termination due to alcoholism

[Ted Bauer]

What is the name of your state?

south carolina

i was recently terminated by my employer for being under the influence of alcohol. I have always represented the firm well, and my peers would validate my abilities. My alcoholism has never affected my work, however i reached a physical threshold on intolerance, and after four drinks, was entirely intoxicated. I do not dismiss the fact that I am an alcoholic and need help. I checked into an in-patient de-toxification facility last Friday, and was discharged on tuesday to enter an intensive, four day per week, three hour per day out-patient program for the next five weeks. I wish to remain with my employer, and find it tragic that a "no-tolerance" policy concerning a disease such as alcoholism would remove my financial stability, thus adding to the pressures of the ravaging disease of which I am afflicted. through the FMLA or the ADA, do i have any recourse, and if not, what would be a recommended course of action?

thank you

ted bauer

[Beth3]

From what you have shared, I do not see any legal recourse for you. You are correct that it would be a violation of the ADA to terminate someone because they are a recovering alcoholic but under no circumstances do you have any protections for being under the influence of alcohol or another prohibited/illegal substance at work.

I'm uncertain what you are looking for when you ask what the "recommended course of action" would be if you have no legal recourse.

[mikkey5]

ted:

I am shocked beyond belief. You were fired for drinking in south carolina.

Thats why i left that drunken state, they would never fire a drunk, but then that was almost 15 years ago when i left.

hmmm they fire drunks now.....big improvement in workplace ethics, maybe its time to go back and enjoy the beaches, and sunlight again.