Navigating the dual challenges of maintaining a career while evaluating the need for treatment for a substance use disorder can feel overwhelming. People struggling with substance use disorders often wonder, “can I still go to work while I’m in rehab?” Many of our patients find themselves questioning whether they can manage returning to work while in recovery, especially when transitioning from our residential treatment to our outpatient programming. This blog sheds light on these questions and emphasizes the importance of putting recovery first when returning to work by providing actionable tips to help you balance work responsibilities, protect your mental health, and make informed decisions as you progress through addiction treatment.
It’s important to note that workplaces vary regarding the benefits they offer to employees wishing to seek treatment without jeopardizing their careers. When weighing treatment needs with career concerns, common considerations include workplace guidelines such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (1) and the Family & Medical Leave Act (4) with other treatment-related needs. Regardless of your situation, Buena Vista partners with you to help you prioritize your professional and recovery goals through each phase of recovery.
Understanding the Importance of Recovery While Working
Prioritizing recovery is crucial not only for personal well-being but also for sustaining a productive work environment. Failing to give adequate attention to recovery can increase the risk of burnout and jeopardize your long-term recovery and career goals. Whether transitioning to inpatient rehab after medical detox or moving into an IOP or other type of outpatient program, remembering the importance of putting recovery first in returning to work is essential for lasting success. A solid foundation in recovery bolsters your mental health and reinforces your ability to successfully continue working while remaining committed to your emotional and professional goals.
Preparing to Return to Work During Recovery
When contemplating a return to work, it’s normal to experience a mix of emotions ranging from excitement and hope to fear. These emotions highlight the internal debate about managing professional responsibilities alongside addiction treatment. Acknowledging complex feelings and emotions while strategically preparing for a smooth transition back to work is essential.
1. Evaluate Readiness
Before returning to work, evaluating whether you are genuinely ready is vital. Assess your emotional and physical health and your overall progress in overcoming your substance use disorder. Your self-evaluation can include questions about how recently you completed medical detox and an inpatient treatment or an IOP. If you’re in an outpatient treatment program, how much of a time and emotional commitment is it?
It is also necessary to consider how the work environment might impact your recovery. Are you ready to cope with workplace stress and/or triggers without turning to problematic substance use? Exploring these questions openly with your treatment team is a critical step toward a successful return to work.
2. Communicate with Your Employer
When balancing recovery and professional life, it is crucial to communicate with your employer openly. Sharing your journey can pave the way for necessary accommodations in your work environment. Familiarize yourself with your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1) and the Family & Medical Leave Act (4) and discuss flexible work arrangements that allow you to remain focused on your recovery goals. Being transparent about your needs can ease your transition and create a supportive space where you can return to work successfully.
3. Return-to-Work Agreements
One effective return-to-work strategy is to create a return-to-work agreement with your employer (2). These agreements outline expectations, work modifications, and support mechanisms to help you balance professional duties and recovery. Such agreements can be instrumental in ensuring that your workplace remains a place where you can thrive while managing your recovery journey.
Strategies for Balancing Work and Recovery
Implementing a structured plan is key to managing potential challenges before they arise. Whether you are weighing the career impact of seeking treatment or returning to work while in recovery, having a strategy in place can make all the difference. Here are several practical approaches to help you maintain equilibrium:
Set Boundaries
Establish clear work-life boundaries to safeguard your recovery time. This might include limiting overtime, setting aside time for outpatient treatment sessions, or even choosing to return to work on a modified schedule. By drawing a line between your professional obligations and personal well-being, you set the stage for a healthier work environment.
Prioritize Self-Care
Another helpful strategy is incorporating self-care practices into your daily routine to bolster your mental health. Simple habits such as mindfulness, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are fundamental. Whether you are in addiction treatment or transitioning from medical detox, self-care supports your physical and emotional recovery, helping you continue working with renewed energy. While this strategy seems straightforward, making self-care work for you can be challenging. A strong treatment team will help you explore what works best for you.
Utilize Support Systems
Never underestimate the power of building networks to help you stay grounded at home and work. The pain of difficult times can be eased by leaning on trusted friends, family, or workplace allies. Attending formal outpatient group programming and becoming part of an alumni network can help you develop a support system that includes people who understand your recovery journey.
