How Not to Relapse in Recovery After a Job Loss
Staying Straight and Sober During Stressful Times
Jun 23, 2009
For most of us, our job offers us some sort of identity and self-worth. When you meet a new person, you ask, "What do you do?", meaning what does he do for a living. It gives you a category to put him into, such as professional, white collar, blue collar, or tradesman.
When you lose your job, that identity is gone. You may wonder who or what you are now. Whereas yesterday, you were a carpenter or accountant, today you are simply "unemployed". Having your identity taken away can depress you to the point where you may feel you need something to ease your pain. At this point, you may think you can control your addiction, but you'd be wrong. If you fall back into your addictive patterns, you are not only unemployed, you may find yourself unemployable, or unable to keep a job if you get one.
There is no need to go slip-sliding down that relapse hill. You can stay clean and sober by following just a few simple guidelines.
Don't Be Too Proud to Ask for Help
The first thing to remember is that you are not alone. Hundreds of people lose their jobs every day, and are facing these same feelings.
As soon as you lose your job, you need to seek support. Going to meetings, support groups, or even counseling can give you the support and guidance to make it through the stressful circumstances you find yourself in with relapsing. Most addicts don't get straight and sober on their own, so don't be afraid to use those same resources to stay that way.
Don't hesitate to turn to your loved ones. They will be your biggest source of caring support, and will give you an outlet for your feelings, so you don't let them build up inside and do even more damage.
Helping Others Can Help You Maintain Your Self-Esteem
You need to stay busy. Start by seeking and accepting any employment available, even part-time. Doing volunteer work is a great way to keep occupied. Youth organizations, shelters, and other service organizations are always seeking volunteers. Helping those who are in more dire circumstances than you find yourself is a great ego booster, and may be just what you need to keep you on the road to recovery.
Turning to Your Faith and Spirituality Keeps You Strong
Of course, in times of trouble, you can use your faith or spirituality to strengthen you. You may find solace in simple things like the outdoors, your favorite music, or spending time with friends and family. Consider using meditation and relaxation techniques to steady you through the rough spots. Nature walks, sports, time playing with your children, frolicking with your dog, or whatever else relaxes you is a necessary part of maintaining your balance.
None of this is a simple as it seems on paper, and there will be bad days when you don't think you'll make it through, but you did it once, and you can do it again. Make staying straight and sober your first priority, and everything else will fall into place much more quickly.
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