Sobriety in the Workplace: Navigating Career Challenges in Recovery

The unfortunate reality is that some people face career challenges due to their sobriety. If this is something that you’re experiencing, know that you’re not alone. There are other people out there who have gone through similar things, so we’ve put together this blog post to provide you with some support. It’s important to remember that everyone’s situation is unique, so make sure that you’re thinking about your own personal scenarios and possible solutions for them.

Navigating Career Challenges

There are a few different things you can do to make your work life better if you’re in recovery. Below are some strategies to consider implementing into your own life.

Set Boundaries

One of the most important things you can do for your own mental health is to set boundaries. This is something we believe strongly in at Avalon Malibu. Being clear about what you are and aren’t comfortable with is important. 

Another important thing when it comes to setting boundaries is leaving work behind when you go home. While this isn’t necessarily possible for every job, it should be done when possible. Leaving your work at work can help you reduce stress and have healthy work-life boundaries. If your supervisor is encouraging you to ignore your own boundaries, then that’s most likely a sign this may not be a healthy work environment for your recovery.

Clear Communication

It’s extremely important to communicate clearly at work, especially when you’re in recovery. If there’s a situation you don’t feel comfortable with, such as an office party that will have alcohol, it may be best for you to politely excuse yourself. This is one of the best ways to be sure that you’re reducing chances of relapse and that you’re not distracted in your recovery.

On the topic of communicating clearly, it’s important to also reduce potential distractions. This could mean skipping happy hour with your coworkers or opting out of a holiday party. Doing these things may be challenging at first, but it’ll likely get easier the more that you do them. Consider reaching out to our Avalon Malibu staff if you need support.

At Avalon Malibu, we understand just how complicated it can be to face career challenges that are due to sobriety. If you’re struggling and want some additional support, we’re here to help. You can reach us by calling (844) 857-5992 and we’ll connect you with a dedicated member of our staff. Remember that it’s never too late to confront challenges and find practical solutions. Reach out to us and see if we may be the answer that you’re looking for on your recovery journey.