If you have been suspended or terminated from a job because you failed a drug or alcohol test, it may be possible to return to work. However, you must first pass a drug or alcohol screen before you can do so. Assuming that you are allowed to get back to work, it’s important to prepare yourself to do the best possible job that you can.
Assess Your Readiness
In the days prior to returning to work, you should have a long talk with a friend, therapist or any other person who you trust. This conversation will help you understand if you are ready for the mental and physical toll that a job will take and how that stress might tempt you to use again. You might also want to have a conversation with your physician, employee representative or others who might have more insight into whether you’re ready to get back to work.
Look at Your Job Description Again
Ideally, you’ll take a closer look at your job description to determine if you’re ready to handle the rigors of your profession. The description will list all of your tasks and the potential hazards that might come with it. For instance, you may be required to drive for several hours a day or help unload items once they reach their destination.
These and other actions can result in physical pain, mental stress and other potential problems that might trigger your drug or alcohol dependency. However, understanding what your triggers are and how your job might threaten your sobriety can go a long way toward creating a plan that keeps you from relapsing.
For example, you may have an opportunity to take shorter routes or get your boss to agree that you don’t have to lift heavy objects. This can reduce the toll your job takes on you and minimize your chances of using again.
Communication Is Critical
You’ll need to work hard to earn the trust of your bosses and colleagues after failing a drug or alcohol test. This is because working while impaired sends a message that your pleasure outweighs their safety. It also says that you’re willing to take actions that could put the company in danger of being fined or punished in other ways.
Communication is also critical as it relates to preventing future relapses. For example, if you are tempted to use, it may be best to take the day off to go to a meeting or seek other forms of treatment. You might also decide that you are going to switch routes to keep yourself away from bars or other areas where you might feel triggered to use while working.
Returning to duty is an important milestone on the journey to sobriety. Therefore, it’s critical that you feel ready to get back to work and that you are capable of working while working through the physical and mental effects of withdrawal. Your company may offer resources that can help you stay clean both now and into the future.