Is working while attending rehab a good idea? It all depends on where you are in your recovery, how serious your addiction is, and how well you are progressing. We often recommend that people new to recovery fully pay attention to treatment.

Awakenings Treatment Center is pleased to offer substance use treatment programs on an outpatient basis. This means that you can receive high-quality, personalized treatment some or most days of the week while returning home to your bed at night.

Outpatient programs are just as effective as inpatient programs, offering a similar level of care but without 24-hour monitoring and support. This makes it a great fit for those working or going to school and those transitioning back into these roles. 

Even though it might be possible to work at least part-time while receiving care, it might be too much at the beginning of your recovery. However, as time moves on and you start developing new skills and growing more confident, you may be able to start working. 

Let’s look further into working while attending an outpatient drug rehab program. 

Keeping Your Job—Inpatient vs Outpatient 

Inpatient rehab requires you to live at the facility while receiving treatment services. This means you will remain at the treatment center to receive the most comprehensive services possible, including meals, accommodation, and spending time there.

Because inpatient treatment is more intensive, it’s best for individuals who have severe substance use and mental health problems that require around-the-clock support and monitoring. As such, there are limited working opportunities, if any. The goal is to focus solely on your recovery so that you can get better and return to work one day. 

Outpatient rehab is more flexible because it only requires several hours of treatment each day depending on the program. Day programs or intensive outpatient programs require more hours than standard outpatient programs.

The rest of the time is spent in the real world, working, going to school, taking care of your family, and rebuilding your life. Many people “step down” to outpatient treatment once they have received a higher level of care. This is why people who participate in these programs are often ready to reintegrate into the workplace. 

Is it Beneficial to Work During Rehab? 

While working while you’re in drug rehab may be possible, it may not be beneficial. Here are some aspects to think about: 

Pros of working while in drug rehab: 

• Financial stability. Continue earning an income so that you can afford your living expenses.
• Pay for treatment. Working while undergoing treatment can help with the financial costs.
• Privacy protection. Continuing to work means you don’t have to take a leave of absence that has people wondering where you are.
• Maintain structure. Some people do very well working just a few hours a day. It keeps them grounded in their recoveries and gives them structure in their routines. 
• Build skills. Work can also provide an opportunity to develop the skills you are learning in treatment.

Cons of working while in drug rehab: 

• Distraction from recovery. The biggest con to working while in treatment is that it could take away from the recovery process. Rather than focusing all your attention on your recovery, you’ll have to divide it between recovery and work.
• Unnecessary stress. If your job brings you stress, then it may not be worth working in recovery. This could put unnecessary stress on you, causing you to relapse. 

Flexible, Convenient Treatment Services That Fit Your Lifestyle 

Choosing to work while in recovery is a personal decision with pros and cons. Of course, you do not have to make this decision alone. Your treatment team at Awakenings Treatment Center will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

While the final decision is up to you, you can at least make an informed decision that is best for your family, your career and your recovery. Remember, now is your time to heal. Once you do this, you’ll be able to accomplish anything!