Addiction recovery consists of acknowledging the fact that you have a dependence on alcohol or drugs and learning new ways to deal with life’s challenges. It’s one thing to handle recovery at home with family and friends, it’s another matter to handle sobriety at work. Here are some tips to manage the transition.

Acknowledge Fact You Are Not Alone

Returning to work after receiving treatment for alcohol or drug addiction is a day-to-day process. It can seem like you are the only person on the planet to be in this predicament. That’s not true. It’s estimated that 23 million Americans have an addiction to alcohol and drug addiction. Most of them have full or part-time jobs.

Tackle Your Fear

Fear and doubt are natural reactions to experiencing something new. The best way to handle it is to face it head on so you can create a strategy. Try these tips.

Deep breathing exercises
Remind yourself of your past success of achieving sobriety
Write in a diary
Anticipate the questions that people will ask and how you will answer them

Keep Your Perspective

You may feel that your coworkers are judging you. Even if that is the case, you are not responsible for other people’s behavior. You could initiate a one-on-one conversation or join a group.

Get Help From Human Resources Department

If you feel that you need more support, ask your human resources representative for help. The Employee Association Society of North America reported that during a 12-month period, less than 4 percent of employees take advantage of the counseling services offered by Employee Assistance Programs.

Give it Time

Success does not happen overnight. Your co-workers also need time to adjust. Focus on your work and let it be a testament of your recovery. Support will come from many sources. Be sure to take advantage of all of them and set realistic time frames to accomplish your goals at work.

Oceanfront Recovery is a men’s & women’s addiction treatment center offering residential programs and a full continuum of care to help men begin a new life of recovery. Each therapy and modality we offer is designed to help men change their story. We believe when you change your story, you can change your life. Call us today for information: 877.279.1777