Pursuing employment and further education while in recovery can feel intimidating because of the stigma surrounding individuals in addiction recovery. However, just because there is a stigma doesn’t mean there is any validity to it. How can you deal effectively with the stigma associated with addiction recovery?
How Stigma Causes Unemployment
People who struggle with substance use are often blamed for their disease. Even though doctors and scientists recognize and define addiction as a “treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experience,” employers often misunderstand addiction and recovery. Instead of a mental disorder, substance abuse is stigmatized as a criminal, voluntary action. Unfortunately, this negatively affects those of us seeking employment before, during, and after addiction treatment.
Along with the stigma that exists in the minds of employers, sometimes we have a stigma about ourselves that we must overcome. Recovery often comes with feelings of shame and guilt. Sometimes we may feel as though we don’t deserve employment because of our past actions or because of our addiction. This is not the truth.
You deserve employment. Your past actions and your addiction do not define who you are, and they do not dictate what you deserve in life. Step one of breaking the stigma surrounding SUDs is forgiving yourself and recognizing the self-stigma you feel.
Ask Your Employer About an Employee Assistance Program
Next, it’s time to turn your attention toward your employer. If you are currently employed and struggling with addiction, ask your employer whether they offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). You do not need to inform your boss why you are asking about an EAP.
An EAP covers a wide range of mental and emotional issues from grief and family problems to substance abuse. It is a temporary program that is fully confidential to help you with the problems you are facing.
What Laws Protect Your Employment?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) covers up to 12 weeks of leave per year as an employee. It is unpaid, but the health benefits you receive from your employer are required to stay intact. If you are struggling with sobriety, the FMLA can protect your job while you seek treatment.
You cannot lose your job by seeking treatment. Under the American Disabilities Act (ADA), an employer cannot fire you from your job for seeking addiction treatment. An employer also cannot fire you because you are in recovery nor can they deny you employment due to your SUD as long as you are not currently using illicit drugs. You are protected under the ADA if you fall under the following guidelines:
- If you have completed rehabilitation and are no longer using illicit drugs.
- If you are currently enrolled in a rehabilitation program and are no longer using illicit drugs.
- If you are wrongly accused of currently using illicit drugs.
Some people may fear losing their job when they approach their employer about needing an EAP or FMLA. However, under the ADA, you are protected. Where you may run into trouble is if you do not approach your employer and they issue a drug test. You are not protected under the ADA if you are currently using illicit substances, and your employer can terminate you if you are found with illegal substances in your body. That is why it is always better to be transparent and seek treatment than to keep your SUD a secret.
Remember, you are protected against termination and/or discrimination under the ADA as long as you are not currently using.
How Stigma Affects Education
Similarly to the employment realm, stigma can affect one’s ability to further their education. Because people with SUDs are often blamed for their disorder, colleges and universities may see you differently than other students. Professors may assume you will procrastinate or not do your classwork altogether. Sometimes people can go so far as to remove you from a class. However, under the ADA, you cannot be removed from a college, university, classroom, or any other educational institution because of your SUD as long as you are not currently using illicit substances. Under the ADA, you cannot be discriminated against in your educational institution because of your SUD.
If you are seeking treatment during your education, the ADA requires educational institutions to make accommodations to support you. This gives you the ability to ask for a notetaker, record lectures, offer virtual classes, and more.
Self-stigma is another large issue within education as well as in employment. This is often rooted in a lack of self-confidence. You may ask yourself, Why should I try if I might use substances again? Why should I try if everyone expects me to fail? What is important for you is to find self-confidence and positivity within yourself. Try a life skills program that can help you build confidence in your everyday life.
Just because you struggle or have struggled with addiction does mean you don’t deserve to have a fulfilling job or further your education. You deserve a quality education and rewarding employment just as much as everyone else. Don’t let stigma define who you are and control what you’re capable of. Sober Life offers life skills programs that assist you in building your resume and getting you back into the swing of everyday responsibilities. By utilizing our services and programs, such as our virtual outpatient program (OP), you can focus on your education and career while still making your sobriety a priority. To learn more about our services and programs, call us at (619) 542-9542.
