WORK IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF RECOVERY

Individuals who have issues with a drug and / or alcohol addiction and want to deal with their substance use, have plenty of opportunities to do so both in Toronto and throughout Canada. There are numerous treatment centres (over 50 in Ontario alone); some are funded by various levels of government while others are run privately. 12 Step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous etc., together with independent Addictions Counsellors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists and support services through hospitals and clinics are also available.

All these services and groups are helpful to the individual as they deal with their emotional and mental health issues. They also provide support in assisting the person stay clean and sober. However, all of them ignore, do not know, or understand the important role work plays in recovery.

Oasis Addiction Recovery Society is the only organization/agency that helps the individual new in recovery from an addiction prepare for return to the workforce.

Somehow, the professionals listed above overlook both the benefits of working in recovery and the effects it has on those who want to stay clean and sober.

Entering or re-entering the workforce bolsters the recovering individual’s self-esteem – it gives them back their dignity. Employment occupies a person’s time, giving them a reason to get up in the morning and become productive, rather than having idle time on their hands, which can often lead to relapse. They learn to be accountable through a work schedule, to communicate with others and this means they do not isolate; egos are dealt with by working as part of a team. Another benefit to working is that the individual has to learn to budget and manage money (a strong trigger for relapse) responsibly.

Work is an integral part of recovery and ought not to be ignored or overlooked by those providing support services (including the government) to individuals who want to remain clean and sober.