Drug Rehab for Professionals & Executives

Rehab for professionals is a type of drug and alcohol treatment program designed specifically for executives and busy professionals, like lawyers, doctors, and business people. Executive rehab programs are different in that they cater to the unique needs of professionals, which is reflected in their amenities, and treatment options.

How Does Alcohol and Drug Addiction Impact Professionals?

Substance use disorder affects people from all walks of life, including professionals. In fact, according to a national survey, nearly ten percent of professionals working full-time had misused substances in the last year.¹

The survey also found that professionals in certain industries also have higher rates of substance use disorder:

9 percent in the art, entertainment, and recreation industries
8 percent in professional, scientific, and technical service industries
7 percent in healthcare social service occupations
5 percent of academic and teaching professionals
4 percent of financial services and insurance industry professionals
4 percent of enterprise management personnel
1 percent of transportation and warehousing industry professionals

Additionally, certain executives — especially higher-ranking professionals, like CEOs — have certain traits that can make them predisposed to addiction, such as risk taking, obsession, dedication, a strong drive for success, and novelty-seeking. It is also thought that high levels of stress and trauma contribute to the likelihood of addiction.²

The challenge with treating executives and professionals is that they present unique challenges, such as having limited time, certain high-level amenity requirements, and it can be challenging to unlearn a substance-based coping strategy. But it is possible.²

What is a Specialized Rehab for Professionals?

Rehab for professionals is different than standard rehabs in a number of ways:

They offer various flexible treatment options to meet the time restrictions of professionals, like evening or weekend outpatient treatment programs.
Rehabs normally offer more luxury amenities for executives, like spas, gourmet meals, gym facilities, massages, and private accommodations.
Medical detox is an effective protocol to comfortably and effectively treat withdrawal in a short period of time, making it suited to professionals so they can get back to work promptly
Programs for executives offer a lower staff-to-patient ratio, with more intensive one-to-one therapy available.
Treatment centers typically restrict the use of technology and mobile devices, whereas executive programs allow mobile phones and laptops, and often provide fast internet.

Can Professionals Get Fired for Going to Rehab?

In short, no. Employers are prohibited by federal law from discriminating against employees because of their disability.³ Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act, substance use disorder is considered a protected condition.

Some employers, depending on their size and your employment status, may offer treatment through their employee assistance program or through the FMLA, under which addiction treatment is a qualifying condition. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows professionals and executives to take unpaid, job protected leave for specific family and medical reasons, such as undergoing drug and alcohol addiction treatment, and insurance should continue with the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave. Employees are entitled to twelve to 26 working weeks off in a 12-month period depending on the severity of illness.⁴

Additionally, your employer cannot disclose the reason for your absence under the FMLA.

However, everyone’s circumstances differ. While you might be protected under these federal laws, it depends on your individual circumstances and your best course of action is to consult a legal professional. For example, to be protected under the ADA, you must:

No longer take illicit substances
Consider yourself in recovery from addiction
Be participating in a treatment program or have completed a rehab program

Options for Drug Rehab for Professionals

There are various drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available for professionals, including:

Detox: Detoxification involves the use of medications and medical interventions to support the body through detoxification and withdrawal. A specialized treatment facility will have the medical expertise to comfortably and safely treat drug or alcohol withdrawal without unpleasant side effects. Detox programs last for a few days up to one or two weeks.
Inpatient: Residential treatment requires you to stay at a private facility for 30 to 90 days (depending on your flexibility and commitments) where you will engage in individual and group therapy, enhance your coping strategies, and help resolve any issues that contributed to your drug and alcohol use. Inpatient programs are best suited to those with moderate to severe substance use disorders, those with limited at home support, and to professionals who are able to take leave from work. Research shows that those with more severe addiction benefit from at least three months in treatment to significantly change drug use and achieve recovery.⁶
Outpatient: These types of programs vary and include:
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP): Like a residential program, PHPs provide a structured program most days of the week, but you get to return home. This is most suited to executives with mild to moderate substance use disorder
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP): Similar to partial hospitalization, IOPs are the next step down, with less intensive, but structured support several days or evenings a week.
- Outpatient: This is the most flexible program for mild substance use disorders, requiring attendance at a rehab one or two days or evenings a week for group and individual therapy.
Workplace supported recovery (WSR): WSR is a type of recovery program available for professionals in the workplace setting. The goals of WSR programs are to prevent work-related stressors leading to prolonged substance use disorders, to lower the barriers to receiving treatment, and to promote long-term recovery.⁵

Which Therapies Are Used in an Executive Rehab Program?

Behavioral therapies are the most common types of drug and alcohol addiction treatment.6 There are various types of evidence-based behavioral therapies used in addiction treatment, which are centered around the motivation to change, building skills and strategies to avoid drug use, enhancing problem solving skills, and helping to support and repair relationships. Programs may also involve some sort of mutual-aid program, or peer-based support group with others in the recovery process, which has been shown to help maintain long-term recovery.⁶

While the specific therapies utilized in an executive rehab program will vary, they often include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This treatment helps you examine your thoughts, behaviors, and actions, and helps you reframe to a more positive belief and behavioral outcome. Research shows that CBT can reduce the risk of relapse.⁶
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT helps to regulate powerful emotions and unhelpful behaviors by improving mindfulness skills, safety, and interpersonal skills.⁷
Life-skills courses: Rehabs offer workshops, education, and groups to support you in skill development to achieve and sustain recovery. That might involve learning relaxation and stress reduction techniques, relationship building classes, enhancing coping skills training, and relapse prevention strategies.
Motivational Interviewing: Using a series of questions, a motivational interviewer helps individuals to identify their own motivations and readiness to change. Motivational interviewing helps provide individuals with increased confidence and a sense of control to direct their recovery efforts.
Holistic therapies: Many treatment programs offer a range of holistic therapies which may include: acupuncture, massage, yoga, meditation, NAD therapy, nutritional therapies, biofeedback, or equine therapy which are designed to complement the recovery process.
Family therapy: This process is facilitated by a therapist who will meet you and your family to engage them in the recovery process. This may involve facilitating a discussion about the impact of addiction on the relationships in the family, how to promote healing, or how to create supportive changes to maintain a recovery-conducive environment.
Trauma-informed therapy: Many therapists are trained to navigate trauma and its intersection with addiction. Clinicians may use a process like EMDR, or talk therapy to help you process trauma(s) that lead to substance use and to develop more helpful and supportive coping mechanisms.
Wilderness therapy: This type of treatment program usually involves staying outdoors, camping, or some kind of nature-centered environment to support healing.
Adventure therapy: Involves outdoor activities in conjunction with addiction treatment. Activities might involve hiking, camping, and learning survival skills. This is a popular therapy among men and adolescents.

References

Bush, D. M. & Lipari, R. N. (2015). Substance use and substance use disorder by industry.
Walton, A. (2013). Why The Brains of High-Powered People May Be More Prone To Addiction. Forbes.
ADA National Network. (2019). The ADA, addiction, and recovery. https://adata.org/factsheet/ada-addiction-and-recovery
Department of Labor. (n.d.). Family and Medical Leave Act. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Workplace Supported Recovery Program.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Principles of drug addiction treatment: A research-based guide (third edition): types of treatment programs.https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/675-principles-of-drug-addiction-treatment-a-research-based-guide-third-edition.pdf
Dimeff, L.A., & Linehan, M.M. (2008). Dialectical behavior therapy for substance abusers. Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 4(2), 39–47.