In This Blog
- Working from treatment may be possible
- How levels of care affect on flexibility of work
- Advantages and disadvantages of working during recovery
- Employer privacy
- How treatment programs foster balance
- When focusing only on recovery is recommended
Many people are not willing to go into treatment because they are fearful that they will not be able to work their jobs/ or gain income, or be able to fulfil their professional responsibilities. The fear of getting behind at work or disclosing treatment needs can be overwhelming, especially to those who value independence and routine.
Modern treatment of addiction is aware of these concerns. In some cases, it will be possible to work during the treatment, which is dependent on the level of care and recovery requirements, but also on work flexibility. Knowing how the work can be done with treatment helps people to make informed and realistic decisions.
Does Treatment Allow You to Work?
Whether or not one can work during treatment is specific and depends on the individual’s recovery. Not all levels of care provided have been designed to take into consideration the work responsibilities.
Programs that have more independence may be more flexible, and highly structured environments may have a focus on stabilization and intense support. The main aim is still recovery, and work is only considered if it does not get in the way of the progress of treatment.
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How Levels of Care Affect Work Flexibility
Different levels of treatment have different levels of structure, which has a direct effect on the ability to work.
Level of Care | Work Flexibility | Primary Focus |
Very limited | Stabilization and intensive recovery | |
Limited | Structured daytime treatment | |
Moderate | Therapy with scheduled flexibility | |
OutclientsServices | High | Ongoing recovery maintenance |
Matching the right level of care allows recovery to be the number one priority, keeping real-life responsibility in mind.
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Potential Benefits of Working During Treatment
For some people, being able to continue work while having treatment offers that they have a sense of normalcy and they have a sense of purpose. When it is in appropriate amounts, this balance may support emotional stability.
Possible benefits include:
- Keeping the routine and structure in place
- Reducing financial stress
- Sustaining professional identity
- Practicing recovery skills in the actual (physical) world
These benefits are only applicable in places where work does not add to the stress and does not interfere with the engagement of therapy.
Expert Advice: “Early recovery benefits from reduced stress and consistent therapeutic engagement.”
Limitations and Risks of Working During Treatment
Being treated does not mean working and this should not be suitable for everyone. Recovery involves focus and emotional processing and at times needs rest from the external pressures.
Common limitations include:
- Increased stress or fatigue
- Reduced participation in treatment (therapy)
- Trouble in setting boundaries
- Distractions during the early recovery
For people that are in the early stages of recovery or have complicated recovery stages, removal from work can be helpful for better long term outcome.
FACT: Work-related stress can increase relapse risk during early stages of recovery.
Privacy and Employer Considerations
Many people are concerned about revealing treatment to employers. Privacy laws have been created to protect personal health data and disclosure is not necessarily important beyond the need for any leave / accommodation.
Concern | General Consideration |
Disclosure | A lot of times optional – depending upon circumstances |
Job Protection | Can be applied under some employment laws |
Scheduling | Flexible working or remote working might help |
Boundaries | Clear limits impact focusing upon recovery |
The knowledge of rights and options help in reducing anxiety related to employment in relation with treatment.
How Treatment Programs Support Balance
Recovery programs investigate the possibility that working while in treatment is consistent with the goals. Decisions are personal and might differ over time.
Support may include:
- Schedule coordination
- Communication guidance
- Recovery-focused boundary setting
- Step by step assessing of continuous progress
This approach will ensure that work is supporting in the recovery process and not going against it.
When to Focus Fully on Recovery
There are cases in which it is the healthy thing to do, which is to take time off the job. Intensive times of recovery will assist people to stabilise, process feelings, and create coping skills in a surrounding that is compromised with external pressure.
To choose recovery first is not any kind of setback. It often leads to improved long-term functioning which includes improved professional functioning after treatment.
Balancing out recovery and actual responsibilities of life can seem like a complex task if you don’t have somebody guiding you. DeLand Treatment Solutions works with people and offers them care that is focused on recovery, taking into consideration work, family, and other personal goals. Customized plans that are filled with love and support can be a realistic and sustainable path to possible recovery.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Key Takeaways
- Working through treatment depends upon the level of care and the needs of recovery
- Outclientsprograms offer greater flexibility than inclientscare
- Work can be a part of the recovery under the right conditions – if stress is dealt with correctly
- Early recovery often benefits from reduced external pressure
- Privacy protections may limit employer disclosure needs
- Professional advice is helpful to find a good balance for your health.
References
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Treatment and Recovery
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/treatment - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Levels of Care
https://www.samhsa.gov - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – Work and Stress
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Employment and Mental Health
https://www.nami.org
