When you struggle with addiction, or are in recovery due to substance abuse, you are definitely not alone. In fact, 16 percent of the total US population of more than 40 million people who are over the age of 12 would qualify under the definition of those struggling with addiction. This includes people who are addicted to prescription medications, illegal drugs and alcohol.

No Discrimination

One thing to be noted is that addiction does not discriminate. This means that there is no particular race, or socio-economic group that is exempt from the reaches of addiction. Yet there still remains a certain stigma that goes along with the disease of addiction.

A common concern of those looking to recover from addiction is whether or not to let their employers know that they require the help of a treatment center in order to regain stability in their life. There is a common misconception linked to people suffering from addiction that they are unable to hold a job. The fact is, that almost 75 percent of all illicit drug users over the age of 18 are actually employed. This means there is a large amount of functioning alcoholics and addicts that are in the workplace.

Being Honest With Yourself and Others Around You

When facing the decision of if you should actually approach your supervisor or a person from HR to explain the situation can be quite intimidating. You may be wondering if you will be treated with respect, who else will find out and if you are going to be fired or able to return after receiving service from a treatment center in Los Angeles.

Prior to approaching your employer about your addiction situation, you need to really think this through. It is important to understand all of your obligations and rights, as well as the responsibilities that your employer has. It can be quite difficult to keep your job when struggling with addiction. However, staying organized and talking with others who may have been through this process can be beneficial.

When you do go in to talk with your employer, be sure to be open and honest about the situation as well as how it may have affected your job performance. Let them know, the treatment center in Los Angeles you will go to will help you overcome the addiction and come back to work as a more productive individual. This will allow them to see the benefits of you returning after treatment.