While it’s true that outpatient alcohol treatment programs like outpatient detox and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are much more disruptive to your life than inpatient treatment, you must still prepare yourself to juggle treatment with other responsibilities. One of the most crucial aspects of successful sobriety is sticking with treatment.
You may be concerned about how enrolling in an IOP or other outpatient alcohol addiction recovery program may affect your job. The good news is that outpatient programs are much more flexible than inpatient rehab. Many outpatient providers like BOLD Health will help you determine a treatment schedule that won’t disrupt your workday very much, if at all.
Still, finding balance in alcohol treatment in San Diego while maintaining work and life commitments can be overwhelming. But it is absolutely doable, especially if you are prepared.
Dealing With Triggers and Cravings During Alcohol Treatment
Two Common Challenges of Finding Balance in Addiction Recovery
Perhaps the biggest challenge to finding balance in addiction recovery is managing your time. Successfully engaging in an outpatient alcohol addiction recovery program requires a significant amount of time and effort. When you enroll in a program, you must commit to changing unhealthy habits and thought processes and the sessions themselves.
Depending on which outpatient program you and your clinician deem most appropriate to fit your needs, you may have to attend individual therapy sessions and group therapy several times per week.
But there’s a reason for this. Outpatient treatment programs like our IOP in San Diego at BOLD Health are designed to help you overcome addiction and set you up for a lifetime of sobriety. Your job may already require long hours or a demanding schedule, so finding the time to fit outpatient alcohol addiction recovery treatment into your days can be challenging.
However, it’s essential to understand that your dedication to recovery is one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself, your job productivity, and your loved ones. While you may have to rearrange some of your work schedule, our clinicians at BOLD Health will help curate the most ideal treatment plan possible.
Another common challenge to finding balance in addiction recovery is managing triggers and stress from your job. If your work environment and co-workers cause significant stress, you may feel increased cravings to drink, leading to relapse. The best thing you can do is prepare yourself for potential triggers with the help of your clinician.
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program for Alcohol Rehab?
10 Tips for Finding Balance in Alcohol Addiction Recovery
There is something you should keep in mind when you are undergoing alcohol addiction treatment while continuing to work: you must prioritize your recovery. While your job is important, there’s nothing more important than your mental and physical health.
Additionally, you may want to check with your human resources department to see what kind of coverage your workplace is required to cover under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Here are some helpful tips to help you focus on your recovery while also balancing your career:
- Take care of yourself.
You can’t stay committed to treatment and job responsibilities if you don’t care for yourself. If you put yourself on the back burner, you’re more likely to burn out, which could result in relapse. Taking care of yourself means ensuring you take the time to do things you love, get adequate sleep, eat well, and exercise. It also means steering clear of people, places, and situations that could trigger your desire to drink.
- Set healthy boundaries.
To ensure you have the time and space to recover from alcohol addiction, setting healthy boundaries with your co-workers and employer is important. Don’t take on additional shifts or extra work; make sure you take any time off needed to support your recovery.
- Check in with yourself regularly.
Transitioning to a sober lifestyle is a gradual process that requires much of self-reflection. It’s vital to remember that you, and only you, make your daily decisions. Take the time to check in with yourself throughout each workday. If you find yourself struggling on a particular day, take the time to reach out to a member of your support network and let your employer know you are having a tough day.
- Set realistic goals.
Taking the critical step in your recovery of enrolling in an outpatient alcohol addiction recovery program can make you proud and excited for yourself and your future. (As you should be!) But don’t let it get away from you.
Rather than setting lofty goals for yourself in alcohol addiction treatment, try setting small, realistic goals. That way, every time you meet a goal, you’ll be able to recognize that you’re moving in the right direction, which will keep you motivated to continue your treatment.
Consider speaking with your employer about the chances of lightening your workload a little so you can better reach your goals.
- Manage your time wisely.
Not only should you make room for self-care, but you should also do your best to manage your time at work. Try to set those small goals for yourself each workday to avoid procrastination and undue stress, which could trigger your desire to drink.
- Stay connected to those supporting you.
Some days are more difficult than others; sometimes, you may want to hide away from everyone. But it’s essential to stay connected to your support network of friends and family members, your clinicians, and maybe even individuals you’ve met in treatment. By staying connected, you’ll get the sense of community and care you need to keep moving forward in your recovery efforts.
- Take regular breaks at work.
Everyone’s work day comes with some amount of stress. To ensure you feel as grounded as possible, take small, regular breaks throughout your day so you can recharge. You could practice deep breathing, go for a short walk, or call a supportive friend.
- Practice mindfulness.
You can practice mindfulness practically anywhere – at work and home. Focusing on the present moment and accepting it without judgment can reduce stress and increase positive thoughts and emotions. This can come in handy when trying to get through any workday!
- Communicate with your employer.
Of course, you probably don’t want to shout from the rooftops that you are seeking addiction treatment. And you don’t have to. But it’s a good idea to let at least your boss and other trustworthy peers know that you are juggling addiction treatment and work.
By communicating effectively, you can be honest about your challenges at work, set boundaries, and address any concerns.
- Don’t miss any treatment appointments.
One of the most crucial things you can do to help find balance during alcohol addiction treatment is to stay committed to your recovery and attend every session. Depending on your treatment program, this could mean several times a week.
It may seem like a lot, but it’s only temporary. Trust in your clinicians that they have prescribed an alcohol addiction recovery program meant to help you overcome addiction. And stay committed.
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Trust BOLD Health for Quality Alcohol Treatment in San Diego
As a trusted alcohol rehab in San Diego, BOLD Health can help you recover. We’ll give you the tools and strategies you need to overcome addiction and provide guidance to finding balance during addiction treatment.
Your addiction recovery program at BOLD Health will be tailored specifically to your needs. It may include one or more of the following:
- individual therapy
- group therapy
- outpatient alcohol detox
- medication management
- intensive outpatient program (IOP)
We know what brought you to need our help is unique to you, as is everything about you. At BOLD Health, we take the time to fully understand what makes you who you are and how we can best assist you in overcoming addiction.
Contact us for more information about our alcohol rehab in San Diego, and let’s get you started on your well-deserved recovery journey.