Returning to work after treatment for substance use or alcohol use is an exciting milestone but one that can also feel overwhelming. Some people worry about facing stigma from their colleagues and supervisors or fear that their company work environment may have changed since they were last there. These are all valid thoughts, but having a plan can make everything go more smoothly. Here are five tips for returning to work while in recovery.
Decide What To Say to Coworkers In Advance
If you decide to say anything at all, deciding what to say to coworkers is a decision that everyone returning to work while in recovery must make. First of all, recognize that you are not obligated to disclose anything about your recovery, and staying silent is a decision in itself. If you choose to say something, you have several options. Some people feel more comfortable keeping it vague and saying they were out for “health reasons,” others might say, “I was focusing on my mental health and wellness.” If you feel safe and supported by your work environment and coworkers, you could give them a short, honest answer that might help reduce stigma and build trust with them. While you don’t need to tell coworkers anything, having a plan for what you are comfortable with will give you a sense of control and might make you feel more confident. Some people even practice saying their response so it is consistent and something they are comfortable saying.
Have a Plan to Handle Work-Related Stress
Work is rewarding, but it can be stressful, too. While some stress is motivating and can help us be more productive, unmanaged stress is a common trigger for relapse. Therefore, having a plan to manage stress at work is one of the best tips for returning to work while in recovery. A good starting point is figuring out the situations that are most stressful to you and anticipating them. Do your colleagues stress you out? Is it a lack of clarification of your responsibilities? Perhaps stress is highest during a monthly task, such as client invoicing. Once you have a list of the situations likely to cause you stress, you can start planning your response to them or even take care of them proactively.
Utilize Your Employee Assistance Program
If your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), this could be an excellent resource for you. EAPs often offer free (and confidential) support services, from counseling to financial to legal advice. They were created to help employees with both professional and personal challenges that could contribute to job performance.
Return-to-Work Agreements
Not every company or industry has return-to-work agreements, but those that do use them as part of the protocol when an employee returns after substance use treatment. They often include:
- A commitment to sobriety (often written)
- Ongoing participation in treatment or support groups
- Drug testing
- Consequences for non-compliance
Having a return-to-work agreement that provides structure and helps a person keep their commitment to staying well can be helpful. These agreements are designed to support people in their return and recovery, not to punish or “catch” them doing something wrong. If you think such an agreement could be helpful, ask your company if they use them as part of their process.
Know You Are Not Alone
While this is number five on our list it is probably the most important. You are not alone! According to a 2022 statistic from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 21.3 million Americans are in recovery, and many of them are successfully contributing to their jobs and organizations every day. If you haven’t already found a support group, consider reaching out to SMART Recovery or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to people who have successfully returned to work while in recovery. Remember that you have a team of people who want you to succeed in your personal life and professionally.
FAQs for Returning to Work While in Recovery
Should I Tell My Employer I’m in Recovery?
Only you can decide this for yourself. It is an important decision and a personal one. Many people prefer to keep this information private, while others have found that it helped them to create an even more supportive work environment. If you decide to tell your employer, also think about whether you want to share it with everyone or perhaps just a supervisor or someone in human resources (HR). Some companies have experience supporting staff in recovery or EAPs, but others won’t. If yours doesn’t, you may need to do some educating when you tell them and even over time. If you tell your employer, remember that recovery is a sign of strength, not weakness. Practicing what you want to say will help the conversation go well.
Can I Keep Going to Recovery Meetings While Working?
Definitely! This is possible and strongly encouraged. Many people create a morning or evening routine around a consistent recovery meeting to ensure it happens regularly. Maintaining your recovery is critical to your long-term health and success, so prioritizing it is very important.
What If My Workplace Is a Trigger for Relapse?
This is a tough one. If your workplace feels like a trigger for relapse, it becomes even more important to have a plan. Identify the stressors, and then look at the resources you have that can help mitigate them, such as a therapist, counselor, sponsor, or even a supervisor. If you have tried these things and it is not working, consider asking for an internal job reassignment. With the right support and structure, someone in recovery can return and thrive in their previous role, but if it is not working out, trust your instincts and consider making a fresh start.
How Can I Rebuild Confidence at Work?
Returning to work after time away can leave anyone feeling out of touch and less confident, and returning after treatment is no different. Start slow and small with achievable goals that give you a feeling of success often and early. Remember that what you learned in recovery is very much transferable to a job environment, such as emotional intelligence, resilience, and increased self-awareness. Try spending a little time each day journaling about your day and reflecting on what went well. Your confidence may not return the first day or week, but be patient, and you’ll feel like you’re back into a successful routine in no time.
Sober Living at Entera
At Entera, we take pride in offering care that meets you where you are. We have a compassionate team that can help you build healthy habits, meaningful relationships, and grow. We combine high-end sober living with a holistic program that offers life coaching, yoga, tai chi, training on time management, and life skill development. Our alumni network provides ongoing support, including access to recovery meetings, workshops, and social events, so you will continue to feel a sense of community even after you’ve left the program. If you’re ready to take the next step or explore options for a loved one, contact Entera today.
