When rehab comes to an end and you are preparing for the transition of returning back to daily life at home, you may be feeling a mix of emotions. You are excited to return home but also worried about how life will be now that you have gone through rehab and gotten sober. Life at home will seem normal but also foreign. As you ease back in, many milestones will come, such as returning to work. This may seem like another stressor on top of everything else in the transition, but it doesn’t have to be. Preparing yourself properly can ensure a smooth transition that you can handle and get you back into work life.
First and foremost, you should educate yourself on the guidelines concerning leave of absence from the workplace due to going to treatment for substance abuse-related issues, which are covered under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Your time off is protected by this act, meaning your employer cannot suspend or fire you due to absences related to substance abuse treatment. This is because the United States Department of Labor classifies substance abuse disorders as a serious health condition depending on the circumstances.
However, FMLA does not apply if your job states that substance abuse can result in termination. It also does not apply if you are missing work only due to substance abuse and not for receiving treatment. The best thing to do is talk with your employer if you are planning to go to rehab to discuss what the logistics are in terms of your job. You can also check the employee handbook to see what the stipulations are.
Talking to your employer will do more to help than you know. They are there to help with this transition and can support you as you return back to work in your recovery. Discuss with them the possible options and actions that can be taken to help you return to work smoothly. Tell them what kind of support you need during this transition and how to help you if you do struggle. This, of course, is only if you are comfortable discussing this topic with your employer. It is a helpful conversation to have, but it is by no means an obligation if you don’t feel comfortable sharing your personal business.
A return-to-work agreement is a confidential document filled out following rehab and defines the expectations of your circumstances returning to work after the treatment. This document is to hold you accountable during your return to work and ensure you are completing your responsibilities. It may also outline what will happen if you are not meeting workplace expectations following your return, such as suspension or termination. Your employer is there to work with you and most places are reasonable, so need to worry.
Stress is a common trigger for relapse and it can be threatening to your recovery once you return home. Your job will most likely have some stressors and you need to have a plan concerning how to cope with them. Relapse prevention strategies are great for this. Talk to your therapist to discuss coping mechanisms.
If you are returning to a job you worked at for a while, your coworkers will be glad to see you but may have questions. As you prepare for these initial conversations, decide how much you want to share, if anything. You do not owe anyone your complete story or private struggles. Deciding what to say ahead of time will help with these conversations and keep you from getting flustered.
Look into if your job has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). These are commonly available across the US, supporting individuals for a short time with behavioral health issues, family stress, workplace conflicts, and workplace violence. The program will give you more support in your recovery including interventions appropriate for your workplace.
It’s easy to get caught up in everyday life and blow off aftercare appointments. This is a trap many recovering addicts fall into though. You should keep up with your aftercare treatment plan because it is there to help with the transition back into daily life and help you prevent relapse during this time. The appointments will also keep you accountable in your sobriety.
Don’t jump back into work taking on loads of responsibilities. This can lead to stress and burnout, which are common triggers for relapse. Burnout is classified by its physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms of exhaustion. Take things slowly so you can transition back into work-life one step at a time and ensure you are taking care of yourself.
At Northstar Transitions, we want to support your transition back into daily life back home. This includes your return back to work. Together, we can come up with a plan to help this transition and get you back to work without threatening your sobriety. However, you will have to make sure you are doing your part to maintain your sobriety. This includes preparing for triggers, talking to your employer, and being prepared for the conversations with coworkers. You will also need to look into the guidelines concerning your absence and what your rights are. This can all seem intimidating, but we at Northstar Transitions are here to help you. You don’t have to be intimidated by the idea of going back to work. You made it through rehab and you can make it through this transition too. If you need help transitioning back to work, call us today at (303) 558-6400.
