Transitioning back into the world of employment after rehabilitation may feel like an overwhelming impossibility. That fear is amplified if your addiction cost you your job or created a series of poor career references. Thankfully, there are multiple resources that can help you find employment after you complete rehab. In fact, many rehabilitation centers will be willing to help you in any way they can during this difficult period.

Aftercare Can Help You Transition

Sometimes, drug rehabilitation centers have a career specialist, one who understands your difficult position. Career specialists will communicate with potential employers in trying to find you a job that suits your needs and abilities.

However, centers that lack this service often offer aftercare treatment. Aftercare is designed to help you transition to a new, drug-free lifestyle. During this phase of rehabilitation, you will learn proper scheduling techniques, discover methods for dealing with cravings, and receive job-hunting advice.

Common topics covered in aftercare include:

• Where to find work
• How to successfully apply
• Proper behavior during an interview
• Adapting to the new difficulties of a workplace

The Stress Of Not Having a Job

During rehabilitation, your mind is likely to be centered almost solely on the physical and emotional difficulties of your recovery. However, thinking about a job is crucial: studies have shown that losing a job or being without a job is emotionally devastating. People without a job often feel a great sense of loss and lowered self-esteem. It may even lead to severe relapses.

Having a job after rehabilitation lets you step into a stabilizing routine that gives you focus and a new lease on life. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment after the rigors of rehabilitation. After all, you conquered your addiction and stepped back into the workplace. A sense of pride is inevitable and necessary.

The Law Protects Your Employment Rights

After rehabilitation, you may feel potential employers can spot your former addiction like an albatross around your neck. While there’s no “telltale” signs that someone is recovering from addiction, your past may come to light during an interview. Thankfully, there are anti-discrimination laws to help people like you.

Several federal laws, such as the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, protect the employment rights of people with physical or mental disabilities. Specifically, they state that people with addiction histories cannot be denied employment for that reason alone.

However, those currently using illicit drugs will not be covered by these acts. After all, recovering from drug use is not a crime, but using illegal drugs certainly is one.

Resources That Help You Find Jobs

While drug rehabilitation centers are almost always willing to help you find a job, sometimes they can’t. This frustrating situation can make you feel trapped by your past, but thankfully, there are several resources that find jobs for people recovering from addiction.

Organizations that will help you find work after recovery include:

• The Depart of Labor’s One Stop Career Center
• America in Recovery
• The National Hire Network

The One Stop Career Center has a multitude of centers located around the nation that will help you find work. America in Recovery is a free service that benefits employers and employees. And if your drug use has resulted in a criminal record, the National Hire Network will help you transition to a life of gainful employment.

Beyond these organizations, there are also volunteer groups that can provide you with real, on-the-job training for a lifelong career. Low-paid internships and temp agencies also provide real-world work experience that can help you rebuild your resume.

Get The Employment Help You Need

Transitioning to a life of employment after drug rehabilitation is not impossible. However, it can be a rough road to travel on your own. If you need a guide through the difficult world of post-rehabilitation recovery, please contact us at DrugRehab.org today. We will give you the help you need to get your life in order and to build a successful career.