Life post-treatment comes with many challenges, which is why having a support system is crucial. One of the challenges people face when transitioning back to day-to-day life is returning to work. The transition can be stressful, and as such, individuals must prepare as best they can for this transitional journey. That includes having healthy coping skills to manage the stress and help them transition back to work while avoiding relapse.
West Coast Recovery Centers helps clients rediscover their lives through sustainable recovery. We do this by offering several traditional and holistic treatment methods through our comprehensive and individualized clinical approaches. For individuals struggling with active addiction or new to recovery and worried about returning to work, call us for support today!
Things to Consider Before Returning to Work Post-Treatment
A variety of life changes might cause us to pause and take a break from work. That might include dealing with the death of a loved one, a contentious divorce, or a serious, long-term illness. Another significant reason people take time off work is to treat a serious mental health condition. That includes substance use disorder (SUD).
There are many things to consider before going back to work, especially if returning from an addiction rehabilitation program. As mentioned, life post-treatment comes with many unique challenges. Some people must find a new place to live, a support system, and learn to access resources to aid their recovery.
If a person had to completely resign from their place of work, finding new employment can be a challenge in and of itself. On the flip side, previous employers may have concerns about you returning to work. That could be if addiction negatively influences your performance or professional relationships.
In any case, certain factors may influence your decision to return to work. These are some of the factors we’ll consider next.
Is Now the Right for Returning to Work?
The first significant factor to consider before returning to work is whether or not it’s the right time. Work stress might be too intense for some individuals in early recovery. Of course, everyone’s situation is different. Some people may be able to take some extra time off of work to better transition while others can’t.
Deciding when the right time to return to work will depend on the factors in your life. That includes your current financial situation, as well as whether or not you have children or insurance coverage. The amount of support you have from a spouse or other family members may also influence your timeline for returning to work post-treatment.
Could Now Be Time for a Professional Change?
Another factor to consider before going back to work post-treatment is whether or not it’s time for a professional change. Recovery is all about making positive life changes. So, why not consider making one more and changing things up in your professional life? Treatment is an excellent time to discover what you want to do with your life and set new goals.
Of course, too many changes can be stressful during early recovery. During treatment, spend time researching, speaking with a career counselor, and utilizing other resources. If finances allow for it, you may even consider going back to school and furthering your education to start the job of your dreams. Believing you can do it is half the journey.
Options for Continuing to Work During Recovery
Unfortunately, for some, taking time off of work for addiction treatment isn’t possible. A classic example is when a parent from a single-family household struggles with addiction. Without anyone else to stay and care for the children, these individuals must stay to work and be home for their kids. While this can make seeking treatment more challenging, it doesn’t make it impossible.
Outpatient treatment programs have many benefits. They include peer and professional support, individualized treatment plans, and more affordable options. Outpatient programs also offer more flexible scheduling. Such flexibility allows individuals to maintain their day-to-day responsibilities while seeking addiction treatment.
Thanks to these options, parents, caregivers, and individuals who can’t break away from their everyday responsibilities can achieve sustainable recovery. For them, the ability to keep their job and work during treatment is invaluable to them and their families.
Making a Full Leap and Returning to Work
Returning to work post-treatment will be an adjustment. However, support groups, regular individual and group counseling, and other relapse prevention techniques make it possible. You may even be able to access additional aftercare treatment or support, which will strengthen this transitional period within your recovery journey.
If you’re anxious about returning to work post-treatment or stressed about the process, try not to let it get to you. Discuss these feelings of anxiety with your friends, peers, or a therapist, and seek additional support today. Seek treatment with West Coast Recovery Centers and begin living a life of sustainable sobriety today.
Life post-treatment comes with many challenges. These challenges range from transitioning back home to making significant changes within one’s relationships. One of the most significant challenges a person might experience post-treatment is returning to work. The transition can be easier for some and more challenging for others, but in any case, the transition can be completed without experiencing a relapse. People do this by utilizing every resource at their disposal, discussing fears and anxieties with friends, loved ones, and mental health professionals, and creating a relapse prevention program before leaving treatment. To learn more and gain additional information about returning to work post-treatment, contact West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 today.