Keeping a Job While in Recovery

Can I Keep My Job While I’m in Addiction Treatment?

A concern that people have when battling substance abuse and addiction is that they will lose their jobs if they go to a treatment center. However, current laws offer particular protections for people seeking addiction or substance abuse treatment.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects those who have already gone to rehab or are currently in an addiction rehab program. The ADA protects you from being fired for reasons directly related to the recovery process.

The ADA does NOT protect you from being fired for job-related issues due to active addiction, such as poor performance, drug use on the job, or unreported absences.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is an assistance program that offers up to 12 weeks of medical leave. While this time off is typically unpaid or paid at a significantly reduced rate, it allows you to seek inpatient treatment without worrying if you will still have a job once you have completed treatment.

Do I Tell My Employer That I’m in Recovery?

While you are not legally required to tell anyone you are in recovery, being open and honest with your employer can make balancing your work obligations and recovery manageable for both parties.

While you can choose how in-depth you want to go, you should be transparent with your employer, especially if you need accommodations regarding your work schedule (for instance,  scheduled therapy sessions at an IOP or drug rehab center).

One of the key benefits of outpatient programs is that they are often flexible enough to allow patients to continue working or return to work if they were previously unemployed due to their addiction.

The Importance of Having a Job During Recovery

Aside from the financial aspects, working while in recovery is an integral part of maintaining sobriety.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), people who maintain employment while in a recovery program have a better overall quality of life, including a lower relapse rate.

Below are some of the other reasons why it is important not just to get a job in recovery but to keep it as well:

Purpose

We all want to feel like we have a purpose in life. When battling substance use disorder, many people with alcohol or drug addiction lose their sense of purpose as their addiction takes over.

For recovering addicts, having a job to go to every day—part-time or full-time—can give you back that sense of purpose. It can also help build your new identity, provide an opportunity for personal growth, and offer a place to build strong relationships for your support system.

Structure

Structure and stability are crucial aspects of the recovery journey, especially for those who are early in addiction recovery. While many people dread the monotony of their workday, for someone in recovery, that structure can play a vital role in their continued sobriety.

Having a daily routine that you can stick to can help you keep your eyes on the proverbial prize and avoid the temptations of too much time on your hands or allowing your brain to wander too much.

Financial Security

Financial struggles are a common sign of substance abuse and addiction. Many people find themselves in dire financial situations because they spend their money on substances to maintain their drug or alcohol addiction.

A steady income can help you pay off any debts you might have incurred while using and become financially secure overall.

Maintaining Sobriety While Being Successful at Work

While working can be a key part of your recovery, you should also ensure that your work doesn’t damage your overall well-being. Not managing stress levels, for instance, can increase the risk of relapse.

Certain things you can do to ensure that you are still successful at work while continuing to make your recovery a priority.

Manage Stress Levels

Stress is a common trigger that can cause a person in recovery to relapse. While you can’t control the unnecessary stress of most work environments, you can control how you react to stress.

During treatment, you learned healthy and sober techniques for handling stress and found one or more that work for you (e.g., meditation, deep breathing, journaling, etc.) You can use these tools to help you manage your stress levels in the workplace.

If you need to, communicate any concerns with your boss or co-workers so they can be prepared if you need to excuse yourself temporarily and get your stress under control in a healthy manner.

Stick to Your Recovery Plan

It can be easy for those who have been in recovery for a while to become complacent.

No matter how far along you are in your recovery process, remember that recovery is a lifelong journey and something that you will work on daily. Nothing, including your job, should take priority over your sobriety.

Keep going to meetings and/or support groups, even if it means adjusting the meeting time you attend due to a new work schedule.

Create a Work/Life Balance

While you prioritize your work, you also prioritize yourself and your personal life. A healthy life outside of work will make your work life more successful.

Get Started on Your Recovery Journey

For someone in recovery, especially those in early recovery, it is important to have a job and keep that job. Whether it’s a new job or a job you have been at for decades, make sure that it does not become a priority over your sobriety.

If you, a family member, or a loved one are struggling with your sobriety, it’s ok to ask for help. Call the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-4357 or visit their online locator to find treatment programs in your area.