The importance of employment in recovery.

When leaving treatment, you must consider many things. Moreover, with the fog partially lifted you now are making life altering decisions. In addition to this, we need to fill the time wasted while in our disease with activities. As such, these activities, such as employment, create accountability and structure. This is critical to maintain long-term sobriety. Responsible adults spend more than 50% of their waking hours working. By implementing best practices learned in treatment, including structure and accountability, employment is a real pathway to successful outcomes.

Employment is a predictor of success in recovery

Economic independence, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and social re-integration into society predict success in recovery.  As such, the role of employment in addiction treatment is critical. Higher Plane Recovery requires at least 20 hours each week of employment, school, or active volunteer work. This begins within two weeks of move-in. We also encourage even more hours of work since having a purpose increases overall feelings of satisfaction. Furthermore, it improves health mentally and physically, enhances self-esteem and decreases depression.

Direct benefits of employment while in recovery

• Employment gives men in recovery purpose and meaning
• It provides money and instills responsibility
• Improves overall health and well-being
• Improves mental health and self-esteem
• Employment in recovery begins a record of employment where there were possible gaps during drug/alcohol use
• Shapes self-respect, individual identity, and social identity
• Improves social circle and contributions to society
• Statistics show drug use decreases with employment
• Action frees the mind of worry
• Employment provides a sense of service: a critical component in staying clean and sober
• Reinforces accountability and structure in life
• Builds skills to continue on a career path

Higher Plane Recovery assists in procuring “recovery friendly” employment opportunities in Austin, TX for the lives of men interrupted by drug and alcohol addiction. We mentor men to re-build this part of their lives and change their roles from addicts to productive members of the Austin community.

For more information on Higher Plane Recovery, please visit www.higherplanerecovery.com.