You might joke about being addicted to shopping or chocolate or Netflix when you think your behaviour is out of control. But genuine addiction is no laughing matter.
Addictions can keep you from enjoying a healthy life. It can hurt your employer and endanger your customers and co-workers. And it can cost you your job.
6 Steps to help you get back to work
1. Know your rights
The Alberta Human Rights Act protects workers from discrimination based on physical or mental disabilities. This includes drug dependence, alcoholism, gambling, and other addictions.
If you are living with an addiction, you have the right to accommodation by your employer—just like anyone else with a disability. That means your employer must make every effort to provide what you need to do your job well. However, it’s your responsibility to tell your employer what type of accommodation you need. You don’t have to disclose your specific diagnosis, but you may need to provide documents from medical professionals.
2. Do your homework
The path to any successful career starts with knowing yourself and finding jobs that suit you. Did your old job make you stressed and unhappy? That may have contributed to your addiction.
Your recovery is an opportunity for a fresh start, but you’ll need to make an effort:
- Make time for career planning and self-reflection to figure out what you can do and what kind of work you want.
- Do a career check-up to make sure you’re headed in the right direction.
- Research employers who are a good fit and who support employee wellness and recovery.
- Research workplace trends and brush up your skills so you can offer employers what they’re looking for.
3. Know how to talk about employment gaps
Chances are that dealing with addiction has left gaps in your employment history. You’ll need to address these in your cover letter, resumé, and interview. You’ll need to decide how much information you want to disclose. And you’ll need to choose an approach that feels right for each situation.
Whatever approach you take, keep these tips in mind:
- Be honest
- Be brief
- Be positive and upbeat
- Focus on your skills and strengths
- Highlight the transferable skills you’ve gained through your recovery journey
In general, don’t bring up your addiction unless it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for or you need to explain an employment gap.
Cover letter
Some job search experts say you don’t need to mention gaps in your work history unless someone asks about them. Others advise tackling them head on in your cover letter.
A brief explanation lets you control the narrative. You don’t have to get into details. You can simply explain an employment gap as “personal leave” or “medical leave.” Alternatively, you can use your cover letter to frame your recovery experience as a strength that has made you a better candidate than ever.
Resumé
Your resumé should highlight the value you bring. If recovering from addiction has left gaps in your employment history, consider using a functional resumé structure. This type of resumé highlights your personality, skills, and accomplishments.
However, some experts caution that a functional resumé may raise suspicions that you’re hiding something. Unless you’ve been out of work for many years, a combination resume that begins with a summary of your qualifications may be more effective.
Whatever format you chose, focus on the positive and de-emphasize dates.
Interviews
It’s likely that you’ll be asked about any employment gaps in your interview. You need to be prepared.
You don’t need to disclose that you were dealing with an addiction, but you will need to explain why you were unemployed. You can simply say that you were dealing with a personal issue or a medical condition. Or you may choose to be more open.
Here are some tips for discussing your addiction:
- Prepare emotionally and practise what you’ll say.
- Stick to the facts.
- Be professional, not emotional or confessional.
- Only share what’s relevant. Don’t air your dirty laundry or get into every detail.
- Make eye contact, speak confidently, and watch your body language.
- Use person-first language that reduces judgment and encourages respect for you. For example, calling yourself a “former addict” identifies you by your disorder. Calling yourself “a person recovering from addiction” puts you first and does not let addiction define you.
- Just like you would in any interview, focus on your ability to do the job.
- When you’re asked about strengths and weaknesses, use skill-related examples—not examples related to addiction and recovery.
- Don’t undervalue yourself. Taking a break from work—for whatever reason—doesn’t diminish what you bring to the table.
4. Decide what you want to share
Whether or not you discuss your addiction—and how much want to share—is a personal decision. There may be good reasons to be open about your addiction journey. But disclosure also has risks.
Consider these factors to make a decision that’s right for you:
- The type of job you’re applying for (for example, if you’re a social worker or an addiction counsellor, your lived experience can help you connect with your clients)
- The workplace culture
- Your personal comfort level
The pros and cons of disclosure
If you’re open about your addiction and recovery journey, your employer may:
- Appreciate your honesty and feel reassured that you have nothing to hide
- Value the skills you’ve acquired, including your resilience, perseverance, and ability to overcome adversity
- Support your recovery and help you succeed
Unfortunately, not all employers understand addiction as a disability. Disclosure may limit your job prospects and expose you to stigma and discrimination. And your employer may worry about relapse, job performance, and reliability.
5. Take care of yourself
Working through addiction is an impressive accomplishment. Be proud of yourself for getting through recovery. Be patient and kind to yourself as you make your way back into the workforce. But be proactive too.
Take charge of your career rebuilding journey, manage your stress, and make the most of the changes in your life.
Adjust your expectations
Finding a job after time away takes hard work, so don’t get discouraged. It may take time to find a position and salary comparable to what you had before. Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Consider taking a position at a lower level to prove yourself, and then work your way back up. Or take on a volunteer position where you can build your network and learn new skills.
Ease back into the workforce
Consider easing back into the workforce with part-time, temporary, or flexible work. This will give you the time you need to prioritize your recovery and take care of yourself.
Work on your confidence and self-esteem
Dealing with addiction can lead to a loss of confidence. Here are some tips to help you rebuild your self-esteem:
- Practise positive self-talk. Say something nice about yourself—out loud—every day.
- Learn to forgive yourself for past mistakes.
- Learn to accept compliments.
- Do something kind every day.
- Avoid the trap of imposter syndrome.
Make your recovery a priority
Make time for self-care. Be sure to exercise, eat properly, get enough sleep, and find time for people and activities that you enjoy.
Set boundaries between your work life and your home life. Learning to say “no” when you’re feeling overwhelmed can help you avoid burnout.
Build a strong support network. Leaning on your family, friends, health professionals, support groups, and mentors is essential for preventing relapse.
Manage your stress. Workplace stress can be hard to avoid, but you can control how you deal with it. Set realistic expectations for yourself and try to leave your work challenges at work.
Limit your use of social media. Social media can contribute to loneliness, isolation, depression, and anxiety. It can also feed you triggering content. Be mindful, set boundaries, and avoid browsing when you’re feeling vulnerable.
6. Reach out for help when you need it
The following confidential support, information, and referral services are available 24/7:
- Addiction Helpline. Call toll-free 1-866-332-2322.
- Mental Health Helpline. Call toll-free 1-877-303-2642.
Alberta’s My Recovery Plan is an online tool to help people recovering from addiction:
- Email myrecoveryplan@ahs.ca for more information.
- Watch these videos: “My Recovery Plan: Overcome Addiction” and “My Recovery Plan: Client Benefit.”