Returning to Work After Addiction Recovery - 5 Things to Know
Carissa Wilcox on May 12, 2022 at 7:37 AM
By: Jonah Rooney
Returning to Work After Addiction Recovery - 5 Things to Know
When you're out of recovery, you shouldn't wait too long to get back to your everyday life. This often includes returning to work as one of the most challenging steps you have to take. However, it's a step worth taking since a daily routine can be a great source of motivation. Having an office to show up to and any obligations to fulfill can be the thing that keeps you moving every day, no matter how boring it may sound now. So, if you're considering returning to work after addiction recovery - we compiled a list of all the things you need to know when you decide to take this step. Good luck!
#1 Don't Rush
Maybe you can't wait to get back to work, or perhaps you dread that moment you step into an office after your addiction recovery. Whatever the case, you need to make sure you take it slow. Avoid putting too much pressure on you to get your life back to normal as soon as possible. Those expectations are unrealistic and can only leave you feeling bad about yourself.
The best way to return to work is to do it gradually. For example, start by working part-time, giving yourself the space to adjust. After some time, try taking on more and more responsibility when you feel like you can handle it. However, keep in mind that there are some jobs that make people more vulnerable to addiction. If you're in one of those risky fields, you need to take extra care with your return.
#2 Maintain A Healthy Balance
When you're in recovery, it's essential not to put yourself under too much stress. By obtaining healthy daily routines, you can keep your body moving and keep yourself from relapsing. Moreover, if you can make yourself exercise and generally try to live a healthy life, you'll start to feel the benefits of it very soon. So, make up your routine and sleep schedule and figure out ways to stay physically active. You don't have to take the traditional route and go to the gym or run if that's not what you enjoy. You can keep your body moving by going for a swim, biking, hiking, walking, etc. All those options are just as healthy and good for you.
Aside from physical health, don't forget to look after your mental health as well. This is especially true if you plan on returning to work after addiction recovery. So, take some time for your self-care. Start journaling or meditating or whatever your preferred method of getting rid of stress and anxieties of everyday life is. Continue going to support groups or therapy sessions - whatever works for you.
#3 Ask For Help
Many people who are in recovery feel like a burden if they don't hide their feelings while they're in pain. If you want to get better, this is one of the mental barriers you have to cross. Don't try to hide your feelings and pain from others, and try to play strong. If you do that all the time, you'll undoubtedly break at some point. Instead, be honest with the people you love when they ask you how you're doing. And if you ever feel lonely or like it might get bad again, don't hesitate to reach out. The people who love you are there to help. They can comfort you when the anxieties and the stress of returning to work start to kick in.
#4 Do You Need A Fresh Start?
While getting back to work is a crucial step, it's simply not enough for some. Going back to work in the same office or building they used to work in before can sometimes trigger people to relapse. If you feel like that might be the case for you, you might have to consider a new job or a new city altogether. Moving to a new city and starting fresh can be great for you and your mental health. Moreover, moving to a new city to live a sober life can mean saying goodbye to your bad habits and old life.
Moving Your Business To A New City
If you have your own business, you may feel like you can't give it up just to avoid old patterns. And maybe you don't have to give it up entirely. Instead, if you want to keep your business, relocation might be a good option for you. You can move your office headquarters to a new city if you're looking to change your surroundings and start over. This will give you a new batch of customers or clients and open you up to new business opportunities. If you choose a location well, it might even be the best thing you've ever done for your business. You won't know until you try it.
#5 Talk With Your Boss When Returning To Work After Addiction Recovery
If you decide to go back to the same job as before, it's essential to communicate with your employer openly and honestly. While it's difficult to discuss something as personal as your health with your employer, it's definitely preferable to do so if you ever need their help. If face-to-face contact is problematic for you at this point, try to communicate your concerns via email or phone. Your actions will make more sense if your boss understands where you're coming from.
Let your boss know about your recovery plan, post-treatment appointments, counseling sessions, and support group meetings. It would help if you were honest about these things since they can affect your work hours and duties.
In Conclusion
Even though returning to work after addiction recovery might be frightening, try to focus on the incredible accomplishment you've made rather than on your anxieties. Recovery is a process of significant transformation that does not happen overnight. So, try to be gentle with yourself. Take it easy and gradually return to work. Working hard is one of the most effective strategies to boost self-esteem and divert your attention away from negative thoughts and sensations that might lead to substance abuse.
By: Jonah Rooney
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