Going Back to Work after Addiction Treatment

If you have just completed treatment at a rehab centre, returning back into society can seem intimidating.

Some newly recovering people find returning to work more stressful than others. Some find keeping busy at work a useful tool in their recovery program. We all like to feel part of a team and that we bring good value to others.

Working can be a very rewarding part of recovery from addiction to alcohol or other drugs. In this respect we’re very much like ‘normies’ or ‘earth-people’ (those who have never experienced addiction problems).

People who are stuck with the challenge of changing jobs, or looking for work may need to carefully incorporate feedback from their treatment team of counsellors, family and 12 step recovery sponsors when doing their after-care planning.

Make sure that you have enough support and structure your days effectively around looking for work and recovery activities. Juggling life’s responsibilities can seem daunting with children, work or finding work, recovery support meetings etc.

However the rewards of persevering are the joys of living, happy, clean & sober. Well worth the effort I think!

What Are Relapses and How Can it be Prevented?

In a nutshell, relapses are effectively a return back to your alcoholic or drug abusing ways.

The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) states that about 90% of alcoholics are most likely to suffer at least one relapse during their 4 year period after rehab.

While this statistic may be scary, there are ways to prevent a relapse and one of the best ways to do this is by getting aftercare.
Aftercare comes in various forms, but most commonly outpatient treatment and halfway houses.

Outpatient treatment does not require a stay inside a clinic; however you will have to attend meetings in the evenings during the week where you will receive medical care, counselling and therapy similar to what was taught in rehab, just in further detail.

Halfway houses give you the opportunity to continue staying in a sober living environment; however you will be required to be out during the day doing something meaningful to your recovery efforts such as working or studying.

For access to a aftercare program or a halfway house near you, call us now and let one of our qualified addiction counsellors assist you with this task.

How to Make Your Return to Work Successful

Before you return to work, do the following:

• Make a list of all the things that could trigger cravings to use drugs or alcohol – this will help you deal with them whenever a problematic situation arises
• Make a list of how you will be able to cope with any cravings you may experience – this will prepare you to do the right thing at the right time
• Make a list of the consequences that may happen should you use drugs or alcohol again. It will serve as a strong reminder to why you shouldn’t ‘use’ or drink again.
• Make sure that you have a support group of at least 5 people that you can turn to when things get tough.
• Eat healthily and make sure that you get enough exercise
• Make sure that you have a plan to deal with stress and emotion
• Get enough rest
• Take up a new hobby or play a sport. Staying busy and happy is important in relapse prevention

Get Addiction Help Now!

If you or a loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol, we can provide you with immediate access into the best private addiction treatment centres in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Thailand.

Call us now and let one of our addiction counsellors find the best treatment available for you.