The process of returning to work after drug rehab can be awkward.
Maybe your addiction affected your work life or was revealed when you had to ask your employer for time off to recover. When others know about your struggles, you may feel embarrassed. However, the fact that you can go back to working without an addiction problem is a huge accomplishment. It means you’ve conquered a major issue negatively affecting your life.
Banyan Treatment Centers Massachusetts encourages people who have completed rehab to return to work as soon as they’re comfortable and able to do so. Working is a great way to stay active in recovery and maintain your sobriety.
How Long Should I Wait to Return to Work After Rehab?
Everyone’s recovery is different. Some people may need more time to settle into their everyday routine after returning home from rehab. Even so, returning to work after drug rehab is a great way to prevent boredom. Staying idle in recovery means you’re giving yourself time and opportunity to let your mind roam, which increases your chances of turning to addiction-related behavior. You should also contact the professionals you worked with throughout your treatment if you’re unsure of when to return to work after drug rehab. Because they personally worked with you, they may be able to better assess whether you’re ready to immediately jump back in. Regardless, the sooner you can introduce normal elements back into your routine, the sooner you can develop a new addiction-free lifestyle.
If you or someone you know is struggling in their recovery and can’t seem to fight off addiction-related thoughts, our cognitive behavioral therapy can help them understand how their thoughts and emotions affect their behavior, as well as find healthy ways to cope. Substance abuse affects the mind just as much as it affects the body.
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Tips for Returning to Work After Rehab
There are several things you should be aware of to make returning to work after drug rehab a smooth transition.
Know Your FMLA Rights
If you require inpatient or ongoing treatment for substance abuse, the time you take off work could be covered by the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This means your employer couldn’t do anything that would work against you because of work absences. People who care for someone undergoing addiction treatment can also benefit from the FMLA. However, keep in mind this act doesn’t protect you from getting fired if your work absence is a result of substance abuse. The FMLA will only cover you if you’re undergoing an inpatient or ongoing addiction program.
At Banyan Massachusetts, we provide several levels of care to help people overcome substance abuse. In our programs, patients will receive addiction treatment that meets their needs and provides them with the tools to help them safely recover. By receiving the proper treatment, addicts can prevent future health problems and improve their lives.
Know What to Say at Work
Returning to work after drug rehab can be awkward, and many people feel embarrassed about receiving treatment -- you don’t have to feel this way. There are lots of people who have undergone addiction treatment and returned to work. You are your toughest critic; don’t focus on what other people think, but on what’s best for you and your sobriety. You can avoid awkward moments or questions by knowing what to say and how much you want to share.
Plan for Stressful Situations
Being stressed at work is very common and often unavoidable. That’s why you should have a plan for coping with stressful situations. Having a solid plan can help you avoid any triggering thoughts or behaviors that could lead to relapse. Taking five minutes to cool down, or going outside to get some fresh air, can help reset your mind and prepare you to calmly find a solution.
Receive Aftercare Treatment
Recovery is a continuous process and sobriety is a choice you have to make every day. Many people who have completed treatment attend therapy or programs that provide group support and encouragement in recovery. Our alumni program serves as a safe place where patients can receive peer support to help them stay sober.
Be Patient with Yourself
Recovery isn’t a one-day thing. Things worth doing take time and effort, but they also require lots of patience. Pushing yourself to do things you aren’t comfortable with can lead to setbacks instead of progress in your recovery. Make sure you’re emotionally and physically prepared to go back to work before attempting to do so, and be patient with yourself when you do.
At our rehab center in Massachusetts, we know how difficult working in recovery can be, but we encourage people who are recovering from substance abuse to make a plan that can ensure a smooth transition.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, get help now. Call us at 888-280-4763 to begin your addiction treatment..
