Returning to work after completing addiction treatment represents a significant milestone in your recovery journey. This transition can feel overwhelming—you’re navigating new sobriety while re-entering professional environments that may have contributed to your substance use. However, with proper planning and support, returning to work while in recovery is possible.
At Silver Sands Recovery in Prescott, Arizona, we understand that recovery extends far beyond our treatment facility. Our comprehensive approach includes preparing clients for real-world challenges, including workplace reintegration. From detox through outpatient treatment, we provide the tools and support you need to maintain sobriety while rebuilding your career.
Communicating with Your Employer
One of the most challenging decisions you’ll face is determining how much to share with your employer about your recovery. This decision depends on several factors, including your relationship with management, company culture, legal protections, and personal comfort level.
Know Your Rights
Before having any conversations, understand your legal protections. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects employees in recovery from discrimination and entitles you to reasonable accommodations.1 These might include:
- Modified work schedules to attend therapy appointments or support group meetings
- Time off for medical appointments related to your recovery
- Adjustments to job duties that help you avoid triggers
- Access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
If you’re part of a union, speak with your representative about additional protections and resources available to you. Union representatives can advocate on your behalf and help you understand your rights within the collective bargaining agreement.
Returning to Work While in Recovery- Managing Stress and Triggers
The workplace environment can present numerous challenges for someone in recovery. Identifying potential triggers and developing coping strategies before you return to work is crucial for maintaining your sobriety.
Develop Coping Strategies
Create a comprehensive plan for managing stress and triggers, including:
Stress Management Techniques:
- Practice deep breathing exercises during stressful moments
- Take regular breaks throughout the day
- Use time management tools to avoid feeling overwhelmed
- Communicate openly with supervisors about realistic deadlines
- Develop healthy ways to decompress after difficult days
Setting Boundaries:
- Learn to say no to additional responsibilities when you’re at capacity
- Establish clear work-life boundaries to protect your recovery time
- Limit overtime and avoid overcommitting yourself
- Create physical and emotional space from toxic colleagues or situations
Building Support Systems:
- Identify trusted colleagues who can provide encouragement
- Maintain regular contact with your sponsor or counselor
- Schedule therapy appointments during lunch breaks or after work
- Join workplace recovery groups if available
- Create accountability partnerships with other people in recovery
Creating a Safety Plan
Develop a specific action plan for high-risk situations. Having a relapse-prevention plan, especially one that includes medications and therapy, can help you feel more in control and reduce the risk of relapse.2 Consider including the following steps in your safety plan:
- Identify triggers: Think about the situations, people, or emotions that may lead to a relapse.
- Plan for coping strategies: Develop healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with triggers such as those listed above.
- Reach out for support: Identify who you can turn to for support when struggling with recovery.
- Have a backup plan: If your initial coping strategy doesn’t work, have a backup plan to rely on.
- Create a distraction list: List activities or hobbies that can help distract you from cravings or negative thoughts.
- Practice self-care: Make sure to prioritize self-care and engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being.
- Avoid high-risk situations: Stay away from places or people that may trigger a relapse.
- Take things one day at a time: Recovery is a journey, so focus on taking small steps each day rather than looking too far ahead.
- Celebrate successes: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress and milestones in recovery, no matter how small they may seem.
- Seek professional help if needed: Don’t be afraid to seek help from a therapist or support group if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in your recovery journey.
Building Your Foundation for Success
Returning to work while in recovery requires ongoing commitment and support. Silver Sands Recovery provides comprehensive treatment programs that prepare clients for all aspects of sober living, including professional reintegration.
Our approach addresses not just the symptoms of addiction but the underlying causes that may affect your work performance and relationships. Through individual therapy, group sessions, and practical life skills training, we help clients develop the confidence and tools needed to thrive in their careers while maintaining sobriety.
If you’re preparing to return to work or facing challenges in your current position, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Contact Silver Sands Recovery today to learn more about our comprehensive treatment programs and ongoing support services that can help you succeed in recovery and in your career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Returning to Work in Recovery
Do I have to tell my employer about my addiction treatment?
You are not legally required to disclose your addiction history or treatment to your employer. However, if you need accommodations such as flexible scheduling for therapy appointments or support group meetings, you may need to provide some general information about having a medical condition that requires ongoing treatment. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers cannot discriminate against you for being in recovery and must provide reasonable accommodations.
What if my job involves alcohol or triggers?
If your job regularly exposes you to alcohol or other substances, it’s important to discuss this challenge with your treatment team and develop specific strategies. Some options include requesting a transfer to a different department, asking for modified duties that don’t involve alcohol service, or in some cases, considering whether this job environment is sustainable for your recovery. Many people in recovery successfully work in restaurants, hotels, or other industries where alcohol is present by having strong coping strategies and support systems in place.
How do I handle work stress without using substances?
Developing healthy stress management techniques is crucial for maintaining recovery in the workplace. Effective strategies include regular exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises, maintaining work-life boundaries, taking breaks throughout the day, communicating with supervisors about workload concerns, and staying connected with your support system. If work stress becomes overwhelming, it’s important to reach out to your therapist, sponsor, or treatment team for additional support and coping strategies.
What accommodations can I request from my employer?
Under the ADA, you may be entitled to reasonable accommodations that help you maintain your recovery while performing your job duties. These might include flexible scheduling for therapy appointments or support group meetings, modified work schedules, time off for medical appointments, changes to job duties that help you avoid triggers, access to Employee Assistance Programs, or permission to take breaks for stress management. The key is that accommodations must be reasonable and not cause undue hardship to your employer.
Should I attend work social events that involve alcohol?
This decision depends on where you are in your recovery and your comfort level. Some people in recovery feel confident attending work events where alcohol is present, while others prefer to avoid these situations entirely. If you choose to attend, consider bringing a sober friend, having an exit strategy, bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages, focusing on networking rather than socializing around the bar area, and leaving early before alcohol consumption increases. You can also suggest alternative activities for team building that don’t center around alcohol.
How do I explain employment gaps due to treatment?
You can address treatment-related employment gaps honestly without providing excessive detail. Consider phrases like “I took time off to address a medical condition and am now ready to return to work,” “I was focusing on my health and am excited to bring my renewed energy to this role,” or “I took a brief hiatus for personal health reasons and am now fully committed to my career.” Emphasize your current readiness and enthusiasm for the position rather than dwelling on past challenges.
What if I relapse while employed?
If you experience a relapse, it’s important to prioritize getting help immediately. This might mean taking time off for additional treatment, reaching out to your support system, or working with your treatment team to adjust your recovery plan. If your job performance is affected, consider speaking with HR about taking Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) time if you’re eligible, or exploring other leave options. Remember that relapse doesn’t mean failure—it’s often part of the recovery process, and seeking help quickly is what matters most.
Can I be fired for being in recovery?
Under the ADA, employers cannot discriminate against you solely for being in recovery from addiction. However, you can still be held to the same job performance standards as other employees. If your addiction or recovery affects your ability to perform essential job functions, your employer must engage in the interactive process to determine if reasonable accommodations can help you succeed. You cannot be fired simply for having a history of addiction or for seeking treatment.
References
- Whaley, Barry A., and Pamela Williamson. “The Americans with Disabilities Act, Addiction, and Recovery.” Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. Preprint, no. Preprint, 1 Jan. 2023, pp. 1–7, content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabilitation/jvr230018, https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-230018.
- Guenzel, Nicholas, and Dennis McChargue. “Addiction Relapse Prevention.” Nih.gov, StatPearls Publishing, 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551500/.