Alcohol dependency and drug addiction are recognised medical conditions. They can severely affect physical and mental health and may make it impossible to work. Getting the right support — and documentation — matters.
IS ALCOHOL OR DRUG DEPENDENCY A VALID REASON FOR A SICK NOTE?
Yes. Alcohol use disorder and drug dependency are classified medical conditions. Time off work for treatment, detoxification, or the physical health effects of dependency (liver problems, withdrawal symptoms, mental health impact) are legitimate grounds for a fit note.
WHAT YOUR FIT NOTE MIGHT SAY
A fit note for dependency-related illness will describe the medical condition in terms of its impact on your ability to work. It does not need to be explicit about the cause. Your doctor may use terms like:
● "Alcohol-related health condition"
● "Substance misuse-related illness"
● "Liver disease" (if applicable)
● "Anxiety and depression" (often a co-occurring condition)
● "Withdrawal-related symptoms"
YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS
You have the right to medical confidentiality. Your employer is not entitled to demand details beyond what is clinically necessary for the fit note.
GETTING HELP
If you're struggling with alcohol or drug dependency, please reach out to support services:
● Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 917 7650
● Frank (drugs): 0300 123 6600
● Turning Point: turningpoint.org.uk
● Change Grow Live: cgl.org.uk
GETTING A SICK NOTE
At Dr Sick, we can issue fit notes for the medical consequences of alcohol or drug dependency — including withdrawal symptoms, related physical illness, and mental health impact. We do not judge. We are here to help.
Visit drsick.co.uk for confidential, same-day medical support.
