Recovering from addiction is a difficult and time-intensive process, especially when one faces triggers and stressors on a daily basis. Though some people are fortunate enough to seclude themselves from triggering environments and take time to really heal, many others must return to work, their families and their lives. If you’re one of many established adults who cannot take a lot of time off work to recover, it’s important that you develop tips and skills for coping in a work environment. Below are a few tricks to help you remain strong regardless of how stressful your workplace becomes.
Develop and Master Your Coping Mechanisms
Just because you have to return to your life as normal does not mean your brain will follow suit. Your brain and body will both experience cravings and withdrawal, both of which may strike at any time. It’s imperative that you develop coping skills you can deploy at any time and in any environment so that you can successfully deal with triggers and move past the cravings.
Moreover, you should develop coping skills to deal with the stress that your work and work environment directly cause. For instance, if you previously coped with the stress by having a drink or two after work, it’s important that you develop new coping mechanisms. If you don’t, you risk falling into the same dangerous cycle of relying on alcohol to deal with your stress, a habit that could negatively impact other areas of your life.
Be Transparent
One of the best things you can do when you return to work is to be transparent about your addiction. Though you may feel it is inappropriate to share such personal information, letting your coworkers and employer know about your struggles can actually serve to help them help you during your recovery. For instance, if your employer sees that you’re more emotional or irritable than usually, he or she may be tempted to write you up or take disciplinary measures. During your recovery, adverse attention may cause you to relapse. If your employer knows about your addiction, he or she may be more empathetic to your situation and work to accommodate you until you’re back to your normal self.
Persist
Finally, acknowledge the fact that your recovery will not be easy, in or out of the workplace. You will face triggers on a constant basis, and cravings and withdrawal will be part of your everyday life — at least for a while. How you choose to deal with those triggers, cravings and symptoms can make or break your recovery. In addition to exercising your coping techniques, continually remind yourself of why you began your sober journey and stay the course. Persevere through the worst of it, and you will come out the other side stronger, more confident and, most important of all, sober.
At Duke City Recovery, our goal is to equip individuals with the tools they need to overcome addiction and successfully rebuild their lives. A large part of rebuilding involves helping recovering addicts return to work and their everyday lives. We do this through personalized treatment plans, which we adjust to meet individuals’ changing needs.
If you’re on the path to recovery and need to return to work, get the support and professional help you need to overcome the hurdles you’re bound to face in the workplace and stay the course. Contact Duke City Recovery today.
