There is a stigma associated with having a drug history. This can be a significant barrier when recovering addicts are trying to find jobs. Whenever someone applies for a job, and the employer discovers they used drugs before, chances are they will not get that job. The roadblocks to finding jobs are particularly worse if one has a history of crime as well.
There are other people who do not have a problem hiring recovering addicts. But the jobs are limited to a few industries, mainly labor, construction, truck driving, and food service. In this article, we look at good jobs for recovering addicts.
Jobs in Recovery
It is unfortunate that some people who seek help with their addictions end up falling into their previous habits in early recovery. The chances of this happening are quite high, and it’s important to take steps and ensure that this does not happen. To reduce these chances, it’s best for recovering addicts to go on and help those who are in early recovery. They have gone through all the stages, and they are aware of the struggles of the early recovery period.
Finding a job helping other addicts can also help one stay sober. For many people, this interaction is very important and can be more effective than all other forms of help on the road to recovery.
Former addicts have been known to make very good counselors. The job would be to help other addicts and provide guidance during tough times. As a recovering addict, one has firsthand experience, they can easily empathize and they are easy to trust.
Vocational Careers
It may be tempting to apply for all sorts of jobs during the recovery. There should, however, be criteria for choosing the best job. For instance, it might not be a good idea to find a job in an environment where there are drugs and alcohol. Also, it’s not advisable to be in environments that are too stressful. As such, it might be a good idea to get into a vocational career, even if it’s for a while. These careers do not require a lot of specialized training, and they can be quite fulfilling as well. If you do it well, you can save money and move on to the next stage of your life.
There is a lot of demand for beauty products, procedures, and professionals nowadays. Research shows that in the U.S., Botox injection was the most used non-surgical procedure in 2018 and it occupies the number one spot on the list of aesthetic procedures from 1999 till now. It, therefore, makes sense for recovering addicts to get into the beauty industry. With a little training, one can find work in no time at all.
| Freelance Platforms/; | Best for: |
|---|---|
| Fiverr | Best for Freelancers |
| Bark | All kinds of professionals |
| Appjobs | Gig Economy |
Caring for Others
It is also a good idea for a recovering addict to work in the care industry. There is a high demand for caregivers at the moment. Almost 70% of Americans turning 65 are going to need long-term care at some point. With some training, one can learn to be a caregiver and find a job. Caregiving can be a fulfilling career as well, especially if you are passionate about it.
Because of the stigma associated with drug addiction, one of the most difficult choices you will ever face is whether to disclose to a potential employer that you are in recovery. It is, however, best to be honest and take your chances. Apart from that, ensure that you choose jobs that will help you stay on the road to recovery. It might be difficult to find a job, but it is doable.