Recovering From Addictions At Work

 

Recovering from addictions is a lengthy process but it is possible to make progress. It is necessary to have a relapse prevention plan, counseling, and to practice self-care. Recovering takes place at home as well as recovering at a rehabilitation place. However, if you are recovering and going to work, make sure you avoid people that pressure you to use substances, alcohol, and recreational drugs. Establish work boundaries and know when to stop working to prevent work burnout.

Have a work routine where you can take breaks and go to your check-in appointments for your recovery. Connect with people at work who understand you and ask your therapist if you must tell your boss about your addiction recovery. Depending on the state laws where you live, it might not be necessary to give out specific details about your addictions and recovery. However, you do have to speak to someone in Human Resources (HR) to help you get support programs and mental health resources. Socialize with co-workers who give you encouragement to recover and not to relapse.

Remember there are four dimensions to recovery which are health, home, purpose, and community. Yet, one needs to trust, believe, and have hope that you can overcome your addictions. Although recovering from addictions begins at home, it is necessary to go back to work without being afraid of job expectations. Additionally, without having the fear of getting fired, discriminated, and without having all employees know about your addiction recovery. Yet, going back to work is necessary for your mental and physical wellness for the recovery process.

Depending on the type of job, it is helpful to educate all employees about alcohol, substance abuse, and other addictions with an open mind. September is National Recovery Month which makes it the best time to discuss and to educate employees about having a better understanding about addictions. Unfortunately, there are businesses, companies, and institutions that do not offer resources for mental health and support programs for addictions. Yet, having the resources and knowing the warning signs of employees that have an addiction, can make a difference in workplaces. Furthermore, it is vital to keep employees’ addictions and their recovery progress private from all employees for their safety and mental wellbeing.

As well as preventing workplace bullying, gossiping, and misunderstandings; Employees going through the addiction recovery process needs to be comfortable at work without feeling they are being criticized and judged. Therefore, it is necessary to know that there are five pillars of recovery that one must keep in mind at work. First, have stability in your life which is the toughest part of this process at work. Every employee going through an addiction recovery must feel assertive, self-aware, and have the strength to overcome work stress without damaging their mental and physical wellness. Second, have a self-care planner to restore your sleep, your eating habits, and your hobbies.

Third, have trust in oneself and trust in all employees that you work with. Avoid co-workers that gossip, are too proud, and are deceptive. Approach co-workers with caution and listen to what you perceive. Fourth, socialize in your community to have a support network, encouragement, and to feel that you belong in the workplace. And the fifth pillar is to have self-awareness and to listen to your intuition especially when socializing at work.

By doing these items, your journey to recovery can help you respond for your healing process. To be aware and to practice acceptance to change your life for the better. Practice being honest with yourself and with your friendships and family relationships. Wear purple for National Recovery Month or turquoise for awareness as well as practicing self-care at work. Here are resources for National Recovery Month. 

Employment Guide for Those in Recovery-Addiction Recovery:

Employment Guide for Those in Recovery-Addiction Recovery

Keeping a Job While in Addiction Recovery-Tips to Stay Employed:

Keeping a Job While in Addiction Recovery-Tips to Stay Employed

* Font and borders from Photo Collage Editor Maker 

* Photo Filter made in LunaPiC