Do Rehab Programs Offer Job Training?

Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D. on

Addiction can affect every aspect of a person’s life, from their relationships to school or work. People may lose their jobs or get a criminal record that makes finding work difficult. Rehab centers that offer vocational training programs can help clients find stable employment.

Do Rehab Programs Offer Job Training?

Having gainful employment can be a vital step in the addiction recovery process, and some rehab centers have specialized staff or support services available to help clients achieve this.

Job skills services at rehab centers can help clients learn valuable life skills, build a resume based on past work experience, practice interviewing, and find opportunities for relevant employment.

Getting a job during recovery helps people build self-esteem as well as stability, making a relapse less likely after completing a treatment program.

Benefits Of Receiving Vocational Training During Drug Rehab

There are numerous benefits to receiving quality vocational rehabilitation services during drug or alcohol addiction treatment.

Job skills training teaches people critical skills like time management, budgeting, teamwork, communication, and stress management.

Work education programs can also help job seekers learn specific skills that make them more appealing to employers, such as basic computing or project management.

Vocational rehabilitation programs help clients identify their strengths and develop a job search plan that matches these strengths with job opportunities.

Vocational services can also help clients overcome common barriers to employment, such as disabilities that require assistive technology or the need for childcare and transportation.

How Employment Helps With Addiction Recovery

Unemployment rates are higher among people with substance use disorders than the general population, and job placement often has a direct impact on people’s recovery.

Working provides people with a stable daily routine and helps them avoid the boredom and loneliness that may cause a relapse.

Drug addiction may cause people to feel like they’ve lost control of their lives, and having a new job can give them some of that control back, particularly with finances or independent living.

Jobs can also benefit people by giving them an opportunity to make new friendships and connections, which alleviates the loneliness that may come after rehabilitation.

Can I Work During Addiction Treatment?

Whether or not someone works while receiving care at an addiction treatment center can depend on a variety of factors.

People attending less intensive outpatient programs are often able to continue working, while people requiring detox services or inpatient treatment may need to take some time off.

If you don’t have a full-time job when you first begin treatment, employment services may be able to provide referrals to potential employers when you’re ready for it.

Maintaining employment during the initial phases of recovery can be challenging, so consult with your healthcare providers to determine if it’s right for you.

Your employer may also be able to hold your job for you, allowing you to return to it once your treatment program has been completed.

Get Help For A Substance Use Disorder Today

If you or a loved one is facing drug addiction or alcohol dependency, don’t wait to seek help. Learn about the long-term recovery options available by contacting us today.

This page does not provide medical advice. See more

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Medically Reviewed by
Johnelle Smith, M.D. on
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