Finding fulfilling work in today’s job market is challenging, especially for those in recovery. Research shows that a meaningful work-life balance lowers relapse rates and enhances recovery. Despite facing employment challenges, many resources and techniques can boost your odds of job market success.
Addiction treatment centres are crucial in aiding individuals with career development and integration into the workforce post-rehab.
At PCP, we are committed to helping individuals recovering from substance use disorders integrate back into the workforce successfully. We provide counselling and career tips to help you find safe employment to support your recovery journey and allow you to contribute positively to society.
Here, we discuss the importance of employment during recovery, the hurdles many people in recovery face in the job market, and how to increase one’s chances of finding gainful employment.
How Employment Benefits Addiction Recovery
Research shows that being employed is strongly associated with positive outcomes for individuals in the recovery process, making employment an essential part of it. Some of the benefits of working during your recovery journey include:
● Lower rates of relapse
● Higher rates of sobriety from drug use
● Less likely to be involved in criminal activity or parole violations
● Greater financial independence
● More self-confidence and personal capacity
● Greater accountability and a sense of purpose
● Improved social life and professional connections
● More likely to complete treatment
● Providing health insurance coverage
Are You Legally Obligated to Disclose Past Drug Use To Your Employer?
You are not legally obligated to disclose a history of past drug use unless directly requested or in some key industries like healthcare, law enforcement, and transportation.
Why Finding Employment Is Difficult for Recovering Addicts
● A significant number of individuals who have struggled with SUDs or drug or alcohol problems lack the necessary skills, education, and experience to compete in the job market effectively. Individuals with lived experience in recovery can be valuable in roles such as addiction counsellors, spiritual teachers, therapists, physical health professionals, and teachers, helping others navigate recovery.
● Complicated work history may contain questionable activities, poor work performance in the past due to drug use or unexplainable gaps in work history.
● Poor interpersonal skills or motivation to work, even when not currently taking illicit substances.
● Lack of personal transportation, especially if their job requires this or is far from your residential address.
● Lack of standard childcare services
● Lack of identification such as a birth certificate, driver’s licence
● Continued substance misuse or frequent relapse is a common challenge
● A criminal history or currently being on parole often discourages many employers.
● Many employers lack a good understanding of SUD, how it affects workplace performance and how the workplace can be optimised to cater to the needs of those in recovery.
● Scheduling conflicts with probation meetings, counselling sessions and other treatment requirements.
● Broken relationships and professional networks (coupled with poor interpersonal skills) make it difficult to build the connections needed to find employment or move up the professional ladder.
● Handling stress and maintaining sobriety during your job search is quite difficult and can be a trigger for relapse.
● Stigmatisation of individuals with a past or current SUD makes it extremely difficult to find work.
How To Boost Your Chances of Finding Employment During Your Job Search in Recovery
Finding work during recovery can be difficult, but certainly not impossible. You can use several practices to help you find a job while in recovery.
● Expand your network. Networking is an important skill in the job market. It introduces you to potential employers, partners, and colleagues. Building professional networks also helps you advertise your professional skills and work ethic. You can network in several places during recovery, like support groups, 12-step programmes, social media, and job listing platforms.
● Adjust your expectations. Searching for work during recovery involves being realistic about your employment chances based on your history, capabilities, and the current job market. This may involve lowering your wage expectations, taking on entry-level, part-time, or even volunteer positions, and even working in positions which may not fit your skillset. Also, expect rejection, but strive to see every setback as an opportunity to learn and grow.
● Work on your resume. A strong professional resume goes a long way in increasing your chances in the job market. Not only does it highlight your relevant skills and experience to professional employers, but it also showcases your commitment to recovery and reintegration into society.
Here are some tips on how to make your resume stand out:
● Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and work experience for each job opening.
● Use a clear and professional format. Many resources can help you craft a professional resume, like the UK’s National Career Services, LinkedIn, Canva, and so on.
● Start with a strong summary of who you are and what value you can provide to your potential workplace.
● Focus on any achievements you may have had in your previous workplaces, not just the duties you performed.
Use action verbs. For example,
● Strong: Led a team of 10 to complete projects ahead of schedule, resulting in a 15% increase in productivity.
● Weak: Was responsible for managing the team and projects.
● Include your relevant education and certifications, starting with the most recent.
● Provide your contact information. If you do not have a residential address or personal mobile phone, explain this to your potential employer and provide a reliable address or avenue through which you can be contacted.
● Keep it short and straight to the point, potential employers appreciate concise resumes.
● Proofread and edit your resume until it feels perfect. Have someone else also look over it, ideally someone with more experience than you.
● Use employment assistance programmes and employment agencies. Employment assistance programmes, skill training programmes,, and employment agencies, also called temp agencies, are great ways to connect with potential employers. Temp agencies typically offer temporary or contract work, which is a great way to gain valuable experience and a gateway to more permanent employment.
● Know your rights. Looking for work when you have a history of SUD does place you at some disadvantage. However, it is important to remember your rights and not allow yourself to be discriminated against, undercut, or marginalised due to your past drug use.
