The path of recovery has countless rewards. More benefits of sobriety seem to unfold as we progress from day to day. No matter how far we may feel we have fallen in life, in recovery, we have the opportunity to achieve heights of living that we never thought possible before.
Sometimes, however, there are challenges and pitfalls awaiting us in our recovery. That doesn’t mean we have made the wrong decision in setting aside a life of substance abuse. Rather, it means that we have allowed ourselves to tackle life’s challenges in our best form.
Often, finding work or engaging in the workplace can be a source of great stress when first adjusting to a life of recovery. Don’t worry. Many of us have encountered the challenge that comes with starting a new job or finding our place in an old job while tackling recovery. There is a lot to remember when facing the challenge of early recovery in the workplace.
Finding Working Opportunities in Early Recovery
Perhaps the event that led you to seek treatment resulted in losing your job. Maybe you were let go because of issues that arose from substance abuse. Or perhaps you lost the support of a partner before seeking treatment and are now entering the world on your own. There are many reasons you could be emerging into the world as a person in recovery with no job.
First of all, this happens to a lot of people. Even people who do not struggle with substance abuse find themselves in the difficult situation of needing to find a new job. You’re not alone, and you never will be. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), one in 13 people needed substance abuse treatment in 2017. Remember, you’re not alone.
Secondly, this is a wonderful opportunity. This is a new life for you. You’ve taken on all the benefits of recovery, and one of those benefits is the ability to perform new tasks without the burden of substance abuse. You have a tremendous amount of talent to offer, and you’ll find that recovery provides you with the confidence you need to face job interviews and the challenges that come with a new workplace.
Continuing Work in Early Recovery
If you find yourself in the position of returning to your job after seeking treatment, you may have some anxiety. Studies have shown that job performance is drastically reduced with substance abuse. When you left, you may not have been doing your best work. It’s natural to worry that you’ll be returning to some criticism and judgment.
Remember, you were not your best self when you were struggling with substance abuse. Substance abuse isn’t who you are. It doesn’t define what you’re capable of doing. It’s a small part of what you have been through. Recovery is the bravest thing you can do. After that, everything else is secondary. Remember, you have already faced the greatest challenge of your life and come out the other side.
Deciding to pursue a life of recovery is the best decision you can make. You deserve to become the best version of yourself that you can possibly be. Even if that sounds absurd right now, you’ll discover that a life of sobriety can be a world of difference between your life now and what it can eventually become. However, you don’t have to do it alone. The Guest House offers numerous treatment options and provides you with the tools you need to succeed in your daily life outside of treatment. Call (855) 483-7800 for more information.