Were you denied a job or healthcare because of your drug use or substance use disorder?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects many people with substance use disorders from discrimination. This means employers, healthcare providers, and others cannot deny you opportunities just because you have a substance use disorder.
Legal Action Center has a guide that lists examples of discrimination, like:
- Employers not hiring you because you take medication for opioid use disorder
- Recovery houses refusing to admit you while you're on treatment, or
- Hospitals denying you care because of past substance use.
If you've experienced this kind of treatment, Legal Action Center can help you understand your rights and fight back. They have resources on their website and offer legal help, especially for New York residents.
Last Reviewed: May 7, 2025