Finding and Maintaining Employment After Addiction Recovery

Everyone needs some form of income to pay for bare essentials and costs associated with recovery. Regardless of your current work status, resources exist to provide you with access to job placement services and other financial support to help you heal from substance use disorder (SUD). According to research published in the Journal of Addictive Diseases, “Securing employment is not only one of society’s priorities for SUD affected persons, it is also consistently cited as a top priority by SUD affected individuals at all stages of recovery.”

Do you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of paying for mental health services or even day-to-day costs of living? You are not alone. Most states have a health and family services department that offers job placement and training assistance for individuals recovering from SUD and alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Work Challenges Related to Recovery

Individuals who experience substance misuse face some challenges that others may not, including:

• Increased sensitivity to stress
• Possible lingering withdrawal symptoms or mental health issues
• Stigmas related to recovery and addiction
• A loss of social or family support
• Triggers, cravings, and intrusive thoughts that may interfere with focus
• Scheduling issues surrounding regular therapy, medical, and support appointments or meetings

Individuals in early recovery have an increased risk of relapse and may have more difficulty coping with unexpected or high-pressure situations in the workplace. In addition, some locations may not be healthy for an individual. For example, someone recovering from AUD might not feel safe working in a grocery store that stocks alcohol.

Are You Ready to Go Back to Work?

Not everyone is mentally ready to start working again right away. Early recovery and the transition from rehabilitation to aftercare can be a destabilizing time, and you could find it hard to focus on work responsibilities. The pressure of daily stressors can trigger cravings or intrusive thoughts. You need to take the time to build a healthy and solid routine before you return to work or begin looking for a new position if you do not currently have a job.

Some people have no choice whether they return to work because bills need paying. Personal responsibilities might force you to start a new job several weeks after completing treatment. In those cases, you can mitigate adverse reactions to work stress by looking for a position that will play to your strengths. The more comfortable you feel with your work environment, the lower your risk of relapse.

Below are a few indications that you may want to wait until you feel more stable in your sobriety before you return to work:

• Everyday stressors cause you extreme anxiety or distress
• Untreated anxiety or depressive symptoms interfere with your ability to function
• You have difficulty maintaining a healthy sleep routine
• You suffer from depressive symptoms that keep you feeling tired throughout the day
• You do not feel confident about your ability to cope with triggers
• You have the financial stability to take extra time off work and think that the additional time will help you heal

Find a Position That Fits Your Skills and Needs

Returning to the workplace can mean a change in your everyday environment. You may pick up with your career and feel that the familiarity is uncomfortable, as it could potentially create intrusive thoughts or cravings related to past situations at work or with coworkers. If you feel unable to work in the same space, consider requesting a transfer to a position that feels more comfortable.

Early recovery can be a delicate time, especially when you spend more extended periods in the workplace. Try to find a position that makes you feel safe and stable. A transfer might not be available immediately, but you have other options, including:

• Transferring to a different local branch
• Finding a new job
• Taking fewer hours or choosing a different schedule

If you are looking for a new job after treatment, it can be helpful to be a bit picky when applying to places of potential employment. There is no point spending your time and energy applying to a place you know will not be a good fit for your new sober lifestyle.

Aftercare Job Training and Placement Services

The best way to keep yourself healthy is by finding a career or job that allows you to do something you feel passionate about. Not everyone has this luxury, and sometimes you need to make the best out of whatever position you get accepted to fill. However, making the extra effort to apply for employment that you feel drawn to can improve your mental health and increase your self-esteem.

You will be more likely to put in extra effort when applying for a position you truly desire. If you have a particular passion, then look to see what types of jobs in your area allow you to pursue it. Job training and placement services are an excellent tool to use, as they offer the following:

• Assistance with updating or creating a resume
• Details about employers hiring in your area of expertise
• Information about open positions and job fairs
• Unique training opportunities

Meet with job placement specialists who can advise you on various aspects of applying for work you find interesting. The job placement specialists will advise you on how to act during interviews, best practices for creating a resume, and suggestions on what to wear and how to present yourself to prospective employers. The benefits include being more prepared for upcoming interviews and feeling more self-confident. Hiring managers will notice when you make an effort during the interview process.

Do You Require Workplace Accommodations?

