Individuals participating in rehabilitation programs may benefit from the financial security and structure of being employed. The predictability and schedule help people replace maladaptive behaviors with productive daily routines. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “For people in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, gainful employment is strongly linked to better recovery outcomes.” West Coast Recovery Centers provides services and resources to make it easier for clients to succeed at finding a job during recovery from substance abuse.
Employment and Recovery From Substance Abuse
Many people in treatment have financial issues caused by chronic substance abuse. Steady employment may significantly improve mental health for individuals in treatment and continuing care. According to Springer Nature, one “study found that individuals who were employed, had higher income, and owned a home reported lower psychological distress and financial worries,” supporting “social stress theory, which explains that disadvantaged people are more likely to be exposed to stressors and to be more vulnerable to stress since they have limited psychosocial coping resources leading to a higher risk of mental problems.” Employment reduces financial strain and stress while improving people’s overall quality of life during recovery.
Employment helps people grow and heal by doing the following:
- Providing them with an opportunity to practice coping skills
- Offering increased financial stability
- Increasing accountability
- Providing a network of social support
Recovering from substance abuse is a process. Some workplaces offer recovery support services to smooth the transition into the workplace for individuals participating in treatment for addictive behaviors. Individuals in recovery who are not actively abusing any substances are also protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Employers must make reasonable accommodations to ensure individuals in recovery can continue to access treatment services while working.
The Importance of Finding a Job That Meets Your Needs
Everyone has different financial and mental health needs. Finding a job that accommodates and meets those needs may take time. West Coast Recovery Centers uses case management and other services to ensure clients can access vocational resources, including job training and interview coaching.
Many other resources are available to help people find the right job for their needs, including:
- Community job search programs
- State or federal job placement services and programs
- Private companies offering job placement services
- Nonprofit organizations providing services to individuals in recovery
- Advocacy groups, organizations, and programs
Support services make finding a job easier. West Coast Recovery Centers offers several vocational services, including gathering information on federal, state, and local resources. The care team uses various methods to help clients feel more comfortable looking for work to increase their self-confidence during interviews.
Finding a Job Using Resources at West Coast Recovery Centers
West Coast Recovery Centers understands the importance of being able to work and achieve gainful employment during recovery from substance abuse. According to Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, “Unemployment worsens mental health and gaining employment can improve mental health, even for people with the most serious mental illnesses.” For many people, working reduces tension with family members by showing them visible proof of a willingness to change and make better life choices during and after recovery.
West Coast Recovery Centers helps clients prepare for job interviews by offering the following:
- Vocational counseling
- Assistance creating resumes
- Mock interviews
- Referrals to outside vocational resources
Clients collaborate with the care team to identify and address potential triggers or issues they may encounter during job interviews. Preparing and practicing in advance makes it more likely that a client will give a good first impression to potential employers. Interview coaching and creating professional-looking resumes also increase self-confidence.
Preparing for Interviews During Recovery
Interviewing for a new job may feel stressful and overwhelming for individuals experiencing financial strain. Stress is one of the leading causes of relapse during early recovery. The care team at West Coast Recovery Centers provides emotional and practical support to reduce stress related to finding employment.
Some of the ways clients prepare for job interviews include:
- Creating and memorizing prepared scripts for common job interview questions
- Researching the potential employer to learn more about their values and job expectations
- Becoming familiar with the area and route before the appointment to avoid arriving late
- Going over fears, worries, or concerns with a therapist or other care team member to reduce anxiety
West Coast Recovery Centers helps clients prepare for interviews and process emotions related to job hunting. People often feel more confident in their ability to get a job if they have someone to talk to about their thoughts and worries. Clients have a team to support them and provide practical advice and encouragement. After a successful interview, clients in treatment benefit from discussing their expectations and concerns with their support system to reduce anxiety and avoid ruminating over potential rejections.
Steady employment provides greater financial security to people recovering from substance abuse and reduces the amount of free time they may struggle to fill. Boredom and stress are two common causes of relapse. Gainful employment decreases stress caused by financial strain and provides a productive diversion for individuals in treatment. Clients in rehabilitation often benefit from the additional structure and accountability of working a part-time or full-time job. West Coast Recovery Centers provides vocational support to clients who want to return to the workforce during treatment or continuing care. The care team ensures clients know what job-hunting options are available during treatment. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at (760) 492-6509.