Restarting Your Career After Addiction Treatment

Finding employment in the current job market is a difficult task for everyone. If you have a history of substance abuse finding employment is even more difficult. Gaps in employment, possible negative references from previous employers, and criminal records can make finding a job after addiction recovery seem daunting. Luckily for those struggling with work, multiple federal programs and nonprofits exist to help those without employment get back into the job market.

Having Trouble Finding a Job? Check Out These Services:

1. Department of Labor’s One-Stop Centers – The American Job Centers, run by the U.S. Department of Labor, are designed to provide a full range of assistance for those looking to enter the job market. They have a nationwide network of career centers intended to help those down on their luck gainful employment. You can also discuss employment issues with staff at local treatment centers or recovery support groups. Many groups work with the Department of Labor to find local jobs for those who have gone through addiction recovery programs.
2. National H.I.R.E. Network – Established in 2001, the National Helping Individuals with Criminal Records Re-enter through Employment Network aims to assist people with criminal records find gainful employment. They provide a convenient state-by-state directory that can get you pointed in the right direction for preparing for jobs as a person with a criminal record. Even if you have a clean record, the employment directory can be beneficial to anyone who has gone through addiction recovery.

Other Employment Tips For Addiction Recovery Survivors

1. Check with your old employer – Frequently, it can be difficult to swallow your pride and return to a previous employer; however, being familiar with one another can be a significant boon to your chances of employment. If your previous job was a trigger for your addiction, avoid it.
2. Volunteer – Many people who have gone through addiction recovery volunteer as a way to give back to the community. It gives you a good feeling, but it looks great on a resume. Many churches and religious organizations depend on volunteers. This can be an excellent option for sharing your story and helping others on a similar path.
3. Start looking at employment with lower expectations – Many people think they can jump right back into the kind of work they were doing before their addiction recovery. While that is true for some, others find that a job with lower expectations gives them a better chance of creating a healthier work-life balance while they continue to heal. Check with temp agencies to work at more labor-based jobs. You may find you enjoy the work more than you thought.

Teen Challenge in Southwest Florida Offers Students Job Training!

Southwest Florida Men’s Rehab offers job training for residents to help them successfully re-enter the workplace after graduating from the program.

The Teen Challenge work experience programs equip residents to learn new career fields and acquire work-related skills including responsibility, teamwork, communication, and enterprise. Current Teen Challenge Southeast programs train students in a variety of technical and entrepreneurial fields including woodworking, retail, customer service, and automotive detail.

Find Help Now for Your Addiction at Southwest Florida Men’s Rehab in Fort Myers, FL!

Get healed from drug addiction and find renewed hope and excitement for your future. Call us now to learn more about our Teen Challenge program: (866) 563-0497