Adjusting to a new lifestyle after treatment can be difficult. Many changes must be made to live a productive, healthy life without mind-altering substances. Treatment teaches you skills to cope with stress and anxiety while in recovery. Going back to work after treatment can be scary and stressful. When you know what to expect, you can develop a plan on how to manage tough questions from coworkers about your absence while maintaining your sobriety.
Coworkers may ask where you have been, and while you have a right to anonymity, you may want to consider being honest. Admitting your struggles with addiction can help in the recovery process, because you need to be honest with yourself about it. While there may be some judgment about your addiction, you might find others in the workplace that have been battling addiction or are affected by it.
Going back to work after treatment has many advantages:
- Income. Returning to the workplace after treatment means you can pay the bills and save money that was once spent on drugs or alcohol.
- Self-sufficiency. Improve your ability to take care of yourself.
- Stability. Steady employment where you are expected to show up on time and perform your job on a regular basis creates long-term stability.
- Constructive use of time. Work allows you to be productive and fill in the time that was once spent on drugs or alcohol.
- Normalcy. As a member of society, you need to be able to manage your financial affairs. Having and maintaining a job is indicative of normalcy. It means you can return to your responsibilities.
- Responsibility. When you have a job, you have a responsibility to complete your work and be productive. Having a job also helps to prioritize your responsibilities.
Going back to work after treatment can be very rewarding and beneficial to your recovery. However, you still need to prevent yourself from burnout. Addiction.com wrote about returning to work after treatment and stated, “When you collapse from physical or mental exhaustion, or feel frustrated and unable to keep up, your coping mechanisms are likely to be so depleted that you’ll begin to think again about using.” Avoid getting burned-out by pacing yourself and slow down. Always ask for help if you need it.
Do not let addiction destroy your life. If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, get help today. Nexus Recovery Services specializes in addiction treatment and encompasses holistic therapy for the mind, body, and soul with a focus on staying active and connected to nature. Our mission is to provide tools and support for every client’s seamless transition into a meaningful and fulfilling life of sobriety. We offer a free and confidential consultation. Call us to get started: 310-881-9151