Therapist Unlimited Blog

Drug addiction can destroy you. Losing a job can put you under so much pressure it feels like you are, in many ways, gasping for air. The route to go when you combine work and an addiction may seem obvious. However, in my experience nothing is obvious for a recovering drug addict. Working a job is just one step back into normal society. Itís time to take it, while handling pressure at the same time. Do what you want: Choose a career that is applicable to you. That, actually, isnít always obvious. ìWork isnít ever fun,î I hear you saying. But it can be fun if you put the footwork into it. Sometimes you may think a job has to be boring if it pays well. You can go to school for ten years, perhaps, and still not know the job you want. There are options, but you have to make the choice. By doing what you want your mind stays healthy. You will need support in these times, when looking for this dream job, and it may mean financial support. Get Support from Others: You may need financial support in the beginning. Drug addicts have more than a mental disease Ö often their pockets are empty from all the partying. If you cannot get help from friends or familyóand some of us canítóthen consider applying for things like food stamps. There are many services out there willing to support you. Friends and family are your best options. If you show how hard youíre working to get this ìdream jobî or just to stay clean, it would be hard to say no to loaning you some money in the short term. It may be hard to pay it back, but you should. Find Healthy Escapes: Work pressure will do things to your mind. Your pocket book may be empty, but there are many healthy escapes after quitting drugs. First, you quit using drugs. Then, the money will come. Think about it: You are no longer spending money on drugs. You wonít become rich overnight, but you will be spending less money. So with this money invest in some healthy escapes. You could get a gym membership, take a class at a community college, or pick up an art like painting. These escapes will keep your mind working; instead of sitting alone all day, you will be doing something. Ask Questions: You may have found a job. The next step is to start asking all kinds of questions at the job, and being as honest as possible yourself. You donít tell everyone youíre a drug addict, but you can tell people you meet you have trouble handling pressure. ìI hate working weekends,î you can tell your boss, ìso can I get a regular shift?î You can also ask for advice from friends and family. Coming in First With all this pressure coming to youóand it will comeóyou will have to remember you come first. Whatever happens, you will stay away from drug use. If the pressure at the job is too much, you may have to quit. You come in first; youíre the one trying to cope with all these things. Final Tips: Some bosses will be more than helpful when you ask them questions or for help. Itís smart to have a good relationship with your boss, but you usually keep your secrets to yourself. Do reward yourself after getting a job. It shows, again, you come in first. A Warning: What will you do with all the money you make? Pressure will rise again. You may even want to celebrate with drugs. Think your way through all these things. Play the story of going back to drugs to the end, where you are broke again and no one wants to help. By Jacob Malewitz