Many people recovering from substance abuse issues need to start their lives over again from scratch. To do this, they need to create a new substance-free identity and lifestyle, work on mending broken relationships with family and loved ones, and work towards becoming financially stable so that they can live life to the fullest again. At Oregon Trail Recovery (OTR), we understand that the process of getting a new job, especially if it’s their first job, can be difficult and frustrating. There are so many things that may need to happen before they get that first paycheck, like getting a state-issued I.D. or driver’s license, a birth certificate, and a social security card.
Career counseling for recovering addicts is available to new and existing clients at OTR! When you admit to our PHP and/or IOP treatment programs, our experienced staff will not only help you with relapse prevention, CBT skills, and anger management, but they will also provide a safe environment and help you build up life skills that are an integral part of your recovery journey.
Yes, there are recovery friendly employers! Although there may still be fear and judgement from people in the world who are unfamiliar with the disease of addiction, or people who just have their own ideas of who an addict is, there are businesses that support people in recovery!In 12-step meetings you commonly hear “There is no one better to help an addict, than another addict,” and with an estimated 40 million Americans suffering from addiction, you will not be alone. You may even end up working for an employer in recovery, so don’t be afraid to share your experience, strength and hope with the people around you. If being in recovery prevents you from getting a certain job, then it wasn’t the right job for you.
When a person in recovery is changing their lifestyle to meet their new sobriety goals, they may want to consider a career change as well. It may be good to step away from the old people and places they used to frequent during their substance abuse and start fresh! Finding a new career path may be challenging, but our staff is here to support you along the way.Some recovering addicts may be applying for their first job, making the entire process overwhelming. Here at OTR, we help our clients update or create a new resume and cover letter, and teach them strategies to help them overcome barriers they may have because of the events that have taken place during their addiction.
It is not uncommon for our clients to be anxious and uncomfortable when it comes to the thought of answering questions about their work or criminal history. At OTR, we believe transparency is crucial, and promote living a new life free from shame and secrets. Our patient staff takes the time to do mock interview scenarios with our clients, so that they can practice answering tough questions before the actual interviews take place.
Sometimes addicts have been lost in their substance abuse for so long that they have not placed a high priority on using good communication skills. At OTR, we help clients practice their interpersonal skills in group settings, and in 1 on 1’s with their counselors, which helps them learn to use valuable tools like patience, empathy, honesty, and persuasiveness when communicating in personal, professional, and recovery settings.
Learning how to balance work, recovery, family, and personal time is not easy but crucial for a successful recovery. At OTR, we guide our clients by helping them create new habits and a structure that they will want to carry on with them when they complete treatment and transition back out into the world.
Being able to become self-supporting and learning fiscal responsibility are valuable tools for long-term success. Sometimes when a person gets sober and begins to look at the damage their addiction has caused in their lives, they find that they are left with significant debt. At OTR, we help our clients learn to budget the money they are earning and help them come up with a plan to pay off their debt, and start saving for their future.
Overall, at OTR we are here to serve you in whatever capacity we can that will help give you the best new start possible!
Whether you are just starting your rehab journey, close to being done, or somewhere in between and want to look for a job, Oregon Trail Recovery can help you. Our compassionate staff have years of experience and can create personalized plans to meet your needs in a safe and welcoming environment. Contact us today to get started on your path to being a better you. We are here for you 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.