Rehab for professionals

Addiction can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age or occupation. In fact, some of the most successful people in the world suffer from addiction. Work can be a major trigger for addiction and professional life is full of stressors that can lead to drug addiction or alcohol abuse. Furthermore, the culture in many industries often encourages a work hard, play hard lifestyle which can contribute to the development of substance use disorders. These types of environments are also not places where people feel comfortable discussing their problems or asking for help.

But where can you access that help? And what impact can rehab have on your career? To answer these questions, we first need to answer why the professional workplace contributes to substance abuse.

Why do professionals develop addictions?

There are many reasons why someone in a professional role might develop an addiction. Some of the most common include:

Self-medicating for stress at work
A lot of people use drugs or alcohol to cope with stress. This is especially common in high-pressure jobs where there are constant deadlines and demands. For example, a lawyer might start drinking to deal with the pressure of their job or a doctor because they are constantly dealing with life-and-death situations.
A culture of substance use at work
In some workplaces, drug or alcohol use is part of the culture. Many companies have work nights out, Christmas parties or other events. In certain industries, such as the finance sector, this sometimes goes to another level with people doing huge amounts of cocaine at work parties or after a big deal has been completed. This can make it very hard for someone to stay sober even if they are trying to.
Long working hours
Working long hours can cause major problems in every aspect of your life, health and happiness. Being overworked can lead to issues like sleep deprivation or arguments with your partner which can then have an impact on your mental and emotional health. This can make it harder to cope with stress and other mental conditions which can then lead to you using drugs or alcohol abuse as a crutch.

Signs that you need rehab for professionals

As well as the usual signs and symptoms of addiction, there are other indications that those in high-pressured professional roles need rehab. These include:

Your work is suffering…

If you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol, it’s likely that your work will start to suffer as a result of the physical effects, mental fogginess or stress caused by addiction. This might be in the form of missing deadlines, making mistakes or having more absences but all can put you at odds with your employers and colleagues.

You’re using substances at work…

If you’ve started using drugs or alcohol at work, this is a major sign that you have a problem as you are no longer just using them recreationally. This is especially true if you’re doing it to cope with the stress of your job or just to get through the day because it means you have now developed a dependence on the substance.

Your colleagues are concerned…

If your colleagues are expressing concern about your drug or alcohol use, then this is another sign that you might need help. They may comment on your performance or on your appearance or ask why you’re always tired. It is important to take note of this because if colleagues are noticing a change in you, it won’t be long until your employers notice too.

Why is it hard for professionals to go to rehab?

There are a number of reasons why it could be hard for you to go to drug rehab or alcohol rehab for professionals. Some of the main reasons include the following:

No time off work
One of the main reasons is that you simply can’t take time off work. This is one of the biggest barriers to professional people getting help for their addiction. You may not have enough holiday days or you may not want to tell your boss why you need an extended period of holiday.
Financial issues
Another reason why alcohol or drug rehab for professionals can be difficult is because of the cost. Taking time off work means that you may need to take a little time off unpaid which may not be easy to do.
Concerns about being fired
If you’re worried about your job, then this can make it hard to go to rehab. You may be worried that your boss will find out and you’ll be fired. This is especially true if you work with the public where addiction could have serious consequences on customers or other members of the public.

How rehab for professionals can help you recover

Rehab is the most effective way for professional people to overcome their addiction. It can provide you with the time and space away from work to focus on your recovery as well as all the access to support and resources that you need.

There are a number of different treatment options available to you depending on your own individual treatment needs. The most important thing is that you recognise you need help and you seek it immediately.

UKAT has helped many professional people overcome their addictions and restart their careers and we can do the same for you. Get in touch with us today to find out more about how we can help.

The career benefits of rehab for professionals

Rehab can have a number of benefits for your career. It can help you to:

Rebuild trust with your boss or colleagues
If you’ve been struggling with addiction, then it’s likely that your relationship with your boss or colleagues has suffered. Going to rehab can help to rebuild that trust and ensure that you’re able to work effectively as part of a team again.
Restore your reputation
Addiction can damage your reputation both within and outside of work. Getting professional treatment will allow you to restore your reputation and prove to your boss and colleagues that you’re committed to overcoming your addiction.
Restore licences or responsibilities
If you’ve lost your driving licence or any professional licences or responsibilities taken away from you, then going to rehab can help you get these back. This will enable you to return to work and resume your career.
Receive continuous support going forward
Once you’ve completed rehab, you’ll still need support to stay sober. UKAT can provide you with ongoing support through our rehab aftercare programme to ensure that you’re able to maintain your sobriety in the long term so that your work is not affected.

What to do next

There is no time like the present to get started on your recovery journey. Admitting you have an addiction and reaching out for help is always the most difficult but most important step. UKAT has rehab centres across the UK which can help you overcome your addiction and turn your life and career around. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our rehab for professionals.

Call us now for help
+44 2039 496 584