Finding or Returning to Work After Addiction Rehab

Finding or returning to work after completing treatment for an addiction can be extremely tough, but there is some basic advice one can follow.

First, remember that you are not alone, and that there are millions of people across the world getting help for their drug or alcohol addiction.

Remember that even after successfully completing rehab there will still be obstacles that every addict must face; such as, finding or returning to work.

Finding New Work

Anytime a recovering addict is having difficulties finding new work, it will never help to feel disappointed or incorrectly assume that any rejections were associated with their addiction related past.

If the recovering addict makes it too personal, then they may begin to lose their confidence and eventually fall into relapse mode.

Dedication and Perseverance

If you have recently gotten treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction and are having difficulties finding new work, do not let worry yourself.

If you remain dedicated and continue to persevere, you will find a new job, and you will be working in no time.

Not having a job can be a real problem for most people, but remember this problem is only temporary, even if at the moment it seems to be lasting forever.

Positive Mindset

If you are able to keep a positive mindset, the difficult path of finding a new job will be much more comfortable.

Keeping yourself engage in employment opportunities will help you to assess your positive and weak points.

Extra Advice

When applying for a new job, dress appropriately and use positive body language when talking to people. It is important for every addict to remember, they do not have to tell anyone about their addiction, if they do not want to.

If you do decide to let your new job know about your past, but are not sure how to, ask around at meetings or your sponsor, most of the time someone will be able to help with this as they themselves had to do it.

Don’t Give Up

No matter what, don’t give up. There will be many obstacles throughout anyone’s life, especially an addict.

You will battle with cravings, have to deal with cravings, and adapt new behaviours but remember your addiction is in the past, and try to move on taking it one day at a time.

Eventually things will become easier, and you will be able to handle situations more appropriately.

Returning Back to Work

Whenever a recovering addict is returning back to their existing job, they may face certain problems.

They may notice that their co-workers behave differently towards them, gossip about them, look down upon them, or even the chance of new positions in the company may seem closed to them.

Uncomfortable or Guilty Feelings

These noticeable changes may cause the recovering addict to feel uncomfortable or guilty; these are the last feelings that a person recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction needs to feel.

A relapse is potentially possible in this circumstance. If you are in a situation like stated above, you need to understand and believe that you have left drugs or alcohol behind for good, and that they were the reason why your work performance was affected.

What To Do?

Now that you have overcome your addiction, one of your recovery goals could be to achieve positive progress at your work. Once you do so, your work colleagues will see the change you have made and begin to value you again.

If the situation becomes too much and you are thinking about relapsing, try calling your sponsor, a friend, or a counselor and talk to them about what is going on. It is always better to talk to someone than to use again.

Difficulties Resuming Your Old Job

Sometimes, it may seem very difficult to return to an existing job once you have gotten treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction.

This may be because certain stigmas that your employer has or it could be related to how much medical assistance for your addiction has cost the company. Don’t let this discourage you, keep being positive about your new life

Transitional Jobs

If you are having difficulties finding or returning to work after an addiction, try looking for transitional jobs. These will help you to make money, keep you occupied, and will prepare you for better jobs.

You may even have to work at a lower level job compared to the one you had before. This may be because an employer may be reluctant to hire someone with a history of drug or alcohol use. If this happens to you, do not feel discouraged, simply continue down your path.

Positive Outlook and Patience

The most important thing when finding or returning to work after an addiction is to not get discouraged, because of rejection. You are only harming yourself and putting yourself at risk for a relapse.

Even people who never had an addiction to drugs or alcohol will be rejected many times by employers before finding work. Maintain a positive outlook, be patient, and you will find work.

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