Returning to work after one has successfully completed an addiction treatment program is a big step in the transition process back to everyday life.

This phase can be very intimidating for people as they learn how to adjust to a new lifestyle in sobriety. Stress can be a major trigger for those in recovery. It’s natural to feel nervous before returning to work, which can be a stressful environment. There are ways to effectively balance the workload in recovery, and you must be ready to handle the pressures that come along with it. Our addiction rehab center in Chicago explains how soon one should return to work after addiction treatment. Everyone experiences their own journey in recovery and will return to work when they feel ready and the timing is right for them.

Take it One Step at a Time

The early recovery stages are very fragile, and you must take time for yourself before you jump right back into a hectic schedule. Some people may think that work will keep them busy and distracted from triggers; however, stress can easily bring about the urge to use again. We suggest that you take some time after rehab whether that be a few weeks, or even months, to feel what it’s like to live a sober lifestyle with inevitable daily stressors. Once you are readjusted with your living situation it will be time to return to work with a clear mindset. Your sobriety is a life-long practice that needs to be managed day by day.

Stress-Management

Once you have made the best decision for when you should return to work, it’s time to utilize your stress management skills that you learned in rehab. Work is simply work, and you must be able to leave the stress behind at work and not carry it over to your personal life. When you leave your job for the day, this is the time to unwind and make sure you are doing activities that you enjoy with the people you love. Managing work stress can be difficult at times, and it’s okay to confide in another co-worker or boss about your struggles. Remember to breathe and take a moment to regroup when you feel anxious or very stressed.

Banyan Treatment Center provides customized addiction treatment in Chicago, and we teach our patients how to successfully transition back into everyday life. If your or your loved one is battling substance abuse, contact us today at 888-280-4763 for more information on the services we provide and how we can help.