There are many reasons why people “hold off” on going to treatment and getting the addiction help that they need. This includes being nervous about whether a partner or family will “take them back” in recovery. This is also true when individuals ask the question, “Will my employer take me back in recovery?” The answer is not a guaranteed “yes.” However, getting the help one needs makes reconciliation at work much more possible.
Understanding Addiction as a Disease
Addiction affects millions of people both in the U.S. and around the globe. This includes people who struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD), substance use disorder (SUD), and other behavioral addictions like gambling or exercise addiction.
Many people are also confused about what addiction is. Many people feel that it is some type of choice that individuals make on their own. While, yes, it is true that people may choose to take the first drink or the drug, addiction is something that is out of one’s control. This is because addiction is a disease.
The disease of addiction means that it is not some type of moral failing or choice, but rather, it is a chronic medical condition. In fact, addiction has more to do with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer than it does with a “choice.” This can also be gleaned when one sees the signs and symptoms of addiction, which are physical, mental, and emotional.
The Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
The signs and symptoms of addiction are always going to vary based on the individual. However, one can look out for many universal signs and symptoms of addiction. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Not being able to stop once starting drinking or using
- Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Loss of appetite and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and well-being
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
Now, many people can minimize addiction or falsely categorize it as that previously mentioned “choice.” However, as one can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and can be deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help as soon as possible is vital. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
Understanding Employment and Addiction
The relationship between one who struggles with addiction and their employer has long been a conversation in recovery. In fact, there is even a chapter dedicated to it in the primary text of 12-Step recovery (most commonly referred to as The Big Book).
The chapter is entitled. “To Employers.” It states, “Nearly every modern employer feels a moral responsibility for the well-being of his help, and he usually tries to meet these responsibilities. That he has not always done so for [those struggling with addiction] is easily understood. To him, the [person struggling with addiction] has often seemed to be a fool of the first magnitude.”
This is the old-fashioned view of addiction that many employers once held. This is no longer the case. Now, most employers understand the disease of addiction and that their best plan of attack is to get their employees the help that they need.
Will My Employer Take Me Back in Recovery?
When the question, “Will my employer take me back in recovery?” comes up now in the 21st century, the answer is more often yes than no. This is why many places of employment even have protocols in their human resources department that offer employees a chance to go to treatment to get the help that they need.
It is also important to understand that one cannot be fired just for having addiction issues. There are legal guardrails in place that protect one from being terminated just because they struggle with addiction (termination based on actions may be a different story.) The key is to remember that being taken back in recovery is very possible. However, one must first focus on getting the help that they need. This is also true when it comes to being taken back in recovery by one’s partner and one’s family.
Long-Term Success With Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why we focus on individualized and comprehensive recovery with a focus on the future.
Recovery does not have to mean the end of one’s employment. In fact, it most often means the start of a great new beginning.
Many people fear that they will lose their livelihood in recovery. However, many employers take back their employees in recovery. Also, almost all career trajectories are improved in recovery. The key is to put in the work and take the next right actions to maintain one’s sobriety. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about recovering one’s work, school, and home life, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