Some people recovering from substance misuse have lingering withdrawal symptoms or long-term health issues that require workplace accommodations. Local and federal laws protect your mental and physical health, ensuring employers provide reasonable accommodations.

According to the United States Department of Labor (DOL), “The [Americans with Disability Act] requires reasonable accommodations as they relate to three aspects of employment: 1) ensuring equal opportunity in the application process; 2) enabling a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job; and 3) making it possible for an employee with a disability to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment.” The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stated that disabilities include AUD and “drug addiction, including an addiction to opioids, is a disability . . . when the drug addiction substantially limits a major life activity.” The criteria for disability may depend on the state where you reside.

Many hiring specialists caution against mentioning accommodations during the hiring interview. You can bring up any health-related accommodations once they accept you for the position.

Interview With Confidence

You do not need to feel nervous about meeting with potential employers. Interview with confidence and use coping skills like mindfulness-based techniques to stay in the moment and avoid letting doubts and thoughts of past events interfere with your ability to give an excellent interview.

Your medical history is protected, and you are under no obligation to share your struggle with addiction, treatment, or recovery with a prospective employer. Even if you have legal issues or things regarding your background check that are inquired about during the interview, you do not have to confide in them.

Your past does not define you, and by getting treatment and making healthy lifestyle changes, you have set yourself up for future successes. Building self-confidence at a new job takes time and hard work. You have the resources and tools you need to overcome daily stressors and make a positive impact in your new position. However, depending on where they live, individuals who use substances in the workplace or are actively struggling with addiction without seeking help may not have the same legal protections.

Laws Protecting Your Privacy

Not everyone feels comfortable disclosing past substance misuse, often due to fear of stigma or being treated differently by management. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Under the terms of the [Americans With Disabilities Act]:

• Employers cannot fire, refuse to hire, or refuse to promote someone simply because she or he has a history of substance use.
• Employers also cannot fire, refuse to hire, or refuse to promote employees merely because they are enrolled in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program.”

You might find yourself working in addiction recovery or advocacy, where sharing your story empowers the people you serve and work beside. However, you are not obligated to share your medical or personal history with anyone regardless of where you work as long as you are actively seeking treatment or no longer misusing substances. The law protects your privacy in most instances. If you ever feel pressured or discriminated against due to your history of substance misuse, you should report it to a human resource manager. In situations where that is not possible, you can file a complaint with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

How to Avoid Stress-Related Triggers and Cravings at Work

To succeed at maintaining a position, you need to know how to get through stressful moments without triggering cravings, self-destructive behaviors, or intrusive thoughts about substance misuse. Communicate with your doctor, therapist, or other members of your support system if you begin to notice that work stress is influencing your mental and physical health in any way.

The sooner you learn how to cope or adjust to employment changes, the easier it will be to keep healing and growing in your recovery. Below are several things you can do to avoid stress in the workplace:

• Communicate openly and honestly with your managers and coworkers about any difficulties you may have with your workload
• Use mindfulness techniques to stay grounded in the present
• Practice daily self-care
• Work to create a routine that includes a healthy work-life balance

You can communicate your needs within the workplace without disclosing specifics about your circumstances or history of substance misuse.

You Can Succeed at Building a Career in Recovery

Attain or maintain steady employment using the resources and tools available in your city and state. Sober living communities like Real Recovery Sober Living are another option you can explore to find balance and structure. A drama-free home environment can reduce the stress you feel during and after work. Build a successful career and keep your recovery moving forward by not hesitating to get help from the agencies and advocacy groups that offer job training and placement services.

Your past does not have to limit your future.

Money is necessary to support yourself and your loved ones. It can often be challenging for individuals in recovery to find or maintain a job due to various factors. A criminal history, documented adverse behaviors, or other negative marks on your employment record can significantly shorten the list of potential careers. However, state, federal, and private resources exist to help individuals in recovery navigate the hiring process by offering job training, development, and placement services. You can rely on experts in the field to prepare you for interviews at positions where you get to do work that makes you feel secure. Staying healthy involves cutting down on stress and coping with everyday pressures. Workplace dynamics can be challenging at first, but you have a support system at your back to help you keep moving forward. At Real Recovery Sober Living, you will benefit from living in a structured and encouraging environment. Learn more by calling us at (727) 290-9156.