Here are some important things to note:
● According to the Equality Act of 2010, a history of drug addiction is recognised as a disability, provided they are no longer using illegal drugs. It is illegal for employers to discriminate against someone due to a history of addiction.
● Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act of 1974, you are not required to disclose certain criminal convictions to employers after a certain period, except for positions exempt from the Act. Drug offences fall under this category if they result in criminal convictions. Note that certain jobs still require full disclosure of past criminal convictions, so do your research.
● Some potential employers may request pre-employment drug testing. This is only mandatory in certain industries, and you can refuse. However, note that refusing a drug test may significantly affect your chances of gaining employment.
● As we mentioned earlier, you are not legally obligated to disclose a history of past drug use. Still, employers also require an Occupational Health Assessment, where questions on past drug use are standard.
● Be patient. Finding work during recovery can often be difficult, and the current state of the economy/job market only adds to this challenge. Stay positive, find healthy ways to cope with stress and disappointment, keep attending therapy and share your struggles with your support group. Finding and maintaining a new job is crucial for your recovery journey, so take your time and stay committed.
Organisations Dedicated To Helping the Recovery Community Find Employment
Unemployment Offices. These are government agencies that assist unemployed individuals, including job search resources, career counselling, and access to unemployment benefits and training programmes.
Temp Agencies. Temp agencies connect employers with temporary workers for short-term assignments, offer flexible job opportunities and help businesses meet staffing needs.
Skill and Educational Training. Such programmes offer vocational training and educational courses to enhance job-specific skills, improve employability, and support your career advancement. It is important to consider one’s previous employment history, interests, abilities, education, and the flexibility needed to maintain the recovery programme.
Supported Employment. These are programmes which provide competitive employment opportunities for people with severe disabilities and help them successfully integrate into the workforce.
Abstinence-Enforced Employment Support. Programmes promoting abstinence and lifestyle changes, requiring clients to pass alcohol and drug screenings to participate in competitive employment, and offering additional behavioural incentives.
How To Make the Employment Environment Friendlier to Recovering Addicts
Businesses and employers also play a role in making the workplace recovery-friendly. Many people in recovery face unique challenges not directly tied to drug use. Here are some ways businesses can create a more inclusive space for employees recovering from SUD:
● Fostering a corporate culture that does not stigmatise workers recovering from SUD. This involves supporting an environment that openly acknowledges the reality and challenges faced by those in recovery within the workplace. It also entails offering support and a clear hope for career progression, creating a supportive environment for individuals in the recovery community.
● Employers can design intervention policies and provide resources that support people in recovery. These include:
● Allowing employees to seek treatment and not worry about their employment being terminated during their leave of absence.
● Encouraging employees to use their sick leave to attend recovery programmes.
● Partner with employee assistance programmes and occupational health specialists who are well-versed in the challenges of SUD recovery in the workplace and provide professional services to protect employers and employees.
● Giving employees in recovery access to private health insurance with SUD treatment options.
● Creating a drug-free workplace. According to UK law, “if there is a reasonable belief that an individual is under the influence of alcohol or drugs on reporting for work or during work, they must be sent home immediately. In addition, possession of or dealing in illegal drugs on company premises will, without exception, be reported to the police.”.
Drug testing in the workplace is legal in the UK, but employees have the right to refuse to consent to such procedures unless they work in industries that mandate it. However, there are some rules concerning drug testing in the workplace: it must be random, not used to single out a particular individual repeatedly, and it must be done for a strong reason, such as obvious intoxication in the workplace. Employees should also note that refusing a drug test could place them at risk of further disciplinary action.
What Happens If You Get Into Legal Trouble Due to a Relapse or Drug-related Offense?
Depending on your job and the crime you are guilty of, you may be required to tell your employer. For example, if you are employed as a teacher in the United States of America and receive a DUI, then by law, you have to report the offence to your school’s superintendent within 10 days.
Some employment contracts also require this. However, seek legal advice and speak with your local union for specific guidance on your situation and job requirements.
Note that failing to disclose required information could result in disciplinary action or losing your job if your employer later discovers the legal issue, especially if it breaches company policy or affects your job performance.
Seek Help at PCP
Finding a job during recovery can be challenging. Feelings of inadequacy, rejection,, and mounting stress can be quite triggering. That is why it is important to prioritise recovery during this period.
Continue attending support group meetings, keep up with therapy sessions, and don’t lose hope as you strive to improve yourself. Finding a job is an important part of reintegrating back into society. It has numerous benefits for your recovery journey, but it should never be at the expense of your sobriety.
Recovery-related careers, such as addiction counsellors, spiritual teachers, therapists, physical health professionals, and teachers who have been through recovery, can be particularly appealing and suitable for individuals in recovery.
At PCP, we are committed to helping individuals recovering from substance use disorders integrate back into the workforce successfully. Take the next step in your recovery journey. Contact PCP today for personalised counselling and career support to help you find fulfilling, safe employment and achieve lasting success.
