By Jenna Riley

Substance abuse has adverse effects on all aspects of a person's life. Their relationships endure a tremendous strain, their health suffers, and their job prospects diminish. However, we should remember that everyone deserves a second chance. When you have embarked on a journey to recovery and invested substantial effort in getting your life back on track, employment is one of the things that can help you reach your goals. Still, finding employment for people in recovery can be challenging. Re-entering a job market after treatment is one of the first troubles early recovery brings. 

Many factors affect the process of finding a job in recovery. For some individuals, this process can be overly stressful and intimidating. This is especially true for people who may face additional difficulties, such as having a criminal record. Moreover, there is the fear of the stigma that many recovering individuals experience once they begin at a new position in a new environment. And finally, many worry about the stress that new employment will cause. That added stress is a delicate matter during the early stages of recovery. 

The anxiety of finding employment for people in recovery

Employment is one of those things that will help you become independent, build confidence, and gain self-esteem. And these are crucial elements that will help you remain on the right path. Still, finding employment in recovery can be highly frustrating. 

Although you may feel ready to get back to work, you have to prepare yourself for the obstacles you will likely encounter. Firstly, you may feel defeated by having to start over again. It may also entail that you make less money than you did before the treatment and that you do a menial job. In addition, there is the anxiety induced by having to explain the gaps in your resume. 

But, whatever you are feeling, it's critical to remember that you are not alone. Also, the steps you will have to take to re-enter the workforce start small and work their way up to a new, stable, sober, and fulfilled life. 

Tips for finding employment for people in recovery

When re-entering the job market, you have to know where to begin. Luckily, many treatment programs offer coping skills training that includes employment assistance and coaching. They will help you learn the basic skills that

will considerably increase your chances of getting a job by making you a more attractive candidate. 

Set your expectations aside

In life, all disappointments begin with expectations. Thus, it's necessary to let go of them when you start looking for employment opportunities. They are not helpful and may hinder your willingness to consider jobs you may never be open to otherwise. 

As we have mentioned, re-entering the workforce can be challenging. Many recovering individuals lack skills or education. Others have to explain significant gaps in their resumes. And some even have a criminal record.

Therefore, entering this experience unburdened by expectations is highly beneficial. It may involve:

• Being open to entry-level positions or part-time jobs
• Reconsidering what you can and cannot do and modifying your job search accordingly
• Being open to new people, ideas, and experiences
• Focusing on the positive and drawing lessons from different interactions
• Being patient.

Finally, whatever the outcome, you have to learn to detach yourself. Rejection is not the end of the world but an opportunity to better yourself and a valuable experience. 

Use job-searching resources and assistance

As we have mentioned, your rehabilitation center can provide you with helpful job searching resources and assistance. So take advantage of that. There are many programs dedicated to helping people in early recovery find employment. For example, the National HIRE Network is a fantastic resource specifically for individuals with criminal records. 

Some other job resources and assistance programs for recovering individuals: 

• The Department of Labor One-Stop Career Center
• America in Recovery
• Jobs for Felons Hub
• Local unemployment offices
• Online job boards created by local and state health agencies
• Springwire’s Community Voicemail service (for financially disadvantaged people who don't have a cell phone)

Networking is essential

Finding employment for people in recovery is not that much different from finding employment in general. The primary component of this process is networking. It may be more difficult for you because your past addiction may have kept you away from your friends and family. But, remember that you can make the most of all the contacts and relationships you have made during your recovery program and within your support groups. Your sponsor to other people in the program may have some job leads. Also, they can be your references. 

Moreover, treatment centers often form partnerships with businesses in their communities. Your center can refer you to many helpful resources that can provide you with valuable job leads, which can help expand your network. 

Sometimes, moving to a different environment can bring you opportunities. Especially if you realize that you lack support or that your current location is full of potential triggers, relocation out of state might be good. Perhaps you

will want to be closer to your family or get a chance at a completely new start. Also, this significant step will allow you to form entirely new relationships and expand your network more than you could have imagined. 

Disclosing the information about your addiction

At an interview with your potential employer, you may feel torn between whether to tell them about your past addiction or not. While disclosing this information may be praiseworthy, there is also the risk of your employer forming prejudices against you. Also, the job market is a competitive playing field, so admitting this may impede your job search. On the other hand, if you omit this information, it may be held against you should it ever come to light. 

Ultimately, sharing your history of substance abuse with your potential employer is a highly personal matter. So, it is entirely up to you whether you want to be open about it or not. In addition, you should be aware that federal civil rights laws against discrimination, including employment discrimination, protect most people in recovery. For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Workforce Investment Act protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. These can include those with a substance abuse history. But, keep in mind that they do not protect individuals who are currently abusing mind-altering substances. 

Remember to be mindful

Finding employment for people in recovery comes with some challenges. However, having a job will give your days purpose and enable you to have structure. That is vital for staying abstinent. At the same time, be sure to check in with yourself from time to time. Evaluate how you are doing, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Check your stress level and see if you are putting too much pressure on yourself. Also, if you need to take a break to focus on your mental well-being, do so. Stress is a very common trigger. Thus, taking the time to consider your situation and understand where you are emotionally and mentally is a part of the long-term recovery and aftercare that will help deal with the stress. 

By Jenna Riley 

Meta: Finding employment for people in recovery comes with a set of challenges that can make the process intimidating and frustrating. Still, some tips can help with the process.

Live Rite Recovery Resource Center is hosting a job fair August 27th 2021 from 10am - 2pm . There will be multiple employers that are looking to hire including factory's, restaurant , retail and many more.

Bring your resume