The Importance Of Meaningful Work In Addiction Recovery

Benefits Of Meaningful Work For Addiction Recovery

Meaningful work refers to any job that makes you feel fulfilled. While it looks different for everyone, it typically aligns with your interests and values in some way. It also tends to involve a sense of achievement and a feeling of appreciation from your co-workers.

Depending on your needs, you might find these qualities in full-time employment, part-time employment, or even a volunteer opportunity. All forms of meaningful work bring significant benefits for people in recovery, including:

A Sense Of Purpose

At the height of your addiction, your entire life may have revolved around drugs. Once you start your recovery journey, you might lack a sense of purpose. You can regain it by setting and meeting personal goals at work.

These meaningful activities not only help take your mind off the stress of recovery but also make you feel accomplished.

A sense of accomplishment is essential to your well-being. It can help you cope with the negative emotions that may accompany the early days of recovery, such as hopelessness, shame, and frustration.

It’s especially helpful for people with co-occurring mental health conditions, including serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia.

Improved Self-Esteem

Due to stigma, many people with addiction get judged as weak, selfish, or lazy. Even as you recover, these judgments can take a serious toll on your self-esteem. In addition, you may feel bad about yourself if you fixate on mistakes you made in the throes of addiction.

You should discuss these feelings in therapy and support groups. However, you can also boost your confidence through meaningful work.

Working a job that aligns with your values or volunteering for a cause you care about can significantly improve your sense of self-worth. In general, the better you feel about yourself, the easier it is to maintain your recovery.

Structure

When battling addiction, you may have spent most or all of your time using drugs. Now that you’re in recovery, you might feel bored much more often. Unfortunately, boredom is one of the most common roadblocks to recovery. When you feel bored, your mind may wander to drugs, leading to relapse.

A meaningful job reduces this risk by keeping you busy and giving your life structure.

The less time you have to think about drugs, the lower the chance of relapse. In addition, the sense of structure can help you incorporate other healthy habits in your life, such as journaling and going for walks.

Community

Addiction causes many people to withdraw from their friends and family members. They may replace their loved ones with other people who misuse drugs.

Once they recover, they must cut off these unhealthy friendships and attempt to repair their old relationships. This period can bring a great deal of loneliness.

Like boredom, loneliness often leads to relapse. That’s why everyone in recovery needs a strong support system. While this system should include friends, family, and mental health professionals, it can also benefit from supportive co-workers.

These individuals can serve as healthy role models who motivate you to keep your life meaningful and drug-free.

Better Finances

Often, the early days of recovery involve financial stress. That’s because many people with addiction spend all their money on drugs. Financial stress can wreak havoc on your sense of well-being, increasing your risk of relapse.

A meaningful job helps you maintain recovery by giving you a stable income. This income not only eases your anxiety but also helps you achieve your life goals, such as returning to school or buying a new home. These milestones can boost your quality of life and inspire you to stay sober.

How To Make Work Easier During Recovery

Even when you understand the benefits of meaningful work, it might seem too overwhelming. Luckily, you can take steps to make your work experience easier.

Seek Accommodations

First, consider seeking accommodations. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, including addiction.

Some of the most common accommodations for people with addiction include:

• more frequent breaks
• support animals
• a more flexible work schedule, especially if you are still attending outpatient treatment

Check For An EAP

You should also check if your employer has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). These programs offer confidential mental health services for employees, including assessments, short-term counseling, and treatment referrals.

Follow Recovery Plan

Finally, it’s important to follow all aspects of your recovery plan. Depending on your needs, this plan might include therapy, peer support groups, and wellness activities like exercise, journaling, and spending time with supportive loved ones.

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse, please reach out to Spring Hill Recovery Center. Our board-certified healthcare providers offer personalized, evidence-based care to help you or your loved one thrive.