rehab program or have otherwise been rehabilitated from drug use and no longer suffer from a substance abuse addiction or use drugs, you are also protected under this law when seeking employment.