Substance misuse can have far-reaching effects on many aspects of a person’s life, including their employment and job prospects.
In active addiction, many people who misuse drugs or alcohol lose their jobs as the focus on acquiring psychoactive substances takes over. Seeking treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) can further complicate the situation as this usually means taking time off from work. Taking steps to re-enter the workforce after treatment in a rehab program can also be a daunting challenge for a person with an addiction.
Living Sober is a nonclinical program providing transitional support for people beginning their recovery journey for the first time, as well as for those who are stepping down from a higher level of care and want to give themselves the best chance for success. Our curriculum focuses on 12-Step immersion and each day begins with a beach reading and meditation.
However, teaching essential life skills such as financial and employment competence is also part of our comprehensive recovery plan that goes well beyond abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Finding purposeful and stable employment can be a crucial element of your recovery journey. At Living Sober, clients learn how to prepare for job interviews, build up their skill sets, and succeed in a position.
Successfully applying for a job in recovery is not exactly the easiest task. Overcoming the stigma of addiction is frequently part of the challenge. Living Sober will prepare you for it, though.
Choosing to open up about what you’ve been through could help combat preexisting notions people hold about what it means to struggle with substance misuse. We’re experiencing a critical time in the evolution toward viewing addiction as a disease instead of a moral failing. Still, you must decide what’s best for you.
Be consistent: in the age of the internet, your prospective employer will likely look you up online. If you do not wish to address your recovery during the job hunt, make sure your social media presence is consistent with your wish for privacy. Consider your options. There are several points at which you could address your recovery. You could choose to disclose your experiences upfront in a cover letter or application, open up during an interview, wait until after you’ve been hired, or opt against sharing entirely.
If you do disclose that you’re in recovery, be prepared for prejudice. Unfortunately, discussing your path to recovery may elicit negative reactions from people who don’t understand what you’ve been through. Living Sober will help you prepare for this challenge.
Most importantly, you must consider your own needs when applying for a new position and strive to find a supportive environment. If you would not be comfortable sharing a critical part of your experience with someone up front, would you be comfortable working for them over the long haul?
In any case, Living Sober will help you prepare for job interviews. We’ll go over all the basics such as researching the position and organization, familiarizing yourself with job requirements, and reviewing your application and resume. We will also show you how to practice interviewing.
We also go over improving skill sets and abilities. Each person has different skill sets depending on their interests, natural abilities, personal qualities, and technical skills. Skills can expand your professional competency and allow you to perform your job well. You can gain and improve skills with education and experience. The more advanced you are in performing certain skills, the more likely you are to get or progress in a job.
The ultimate aim is not just to hold down a job but to enjoy a thriving career while continuing to work on your recovery. We discuss pitfalls like burning yourself out. Working long hours or over-committing to projects can backfire. Manage your energy carefully. No promotion is worth putting your health or career growth at risk.
The Living Sober curriculum is the foundation of a program that goes far beyond the concept of a conventional recovery residence typically only providing a transitional living space.
With over 30 years of experience in sober living, we created a program providing a structured transition back to a life of independence, free from substance misuse.
For more information about our services, call (561) 279-1037.