Making the decision to seek drug rehab can be difficult and painful. Many addicts fear they will lose their job if they go away to rehab. Others are afraid of what people will say if they find out they sought help for their addiction. You may be overwhelmed by the prospect of returning to work after rehab. You may even let that keep you from truly recovering while you’re away.
It’s important to remember that there is nothing you can do about work while you’re in rehab. The whole point of going away to rehab is to isolate yourself and dedicate yourself to your recovery. It is the one opportunity for you to let everything else go on the backburner. You need to focus on your health and recovery.
As you approach the end of your rehab, you may start to get anxious about returning to your normal life. Part of this includes your job. You may be excited to get back to business but you’re probably also a bit scared. This makes perfect sense and it is totally normal. There are certain things to expect when you return to work. There are also some challenges you will have to overcome. It is best to be prepared so that you increase your chances of long-term recovery.
Focus on Your Recovery While in Drug Rehab in Charlotte, NC
Believe it or not, most addicts who go to rehab are employed. They have either full- or part-time jobs. They have to leave their job in order to go to rehab. Some people give their employer full disclosure. They are upfront and honest about where they need to go and why. Others are a bit more discreet. You are entitled to benefits under the Family Medical Leave Act. These benefits cover substance abuse rehabilitation. You are not required to tell your employer in Charlotte, NC the reason behind your leave.
We encourage all addicts to focus on their recovery rather than the life they have left behind. If you were able to get clean while still living a normal life, you wouldn’t need rehab. You would get out-patient treatment or counseling to address your drug addiction. If you need rehab, then you should realize how important it is to focus on your recovery. Your life – and your job – will be waiting for you when you get out. And, if it isn’t, you’ll deal with that when the time comes.
What Happens When You Leave a Drug Treatment Center in Charlotte?
When the time comes to leave rehab and return to the real world in Charlotte, NC, you may be scared. You may have already worked out your job re-entry with your employer. They may already know when you’re returning and have a plan for you resuming your job duties. For some of you, your employer may have no idea why you were actually gone. It is your right to keep your addiction and recovery private. If your job isn’t aware of why you were gone, that is okay.
Regardless of whether you have a re-entry plan, going back to work is going to cause some anxiety. You may be uncomfortable returning after attending a drug treatment center in Charlotte. This may be the case even if you’ve been at your job for years. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this.
There are a few things you can expect upon your return to work. If you are prepared for these issues, you will be much more equipped to deal with them. Your recovery is important and you don’t want to jeopardize it because of anxiety over your return to work. Work with your counselor or sponsor in preparing for the following:
- People will ask questions
- Things may have changed in your absence
- Your workload may have increased or decreased
- You will be playing “catch up” for the first few weeks
Returning to Work After Drug Rehab in Charlotte, North Carolina
If you have completed drug rehab in Charlotte, NC, congratulations! You have taken a step toward getting healthy and improving your quality of life. Dealing with addiction is one of the hardest things you will ever have to face. You have to take your recovery seriously and make sure it takes the front-seat in your life.
When you leave rehab, you will likely have to return to work. You will be anxious and you will be scared. Trust the tools you learned in rehab to get you through the first few difficult days. As time goes on, it will become easier to blend in and become comfortable again. Keep in mind that you are not alone in your recovery. Rely on your network and support group to keep your recovery going.
