Are alcoholics entitled to protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals with a history of alcoholism can be entitled to protections. This includes both current alcoholics and those who are in recovery. The ADA recognizes substance use disorders, which encompasses alcoholism, as a disability that can substantially limit one or more major life activities.

However, the law also stipulates that while individuals who are currently abusing alcohol are protected from discrimination, they are not protected from disciplinary action as a result of their illegal drug use. This means that if the individual’s alcoholism is interfering with their ability to perform job duties or if their behavior violates workplace policies, an employer may take appropriate actions.

The presence of protections for both current and recovering alcoholics under the ADA serves to ensure that individuals with these challenges are not discriminated against in employment settings and are given the opportunity to participate fully in the workforce, which is particularly important for recovery and reintegration into society.

Understanding this context clarifies why the selected option is the correct interpretation of the ADA's stance on alcoholics.