If you’re living in recovery housing, ask the house manager if they’d be willing to attest to your trustworthiness as a reference. If you’re active in recovery support groups, or a 12-step group, ask your sponsor and other participants if they have suggestions on how to find employment. Referrals from friends, former coworkers who can attest to your skills, and new connections you’ve developed throughout your treatment process may help you get your foot in the door for an interview or job offer. If you’re having trouble creating a strong resume, consider checking out the many digital resources that are available for resume-building online. Local colleges, community centers, or universities near you may also offer assistance in resume-building and enhancing writing skills. Before submitting any job applications, you might need to return to your resume to update your employment history or add new skills.
Assessment and Treatment Planning
One of the most difficult questions you will face is whether or not to disclose that you are in recovery or ever have been. While in some cases, self-disclosure may seem like an easy way to bridge gaps and connect with clients, there can also be cases in which disclosing your recovery status may hinder progress with a client as well.
Residential Rehabilitation Facilities
Others who have jobs that put them into contact with formerly abused substances may find it easier to change careers. Bartenders, restaurant staff, catering hall employees and others who have easy access to alcohol and sometimes drugs may find it simpler to change careers. There’s always a high demand for experienced food service workers, and other service-oriented jobs are also available. Sober College School of Addiction Studies offers NAADAC and IC&RC approved substance use counselor training that can be completed in as little as 3 months. With self-paced online options or in-person classes, you can begin training in the field of substance use counseling at any time. Although some requirements do vary from state-to-state, Sober College’s Addiction Studies program has the ability to adapt the curriculum to meet the changing needs of students.
- Networking is a great tool … for those who haven’t been isolated by the disease of addiction.
- Bartenders, restaurant staff, catering hall employees and others who have easy access to alcohol and sometimes drugs may find it simpler to change careers.
- Workers with more experience and education can often command higher salaries.
- Delivery Drivers are responsible for the timely and safe delivery of goods to customers or businesses.
Many recovering addicts find themselves facing a difficult job market. It can be hard to return to the same workplace you left when you entered rehab. And although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination based on medical history — including past history of drug use and rehab — many former addicts say it can be difficult to find work.Difficult? There are jobs and best careers for addicts, as long as you take a few things into consideration.
The skills learned on the job can also be transferred to other customer service and food industry positions. This role offers a fulfilling opportunity to work in a stress-reducing environment that promotes physical activity and a connection with nature. Personal Trainers design and deliver fitness programs tailored to the needs and goals of individual clients. The role of a Yoga Instructor offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of others, particularly those in recovery.
The average salaries per workplace setting in 2021 were:
As a Peer Support Specialist, you have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of individuals working towards recovery. They use their personal experiences with recovery to offer empathy, guidance, and hope to others working towards sobriety. Today, we’re delving into a list of https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ ideal jobs for recovering addicts. There are a few ways to get around gaps due to rehab stays or addiction problems. First, you can simply list on your resume the dates when you were unemployed and note, “Medical Absence” or something similar if you wish.
Why Pursue a Career in Addiction and Recovery?
No job is without stress and sober living is a great place to start to ease into a routine. Counselors generally assess clients and work with them and their families to address their addiction and make the necessary changes. Whereas therapists have an in-depth clinical understanding of addiction and can treat a patient individually with a range of behavioral interventions. There are a range of counseling careers that differ in terms of the level of support and expertise provided, and the qualifications and licensure required for the position.
- They advocate for quality care, ethical practices, and evidence-based treatment approaches in addiction treatment.
- Carpentry offers a clear career path, from an apprentice to a journeyman, and eventually to a master carpenter.
- With experience, baristas can advance to supervisory roles, become head baristas, or even manage their own coffee shops.
- With experience, individuals can advance to head baker or pastry chef roles, manage or open their own bakeries, or specialize in areas like chocolate making or sugar artistry.
Sometimes, talking to a friend can be a mirror in which you can see your own shortcomings more easily, reflect on them and take steps to correct them. Another reason you shouldn’t change jobs quickly is that, when everything else is changing, it’s good to have something steady, reliable and familiar to fall back on. Your job may not have been the most exciting in the world, sober house but if you know how to do it well, that’s one thing in your life that’s constant and stable. You are already learning a lot of new things, and maintaining your current position prevents added stress.Wait at least a year before changing jobs. Talk to your sponsor, therapist, program friends, and other trusted advisors. During times of great change, it’s tempting to make all sorts of major changes throughout every aspect of your life.
The best careers for recovering addicts take into account your previous employment history as well as your interests, abilities and education. You’ll also need to factor in the flexibility you need to maintain your recovery program. Earning an addiction and recovery degree opens doors to various roles such as addiction counselor, substance use counselor, social worker, clinical rehabilitation specialist, and health educator. The addiction and recovery field is anticipated to grow significantly over the next decade.
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We also offer presentations for employers and organizations that serve job seekers, providing information about creating job opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment. The official publication of NAADAC, this publication focuses on the latest research, trends, and addiction treatment and recovery developments. It offers insights into evidence-based practices, innovative therapies, and strategies for addressing substance use disorders. Starting your career in addiction and recovery begins with earning a degree in addiction counseling, psychology, or social work. Depending on your career goals, you may have to go beyond a bachelor’s-level education and earn a master’s or doctoral degree.