Concerns are typically the first thing that comes to mind when considering inpatient rehab as a professional. You worked hard to get where you are in your career; can you afford to take time away for yourself? What will your coworkers think?
California is no stranger to substance use, with almost 97,000 residents enrolled in substance use disorder treatment in 2019. How many more would enroll if they didn’t have to consider their professional role?
At Pacific Sands, we understand this dilemma can steer professionals away from seeking help. However, there are ways to balance both. Let’s talk about navigating professional relationships during and after inpatient rehab.
The Ripple Effect: How Inpatient Rehab Can Impact Your Professional Relationships
Entering inpatient rehab is the first step toward recovery, but the impacts on professional relationships may cause worry. Colleagues, supervisors, or clients may notice your absence and speculate what is going on. While you do not have to disclose your whereabouts to all staff, it can feel overwhelming thinking they know why you are gone. Have a plan of what you want to tell your coworkers you are comfortable with. Be vague – they do not need to know all the details. Simple statements such as “I’m taking some time off” or “I’m going on a needed vacation” give enough information without further prying.
When it comes to substance use, there are many signs that someone has developed a disorder. Your coworkers have probably noticed a drop in work performance, such as frequent absences, missed deadlines, and more delegation. This strains professional relationships, especially if the colleague cannot change the outcome (i.e. you are in a position above them).
In the beginning, colleagues may be concerned about how the workload will be divided and if they will have to work extra time to make up for your absence. However, in the long run, having you functioning at your best after inpatient rehab will provide a large morale boost to the team.
Balancing Recovery and Career: Maintaining Professional Relationships in Rehab
Maintaining professional relationships while undergoing inpatient rehab requires careful planning and communication. Many professional careers have options for working remotely through virtual meetings and email. This will help you maintain professional relationships while getting the help you need. Communicating with the HR department and your direct supervisor before entering inpatient rehab will help set up expectations for working during your absence.
It is important to note that you are entering inpatient rehab for your well-being and health, not just to benefit your career. Your care team will work with you to schedule the time you can work, ensuring the main focus is on your treatment. If this balance is off, work stress will spread into your treatment, reducing the likelihood of success. Focusing on your program will ensure the best outcome for maintaining your professional relationships.
Rebuilding Bridges: Returning to Work After Inpatient Rehab
Once inpatient rehab is complete, returning to work may initially feel overwhelming. This often stems from the concern of facing stigma and judgment from fellow coworkers. However, your coworkers will not know the reason for your absence unless you disclose it to them. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects your rights when receiving substance use disorder treatment. The only ones allowed to ask for medical records are HR for insurance verification; no one else will be notified. Access to the records must come from you, your HR department cannot call the facility and ask for these records.
The first days back typically consist of meetings with HR and supervisors. They may implement a return-to-work agreement, where your responsibilities and expectations are spelled out in a document. There will also be sections about failure to maintain these expectations and termination criteria. Having a return-to-work agreement relieves the stress of what is required from you and eases the transition back to work.
Workplace Hurdles: Overcoming Challenges in Your Professional Relationships
Coming back to work after inpatient rehab may present challenges in your professional relationships. Some of your colleagues may be indifferent to your absence, while others may welcome you back. This can increase the stress you feel in the workplace, which can pose a threat to your recovery. In California, there are resources available to help with the transition back to work, mending professional bonds, and keeping workplace stress in check:
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The EAP was designed to connect employees and their families to resources surrounding substance use and mental health, including feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety that may come with returning to work after inpatient rehab.
- Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP): For lawyers, the LAP was established to help with substance use, stress, and personal and career concerns. The program is available to active, inactive, and disbarred attorneys, law students, and State Bar applicants.
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Orange County: Those looking for extra support in recovery are encouraged to attend AA meetings. In Orange County, 24/7 helplines are available for Central OC (714-556-4555), Northern OC (714-773-4357), and Southern OC (949-582-2697).
- Orange County Narcotics Anonymous (NA): NA is a great way to connect with peers in recovery for advice and knowledge. Orange County has an online meeting list and a helpline to contact a local NA member (714-590-2388).
Seeking support from groups will give you insight into how to handle stress, improve your communication skills, and improve your professional relationships.
Stronger Than Before: How to Rebuild and Strengthen Professional Connections in Recovery
When rebuilding professional relationships, the key will be to show your commitment to your career. Substance use takes away your focus, and your colleagues have most likely taken notice. After returning from rehab, keeping your career and company goals in mind is crucial so that coworkers see your dedication.
Being a professional in a high-stress career, you may notice signs of substance use in coworkers. This is an opportunity to connect with them and bring up the benefits of inpatient rehab. Substance use disorders can affect anyone, and being there to support your coworker will help strengthen the professional relationship.
Entering Inpatient Addiction Rehab for Professionals in Santa Ana, CA
As a professional, the thought of having to leave your work behind for inpatient rehab will seem daunting. Will the relationships you worked so hard to build be in jeopardy? Chances are, substance use has already put a strain on your professional life. Inpatient addiction rehab is the first step to healing yourself and, in the future, your relationships. Through guided therapies and coping skill development, you will have all the tools needed to leave substances behind. Don’t let your focus keep shifting away from what is important – reach out for help today.
If you or your loved one are beginning to see the negative effects of substances in your profession, there are treatment options available. Pacific Sands is a private facility offering quality substance use disorder care. Our dedicated team will work with you to set up hours you can continue working, allowing you to focus on recovery and your career. Call us today at 949-426-7962 and take the first step towards a new life.
