While acknowledging that you have a substance abuse problem and deciding to seek help for addiction recovery is a huge step, it’s just one small part of the process. Unfortunately, many substance-addicted people encounter unexpected challenges when it comes to transitioning this decision from the theoretical to the practical—especially given the commitments of daily life.
One of the biggest presumed obstacles in the way of drug or alcohol treatment? Work. Here’s a closer look at the issue of working as an addict, along with how treatment programs and rehab facilities are designed to meet each individual’s unique circumstances.
Is your addiction hurting your performance at work? Probably.
Working and Addiction
According to the most recent data from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD), 70 percent of Americans who use illegal drugs are currently employed.
While at first glance this may seem like a case of “strength in numbers,” the reality is grim. The detrimental impact of drug and alcohol dependence in the workplace can be broken down into four main categories:
- Increased absenteeism and use of sick leave
- Decreased productivity
- Increased rates of injuries and accidents
- Increased likelihood of fatal accidents and premature deaths
More specifically, these consequences play out in a number of ways, including tardiness; sleeping on the job; job-performance-affecting hangovers and withdrawal; poor decision-making; decreased efficiency; low morale among coworkers; increased chance of conflict with coworkers and supervisors; the distracting preoccupation with acquiring and using substances while on the clock; illegal workplace activities, including using, selling, and buying drugs; high turnover and training costs; and disciplinary procedures.
The repercussions of substance abuse aren’t limited to individuals with the problem. Often, the performance of others also suffers.
The takeaway? While in the short term your best option may be to continue working despite your addiction, it’s likely to catch up to you—and your loved ones, too—in the long run.
Conversely, the sooner you enter a drug or alcohol recovery problem, the sooner you can get your professional life back on track.
Addiction Recovery Treatment Options for Workers
Intensive inpatient programs offer many benefits to people struggling with dependence. In offering around-the-clock care, these treatment programs can be very successful when it comes to facilitating lasting change. From helping manage the detoxification process to removing addicts from potentially enabling, triggering, or stressful environments, inpatient programs comprise profound physical, psychological, and emotional benefits.
Choosing the right treatment program—inpatient or outpatient—pays off in the workplace.
However, not all people require intensive residential treatment and detoxification. In this case, intensive outpatient treatment programs present a successful alternative that allows people to receive all of the benefits of substance abuse treatment while working during the day and attending evening sessions.
Designed to meet people “where they are,” Harris House’s Intensive Outpatient Program‘s holistic approach incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and 12 step orientation to help people learn to understand and address their addictions. In acknowledgment of the fact that “substance dependency is a family disease,” Harris House’s Intensive Outpatient Program also dedicates an hour each week for family therapy.
No two addicts are the same. Nor are any two treatment programs. So, how do you know which program is right for you and whether continuing to work during your recovery is possible?
We’re Here to Help
Contact us today to learn more about how Harris House can help you recover from addiction and resume being a productive member of the workforce.
