Resources For Union Employees

As history has shown, unions were created as a ‘brotherhood’ to protect the rights of employees. This can also extend their needs when faced with alcohol and drug issues with themselves or for a loved one. For many, these are sensitive issues that are kept hidden as they fear the negative stigma of ‘treatment’, many who need help, do not ask for it. Working through local Union Groups, Coastline Behavioral Health is opening the lines of communications to offer resources and support.

On the Federal level, Congress has adopted several acts that include The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and The Rehabilitation Act. Federal regulations and Federal courts have acknowledged that drug addiction and alcoholism are recognized disabilities under the ADA if they substantially limit one or more major life activities.

Union employees suffering from alcohol and drug addiction that seek treatment prior to being caught can be found to have a disability and are protected under law. Seeking treatment as soon as possible is critical to obtaining legal protections under the ADA. Additional information for laws that protect your rights can be found on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website.

More important than your legal protections is your health. If you are suffering from drug addiction and/or alcoholism, it is important to seek treatment immediately. The long-term benefits of sobriety far outweigh the time needed for proper treatment. Your mental and physical health, family life, personal life, and economic status can all be improved by long-term and sustained sobriety.

At Coastline, we support your loved one to turn their life around and get help with addiction, behavioral and mental health problems through ongoing guidance and assistance. We know that taking the steps to get help for your family can often time be confusing, depressing and difficult. Our admissions’ team is available 24/7 to answer your questions.

Your chances of long-term sobriety increase significantly when you learn to depend on others working to accomplish a common goal. Addiction should never be taken lightly and your ability to not only help yourself but also your brothers in the program, will go a long way to help you achieve long-term sobriety. Addiction has led us into selfish living and, in many cases, it has left us in isolation and despair. Our goal is to teach you, through example and experience, the values listed below. This will support you in developing meaningful relationships and foster a sense of purpose in your life. A top priority in sobriety is to become a man of integrity who is trusted and relied upon by those closest to you. This has the potential to create a competency and self-confidence that will never be found in drug use. This is our experience, strength, and hope for all who become part of the Coastline Brotherhood.