Alcoholism and Your Rights at Work: What Your Employer Can’t Do Under the ADA
Legal Reference: Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.)
If you’re dealing with alcoholism and facing unfair treatment at work — you’re not alone, and you do have rights.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alcoholism can be considered a disability, which means you may be entitled to workplace protections and reasonable accommodations. Employers often violate these laws — and when they do, you have legal options.
What the ADA Says About Alcoholism
The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Alcoholism qualifies — especially when it affects daily functions like eating, sleeping, concentrating, or working.
That means if you’re a qualified individual with alcoholism, your employer must:
Consider reasonable accommodations (such as time off for treatment or modified work schedules).
Avoid firing, demoting, or disciplining you just because of your diagnosis.
Keep your medical information confidential.
What Employers Often Get Wrong
Despite the law, many employers routinely violate employee rights. Some common illegal practices include:
1. Blanket Bans on Off-Duty Alcohol Use
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has ruled that a blanket policy prohibiting all off-duty alcohol use by alcoholic employees violates the ADA unless based on individualized assessments of job performance or safety risks.
Legal Example: In EEOC v. Wal-Mart Stores East, LP, the EEOC found that such blanket policies were discriminatory and violated federal law.
2. Failing to Accommodate
If you’ve asked for help — like attending a treatment program or adjusting your schedule — and your employer said no without trying to work with you, that’s potentially illegal under the ADA.
3. Disciplining You for Seeking Help
You cannot be punished for acknowledging a disability and requesting accommodation. If you’ve been written up or demoted just for speaking up, you may have a claim.
Know the Law: Key Citations
ADA Statute: 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.
EEOC Guidance on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse
Technical Assistance Manual on the ADA (EEOC)
If This Sounds Like Your Situation — Let’s Talk
WorkRight Law fights for employees who’ve been mistreated, discriminated against, or denied their rights because of a medical condition — including alcoholism.
You don’t have to accept illegal treatment. We help employees just like you get the justice they deserve.
Call (562) 760-8803 or visit WorkRightLaw.com to schedule a free, confidential consultation. You have the right to recover — and to keep your job while doing it. Don’t let your employer take that from you.