After completing our intensive outpatient program in Chicago, our patients are ready to start putting the pieces of their life back together. For many, this means finding a job.
It is not uncommon for people with drug or alcohol addictions to lose their jobs. Once they become addicted, they start to prioritize drugs or alcohol over their job responsibilities. They may come to work late, hungover, high, or not show up altogether. Now that they are sober, it is time for them to take back this responsibility and start providing for themselves again, but employment for recovering addicts may not always be easy to come by.
Good Jobs for Recovering Addicts
Finding a job can be a challenge for anyone, let alone someone who is in early recovery from addiction. Not only can their resume lack a lot of experience, but also, they may have been fired from their last job and have a gap in employment because they were in an inpatient or partial hospitalization program getting sober. For these reasons and many more, looking for a job after rehab can be overwhelming and stressful. Fortunately, there are some great jobs for recovering addicts where the skills they learned in recovery can be put to good use.Recovery-Related Jobs
Many people in recovery go on to enter a career in the recovery field because they have firsthand knowledge of what it is like to overcome a substance use disorder and get sober. Addiction counselors, peer specialists, recovery coaching, and social work are all good options. If you want to do less hands-on work with people in treatment, but still be involved in the field, you may still be able to find other employment at a drug rehab.Vocational Careers
If your last job had you running to drugs or alcohol to cope with the stress, it is likely time to change your career. Starting a new career path from scratch can be a challenge, but vocational jobs like electrician, dental hygienist, registered nurse, HVAC technician, and beautician usually require less schooling and training time than other career paths.Trainers or Therapists
In rehab, you were likely exposed to several different addiction therapies and programs like ones led by yoga instructors, spiritual leaders, dietitians, nutritionists, art therapists, music therapists, and personal trainers. If you enjoyed one of these programs, in particular, you could make a career out of it.Part-Time Jobs
One of the best jobs for recovering drug addicts who are just getting back on their feet is a part-time position. They are less stressful than a regular nine-to-five and can help someone ease back into a normal routine instead of loafing around. Especially if you are struggling to determine what kind of career you want, a part-time job also gives you time to volunteer or shadow someone with a full-time career you are interested in.While you may not land your dream job right outside of rehab, it is important to find something to keep you busy and hold you accountable while you determine a better career path. Remember that each job can act as a stepping stone to your next position as well.
For people who have yet to take steps to get sober, we want to help.
Call us today at Banyan Chicago at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our facility and to get started.
Alyssa
Alyssa who is the National Director of Digital Marketing, joined the Banyan team in 2016, bringing her five-plus years of experience. She has produced a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. Through strategic marketing campaign concepts, Alyssa has established Banyan as an industry leader and a national household name.
