Working in a drug rehabilitation program is difficult enough without having to worry about balancing a job, family life and drug treatment. Drug rehab programs usually have limited staff, so most jobs will require extra time from you. Can you work while in drug treatment? Working to support yourself and your family can be very challenging when you are staying sober. However, not everyone will be able to find a balance between their work and recovery. If you are thinking of working while in drug treatment, here are some answers to some common questions
Telling Your Boss
If you are in drug rehab and need to inform your boss about your situation, it’s important to be honest, transparent, and professional. Here are some tips on how to approach the conversation:
- Schedule a private meeting with your boss: Request a meeting with your boss in private, away from distractions and interruptions. This will give you the opportunity to have a focused conversation about your situation.
- Be honest and upfront: It’s important to be honest about your situation and tell your boss that you are currently in drug rehab. Explain that you are taking steps to address the problem and are committed to your recovery.
- Discuss your treatment plan: If you are comfortable doing so, you can discuss your treatment plan with your boss, including the duration of your stay in rehab, your anticipated return to work, and any adjustments that may need to be made to your work schedule or responsibilities.
- Emphasize your commitment to your job: Let your boss know that you are committed to your job and want to continue to contribute to the company. Assure them that you will work to make up any missed work and are open to discussing any accommodations or support you may need.
- Respect your privacy: While it’s important to be honest with your boss, you don’t have to share more than you are comfortable with. Remember that your privacy is important, and you have the right to keep your personal life private.
Overall, the key is to approach the conversation with honesty and professionalism. Your boss will likely appreciate your openness and willingness to take responsibility for your situation, and may be willing to offer support or accommodations to help you continue your recovery while maintaining your job.
Can I Work in a Drug Rehab Program?
Most rehab programs will not allow you to work if it is going to take away from your treatment time. If you are taking part in a program such as Alcoholics Anonymous, you will be expected to attend all of the meetings. If you take on a part-time job, this will likely require you to miss some of these meetings. This could result in your treatment program deciding that you are not committed and therefore not employable. If you have a full-time job, you may be able to work for a limited amount of time. You will need to find out what your employer will accept. You will need to find out if they allow employees to work while they are on sick leave.
Can I Still Work During Drug Treatment?
It is possible to keep a job while you are in drug treatment. If you work part-time, you will have to find another job to allow you time for your treatment. You will also have to make sure no one pressures you to take on more hours or a different type of job while you are in treatment. Having a “real” job while you are in treatment can often lead to stressful situations. It is easy to put your real life on hold while you are in treatment. If you feel like you need to take on a full-time job while you are in treatment, you may be putting too much pressure on yourself and your recovery. If you want to work full-time while you are in treatment, this might be a good option for you.
However, you need to be careful that your new job does not become your new normal. You may find that you are taking on a full-time job to avoid stress from your family or friends. If this is the case, you might find that when you come out of treatment, you have even more stress than when you started.
Why Some People May Not Be Able To Work While In Drug Treatment
Some people may be able to work while in drug treatment, but cannot find a job that is flexible enough to allow them time for treatment. They may have to take a job that does not provide benefits or that does not have a flexible schedule. If this is the case, you will want to find out more about what you are getting into before making any decisions.
Conclusion
While working in drug treatment can be a great way to earn extra money and support your family, it is difficult to do well and still be clean and sober. Many jobs are not made available to people who are in treatment, and those that are often do not have enough time for drug treatment. If you are interested in working, you will need to find a program that allows you to do so without compromising your recovery. With careful planning, finding a job while in treatment can be done successfully.
If you are ready to get started, we can help. Call us today at 866-963-7200.
