Work and school are important aspects of a person’s life. We spend much of our lives in school, with many choosing to continue to do so after they become adults. Of course, work is needed to function as a member of society, so it too is very important. Struggling with an addiction or other serious mental health condition can wreak havoc on a person’s ability to participate in either successfully. This leads to people dropping out of school or being fired from their jobs, which can cause their addiction to spiral further. Addiction is demoralizing enough that those who struggle with it may feel they can never return to work and school, even after treatment.
The truth is that anyone can return to work and school after addiction treatment. Returning to activities that keep you busy and give you personal satisfaction is essential for continuous recovery. When it comes to work and school, such a task can make some alumni nervous. It’s especially true if they fear that they may be triggered into a relapse. That’s why at Driftwood Recovery, every client is given training on how to protect their recovery once they return to work and school. Although it may be challenging at first, alumni can and do achieve success in the goals they set.
To be successful is to recognize what these challenges may be and then take the steps to navigate them bravely.
What Sort of Challenges Can an Alumni Face in Work and School?
Life after addiction treatment can be fraught with unique challenges and pressures. Both work and school can be highly stressful, especially during crunch times. Schools, especially universities, often have issues with substance use on campus. Some students, especially younger ones, assume that substance use and experimentation are all part of the campus experience. Work may also push substance use in the form of team meetings in bars or hosting events with alcohol present. The pressure to fit in can be very high, especially when people question your sobriety.
Some of these challenges may be what triggered the substance abuse in the first place. Being around these triggers again can be psychologically difficult. It can be serious enough to trigger a craving or even a relapse if the alumnus is not vigilant. It’s tempting for some to avoid this problem altogether by not returning to work and school. Isolating oneself like this is never the solution and can only worsen mental health.
The best way to tackle these challenges is to utilize professional help, such as the assistance found at Driftwood Recovery.
Professional Treatment for Professional Results
Driftwood Recovery works to ensure that alumni succeed and continue to do so after treatment is complete. This involves a combination of evidence-based therapies and extensive skill training. Each client is assessed upon enrolling at Driftwood Recovery, ensuring that everyone receives an individualized treatment plan. This allows professionals to identify a client’s strengths and weaknesses. If a client has difficulty standing up to peer pressure, they will be trained in how to best navigate the situation. Craving management, relapse prevention, and other programs help clients develop the skills needed to protect their sobriety.
This is all paired with quality addiction treatment. Driftwood Recovery uses common therapies such as psychotherapy and assisted detox to aid in recovery. Clients also have access to holistic therapies to round out their care, such as art therapy and therapeutic recreation.
Together, therapy and training can help clients return to work and school with confidence. However, there is another aspect of treatment that offers alumni a means to further protect their recovery.
Returning to Work and School With Support
Peer support is important for recovery. This is because peers help alumni remain accountable for their actions and provide understanding companionship. A person who has never experienced addiction may not truly understand the challenges that alumni may experience. Fellow alumni, however, do understand what you are going through. That’s why Driftwood Recovery encourages the creation of healthy peer support networks. Opportunities to strengthen friendships and workshop skills can also be found in the alumni program. Working together with peers ensures a smooth return to work and school.
Alumni can also find continued support at Driftwood Recovery. Completing treatment doesn’t mean that alumni no longer need help now or won’t need it in the future. Alumni always have a place to return to should work and school become overwhelming. With professionals standing by, alumni can get the advice they need to make healthy choices while navigating work and school.
Returning to work and school is possible for anyone, provided that they are willing to accept professional help. Recovery is a continuous journey that can have many ups and downs. Understanding that help is always available makes facing the return to work and school less stressful, especially at Driftwood Recovery.
Recovering from addiction is a continuous process that requires active participation and work. Part of recovery is returning to normalcy with new tools and coping skills at your disposal. For many, this means returning to work and school. Doing so can be terrifying, especially if someone fears triggering a relapse. However, with the right support, anyone can easily participate in school or the workforce. At Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients receive continuous alumni support that helps them navigate the difficulties and stress of life. With support and encouragement, alumni can succeed at any goal they meet. To learn more about continued care and support at Driftwood Recovery, call (512) 759-8330 today.