Can an employee in alcohol rehab tell co-workers?

If an employee decides to go through an EAP program for alcohol abuse counseling, are there legal advantages or disadvantages to "coming out" at work? Can the employee be disciplined for sharing this information with coworkers?

Rita Risser's Response:

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, there are definite advantages to telling management and/or Human Resources that you are undergoing rehabilitation for alcoholism. Alcoholism is a disability under the ADA, and the employer must reasonably accommodate. However, they only must accommodate if they know of the disability. Therefore, it is your responsibility to inform them.

Generally, you have the right to tell your co-workers whatever you want about your medical condition. However, once you do, that information is no longer considered private. Thus, if a co-worker chose to send an e-mail to the entire company informing them that you are in rehab, you could not sue for invasion of privacy. But for many alcoholics, part of their long-term rehabilitation is apologizing to the people they have hurt, and certainly your co-workers may be in line for that.

Thank you for your courage!

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