Committing to Stay Clean Makes Getting A Job After Drug Rehab Easier
Ocean Hills Recovery professionals provide coaching to prepare clients for getting a job after drug rehab, which is a big part of long-term recovery.
Addiction is something that affects so many aspects of a person’s life. Relationships, health, finances and even employment may have suffered as a result of addiction, and while completing drug rehab is the first step on the road to recovery, there is often more to overcome once inpatient rehab has been completed. While many rehabs offer after-care that is especially helpful when it comes to finding a job after addiction treatment, here is a quick guide to help you land employment after rehab.
Legal Issues that May Arise While Seeking Employment Following Rehab
Employers may not ask whether the applicant has or has had a disability, including addiction. This includes if the applicant has ever abused drugs or been addicted to drugs AND if the applicant has been or is being treated by a drug rehab program.
The employer may ask the applicant if they are currently using drugs illegally and whether they can perform the duties of the job. They may also ask whether they drink alcohol.
An applicant does not need to offer information if they are not asked, however, if you are asked, it’s best not to lie about your past experience(s) with drugs, even if you think that it will harm your chances of being hired. It’s better to tell the truth than to lie and be found out later on.
Focusing on recovery when you speak about your addiction and treatment will help to highlight that you are intent on staying sober. It may also be beneficial to share that people in recovery who successfully re-enter the workforce have less likeliness of relapse or criminal activity.
An employer may not refuse to hire a person based solely on the fact that they have been addicted to or abused drugs illegally as long as they are no longer currently using them. Addiction discrimination is a real issue that pops up, especially (unfortunately) when it comes to employment after rehab. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel as though you are being discriminated against, you may be able to file a lawsuit, however, you may also be able to contact management in the company to file an informal complaint and find resolution outside of a courtroom.
Things to Do To Help with Getting a Job After Rehab
While in rehab, it’s helpful to find out if the inpatient drug rehab treatment includes job placement assistance. Some rehabs may even offer trainings that are beneficial when it comes time to finding a new job.
After rehab, remember that you are not limited to the same type of job that were you doing before treatment, particularly if your position is no longer available. Though, even if your position is still available, if you weren’t happy in your position before treatment, now is a great time to look beyond what you were doing previously and start something new. Now may be the perfect time to go back to school or take a class to improve your skills or learn something completely new.
When you are looking for a new job after drug rehab, it’s important to remember that recovery is continual. Because of this, you should maintain aftercare in some shape or form. Continuing with meetings, attending regular therapy and seeking support from others will be vital to staying on the path of recovery. Seeking help from others is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and commitment to your continual sobriety.
Find a Job in Addiction Recovery
Many addicts in recovery seek employment and friendships among the addiction rehab setting. Many addition treatment centers employ former clients, and by giving you employment (if you’re qualified for a position) it may help to maintain your sobriety, as you will be in a recovery setting day in and out with access to resources should you feel on the edge of relapse or need help.
Many inpatient rehab centers also host gatherings for their former clients in order for them to stay in touch with each other in order to encourage success in sobriety and reduce the occurrence of relapse. Ocean Hills Recovery in Dana Point, California started this tradition of hosting a “birthday bash” to celebrate recovery 5 years ago and has had great success with it. This is not only a time to celebrate continual recovery, but also a great way to network with others who have been in the same situation as you. This form of networking with others in recovery can go a long way when it comes time to finding a new job, particularly if someone has already been hired in a new position and they know of other positions available.
Don’t Give Up on Finding a New Job After Drug Rehab
Focus on the work you have done on yourself over the last 30, 60, 90 days instead of worrying about what others think about you, or your past. Remember that by entering into recovery you have shown great strength, perseverance, focus, and commitment, all of which are important qualities to most employers.
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