Finding a Job After Drug and Alcohol Treatment

Categories: Addiction Recovery, Articles by Sandy Baker
Finding a Job After Addiction Treatment

Looking for a Job After Addiction Treatment? Consider these strategies to help you find a job that fits your specific needs after treatment.

If you are in drug and alcohol addiction treatment, your job right now is to focus on healing and overcoming the challenges you have. The question for many, though, is how to move on after treatment ends. How do you find a job and create a future for yourself? Getting a job that supports you financially and is both enjoyable and not too stressful is often a factor in success after addiction recovery.

Recognize the Obstacles to Employment Many Face

Getting back to work seems simple enough, but many people find it hard to explain their addiction journey to potential employers. You might be asked about gaps in your employment or why you left your previous job. It can be difficult to show a potential employer that you have what it takes when you haven’t completed your education or advanced as quickly as others your age in your field.

Yet, resources and support are available. First, know your rights. Employers cannot discriminate against a person who is successfully rehabilitated and no longer using substances, including those who are currently participating in a rehabilitation program.

Addiction Treatment Must Come First…

If you’re struggling with addiction, drug and alcohol treatment is a critical first step to redefining your future. Once residential treatment ends, it’s important to find support as you navigate your new, sober reality. At The Ranch at Dove Tree, we offer a transitional living program that provides you with some core benefits, including:

  • Life skills education
  • Peer support group access
  • Resume help
  • Job placement support
  • A structured life that allows you to build confidence

This program is a tool to help you to get back on track when you have gone through intensive challenges and need ongoing support.

Tips for Finding a Job After Addiction Treatment

Consider these strategies to help you find a job that fits your specific needs after treatment. Remember that you have help from your treatment team to navigate the stress of recovery and the obstacles you may face.

  • Tap into your personal network. Sometimes friends from the past, co-workers from several jobs ago, or family members may be able to help you find a job opening that fits your skill.
  • Discuss your desired position and goals with those who will listen. That includes your doctors, therapists, sponsors, and others. Sometimes, these individuals have knowledge about openings that could fit your needs. Often, a personal recommendation can help you get your foot in the door.
  • Utilize state-based job placement tools and resources. If you’re from Texas, the Texas Workforce Commission provides a list of available positions for a wide range of industries. These employers are often poised to provide opportunities. You’ll also find career and skill planning tools on the website.
  • Use your rehabilitation experience as a tool to help you find a new path. Moving on to a new career is an option for many, and your rehabilitation experience has likely improved your ability to communicate and be compassionate. You have learned a lot about addiction and recovery, and maybe you can put that knowledge to use. 
  • Tap into volunteer opportunities. Volunteer opportunities offer several key benefits. First, they provide you with a way to build relationships and network with others, including those who may know of openings in your field. They also help you to develop valuable skills that could look fantastic on a resume.

Getting back to work can be challenging, but it is often necessary and beneficial. Recognize that you have an empty slate right now, which means you may have some flexibility in changing the course of your employment. Think about new education and training that could enhance your existing career or launch you into a different, more rewarding, path.

Don’t Lose Sight of Your Future and Goals After Addiction Treatment

In nearly all situations, finding a job after drug and alcohol treatment isn’t simple or quick. For many people, it increases stress, and that could put you at a higher risk for relapse. That’s why, during this new beginning, it’s critical to remain connected with your drug and alcohol treatment center and your sponsors. Remember to:

  • Monitor for signs of high stress and use strategies to regroup.
  • Ask for help. You are not in this alone.
  • Check your mental health. Don’t focus so much on finding a job that you neglect your mental health.
  • Your job search is a part of your recovery. Share the challenges you’re facing with your drug and alcohol treatment team – we want to help.
  • Focus on one step, one day at a time. 

If you are just beginning your recovery journey or need some help maintaining it, The Ranch at Dove Tree in Lubbock, TX, welcomes you. With a thriving alumni program and a wide range of treatment options, we support you today and well into the future. Contact us now to find out what we can do to support your recovery.