Many people go back to work after substance abuse rehab and have successful careers. You may worry that taking time away from your job to enter rehab might allow your skills to become rusty from disuse. This is far from the truth- in fact, taking the time away to go to a substance abuse treatment center to tackle your addiction will not only cleanse your body of toxins from alcohol or drugs, but also your overall health and well-being will probably be better and sharper.
However, going back to work can lead to some unexpected challenges along the way.
Tips on going back to work after rehab
Focus on the Positive: Use the self-confidence you gained while in treatment to help you to look past the negative thoughts you might have about your potential and use your hard-won inner strength to reach for your new goals.
Protect your Sobriety: Re-entering the workplace might feel strange after you’ve been away in a treatment center. After all, the last time you were there, you were abusing substances. Perhaps there are triggers there that you have identified- certain workplace stresses or social situations where alcohol is served. You need to use the resources you gained in rehab to prepare yourself to stay sober, strong and focused when faced with these triggers.
Be Open About Where You’ve Been – Or Not: If you choose to tell new colleagues or employers where you’ve been for the last month or two, that’s fine. However, you need to be prepared for their potentially awkward or invasive questions if you do that. Be honest with yourself and ask yourself if you are ready to fully own your sobriety and recovery. Some people choose to wait a while before telling others what they’ve been through. Either way, you are legally protected and can’t be discriminated against for having been to a rehab program.
Stay In Touch With Your Rehab Support Groups: Make use of your treatment center’s aftercare programs to help you deal with the transition from the center’s heavily structured rehab facilities into the ‘real’ world. Whether it’s through group therapy or a 12-Step program, continuing to seek support from those who have been there can be a great help to you at this time.
If you or someone you love is having problems with alcohol abuse, chemical dependency or addiction, recovery from a drug abuse program, like the one at Destination Hope, may be the answer. Remember that recovery from addiction and alcohol abuse treatment means learning how to cope with intensely emotional situations, and identifying when you need help and support. Treatment for addiction relapse, counseling, and aftercare can help you do this, so please call us today. Destination Hope is a full-service addiction and health treatment facility in Florida for men and women who suffer from substance abuse and behavioral health issues.
