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Can You Work While in Substance Treatment?

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The decision to seek treatment is a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone.

man with head in hands wonders if you can work while in substance treatment

Deciding to seek help for substance abuse is a brave and courageous step that requires the commitment to prioritize your recovery. For many, the decision to enter substance abuse treatment can come with a lot of uncertainties, and one of the most common questions asked is whether they can work while in treatment. While many people worry that they will have to quit their jobs and give up financial security in order to receive treatment, this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. Even if you need to take leave or reduce your hours while in treatment, the investment of time and energy into seeking help can pay off in many ways.

Substance treatment at Calvary Healing Center can help you build a new life in recovery. Call 888.492.5113 today to get started.

Levels of Care in Substance Abuse Treatment

After committing to the treatment process, it is important to understand the different levels of care and which ones are compatible with work. Substance abuse treatment can be an all-encompassing endeavor that includes:

  • Detox – This is the initial step in which your body clears out any residual drugs or alcohol. 24/7 medical care and monitoring are necessary during this stage, as withdrawal symptoms can be severe.
  • Inpatient treatment – This is the most intensive form of treatment in which you stay at a treatment center and build healthy coping skills through counseling and therapy.
  • Intensive outpatient program – This is a step down from inpatient care and requires less of a time commitment. It can include therapy, medication management, educational activities, family counseling, and more.
  • Outpatient treatment – This type of care typically involves fewer hours on-site at the center and is the least intensive option with a focus on maintaining sobriety.

Whether you can work while in treatment will depend on the level of care you are receiving. For example, it is not recommended to work during detox or inpatient treatment as these require full-time monitoring and support. On the other hand, an intensive outpatient program or regular outpatient care may be compatible with a job, depending on the hours required for treatment.

Why Treatment Should Take Priority

Job stress is often an under-considered factor in substance abuse. High-pressure roles, heavy workloads, or hostile work environments can significantly contribute to stress levels, leading some individuals to turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. However, this temporary reprieve can rapidly turn into addiction, further exacerbating stress and impacting personal and professional life. Therefore, it is vital to prioritize treatment over work commitments during recovery.

While undergoing substance abuse treatment may disrupt your current employment, it is indeed an investment in your future employment goals. By addressing the root causes of your addiction and learning healthier coping mechanisms, you can improve your overall well-being and productivity. This can even lead to better employment opportunities in the future. Remember, the foremost objective of treatment is to help you lead a healthy, balanced life, and that includes a robust professional life.

Call Calvary Healing Center for Life-Changing Substance Treatment

Working while in substance treatment may be possible depending on the type of care you receive. However, it is important to remember that the priority should be placed on recovery so that you can experience long-term success. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and need help, call Calvary Healing Center today at 888.492.5113 or reach out online to begin treatment in our Phoenix, Arizona, center. We’re ready to support you every step of the way on the journey to recovery.