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Should You Mention Rehab in Job Applications?
Summary: The short answer is no, you should not mention rehab or addiction in a job application. The application stage is for filtering candidates based on qualifications, not for sharing personal medical history. Your strategy should be to fill employment gaps with the phrase "private health matter" and only disclose details if you are already hired and require specific accommodations.
Should you list the name of your treatment center, or even the reason for an employment gap, on a job application? This is perhaps the most stressful question when re-entering the workforce. The fear is that the application will go straight into the trash.
The Golden Rule of Disclosure
The golden rule for job applications is this: The answer is almost always no.
A job application is a screening tool. It is designed to filter candidates based on experience and basic qualifications, not to gather your personal medical history. Giving too much information—especially concerning a stigmatized medical condition—puts the hiring manager in a position to discriminate, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
You have a right to privacy. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does classify drug addiction as a disability (provided you are currently sober). This means an employer cannot legally discriminate against you because of your past treatment. However, you should not rely on a lawsuit to get a job. Instead, rely on a strategic approach to protect your career.
Protecting your privacy is a core part of protecting your recovery. You control the narrative, and you decide what is shared.
The Application Strategy
So, how do you handle the application form, especially the space for the employment gap?
Do not write “Rehab” or name the facility. Use the phrasing we discussed previously: “Medical Leave,” “Time dedicated to resolving a private health matter,” or “Voluntary leave for health recovery.” Keep it brief. You need to fill the blank space without providing unnecessary detail. The goal of the application is simply to get you the interview.
Never use the application to ask for accommodations. If you require flexibility for meetings or doctor appointments, that discussion happens *after* you have been hired and are safely on the payroll. Use the application phase to sell your skills, not your needs.
When Disclosure Can Be Strategic
There are very few times when disclosing prior addiction or treatment is unavoidable: if you have a felony on your background check directly related to substance use, or if the job is federally regulated (e.g., commercial driving) and requires specific disclosure. Even then, your explanation must be brief and focus on the time passed and your current stability.
For most jobs, disclosure is a personal choice you can save until you feel comfortable and secure. At Vanity Wellness Center, we emphasize prioritizing your peace and privacy above the urge to over-explain. Your sobriety is your strength—it doesn’t need to be your headline.