Stay Organized
Efficient time management is a cornerstone of balancing work and recovery. Creating a structured schedule accommodating job responsibilities and recovery-related appointments can help you return to work without feeling overwhelmed. Using planners, digital calendars, or personalized return-to-work agreements as a guide can help you stay on track.
Have a Relapse Prevention Plan
Developing a comprehensive relapse prevention plan to avoid a return to use is vital for handling workplace triggers and cravings. Incorporate regular check-ins with support groups, schedule therapy sessions, and identify safe spaces at your rehab center or workplace where you can decompress. A well-prepared plan minimizes risk and ensures that you have a clear roadmap for maintaining your recovery.
Explore Flexible Options
There are numerous flexible work arrangements available that can alleviate the pressure of balancing work and recovery. Options such as remote work, reduced hours, or even taking extended leave through family and medical leave (4) can make a significant difference. By exploring these alternatives, you can create a tailored approach that accommodates both your professional goals and your recovery needs.
Signs You Need Help
Regular self-assessments can help you recognize when work pressures are starting to negatively impact your recovery journey. If you notice signs of strain or increased stress, it might be time to seek additional treatment or re-engage with inpatient rehab treatment.
Indicators that your job might be interfering with your recovery include heightened anxiety, deteriorating mental health, or a resurgence of cravings (3). If you begin to experience these warning signs, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the balance has shifted and to seek additional support measures.
WORK CONSIDERATIONS AT EACH PHASE OF BUENA VISTA’S CONTINUUM OF CARE
Medical Detox
Depending on the substances you use, we may recommend you initiate your treatment in our inpatient medical detox unit. Medical detox is relatively brief, typically lasting between three to seven days. During your detox, you will be supported and monitored by our medical team and provided medications to minimize your symptoms and keep you safe during what can be an acutely dangerous and physically uncomfortable phase of withdrawal.
Residential Rehab (Inpatient Treatment)
For many, attending a residential rehabilitation program (inpatient treatment) can be a game-changing experience. Devoting this time to focusing solely on your recovery, away from life’s stressors and without access to substances, can be invaluable. However, people understandably worry about job security when contemplating an up to 30-day inpatient treatment program, often wondering if they can continue to work during residential treatment, possibly utilizing remote work options.
Generally, inpatient treatment requires pausing work-related activities. Residential treatment means the bulk of each day is spent in group and individual therapy, leaving little opportunity for completing work-related tasks. However, every situation is different, and in rare cases, exceptions can be made to accommodate a patient with a unique work demand.
Outpatient Treatment
One of the most common options for outpatient treatment is Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP). Depending on work schedules, many patients can return to work while participating in IOP. During IOP, patients attend at least three 3-hour weekly group sessions. IOP can also include case management, individual therapy, and other wrap-around supports as needed, meaning between 9 and 20 hours of weekly outpatient programming. Although a significant time commitment, IOP’s predictability, structure, and accountability often help people balance work and recovery. Fortunately, Buena Vista offers morning and evening groups and fully virtual telehealth IOP options.
Some patients arrange with their employers to take a break from work during their outpatient treatment – indeed, this is a great way to prioritize recovery and is often highly recommended
Get Help in Balancing Work in Your Recovery Journey
Successfully managing your career while undergoing medical detox, inpatient treatment, IOP, or outpatient programming requires a dedicated commitment to your health and well-being. Building a resilient foundation for professional success and personal growth is possible, and Buena Vista Health & Recovery Centers is here to help. Embrace the journey, set your priorities, and remember balancing work and recovery is not just possible—it’s a powerful testament to your strength and commitment.
You can contact us at 602.902.1112, or visit any of our Arizona drug and alcohol treatment centers to start your recovery journey today.
CAVE CREEK
29858 N. Tatum Blvd.
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
CHANDLER
3033 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, Arizona 85248
TUCSON
5151 East Pima Road
Tucson, Arizona 85712
SCOTTSDALE
8171 E Indian Bend Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
SOURCES
(2) https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/saw-rtw
(3) https://managers.usc.edu/health/substance-use-in-the-workplace/
