The world of drug and alcohol addiction is a dungeon so deep that it is difficult to climb out of with help, my less alone. However, there are men and women that conquer it everyday. As they make their way back into society, many start with the adjustments to close family and friends and then work their way up to their jobs and coworkers.
When a recovering addict gets to this stage in their comeback, it is just as important for the management to conduct themselves properly as it is for the man or woman in recovery. Below are a few suggestions for doing just that.
Be Familiar With The Recovery Program They Are Involved With
Each addict is an individual and the uniqueness of that individual will come through in the recovery program that his/her specialist have tailored to them. As the supervising management of the company, it will help you greatly to be personally familiar with the details of your employees process.
Some were able to detox at home and are well enough for an outpatient treatment option. Others may have spent some time in a residential treatment facility. They may need a little more attention.
Granted, HIPAA builds impenetrable walls around the right of the employee not to tell you anything, but there is no harm in asking. Most recovering addicts will feel grateful that you care enough to help them make a smooth transition.
Treat Them No Different
Most people are naive to the world of drugs and alcohol and in this case, ignorance could very well be bliss. However, those that are well versed in this world have made no bigger mistake than that of an adulterer, a thief, or a gambling addict and should not be treated as though they have the plague.
Talk to your employees about how they should treat each other, in general. A well placed situation of shaming could cause your recovering employee to relapse. Not to mention, it’s just rude. Also, make sure to be patient with your comeback kid, but do not allow them any opportunity or leniency that you would not offer to any other employee.
Keep the table level. A recovering addict understands that they have to learn to deal with the world as is, without the escape of drugs or alcohol. You assertiveness in this lesson will strengthen them.
Offer Encouragement As Often As You Can
Again, each employee, whether or not they are a recovering addict, has the right to privacy. Talking to an addict about the recovery process could greatly humiliate them. However, if you see that your employee is struggling to get a handle on the situation, offer to sit down and be the listening ear they need whenever they need it.
You can also curb possible dangerous scenarios. For example, if the crew decides they want to go have a drink together after work and have knowingly or unknowingly invited your recovering worker, you might kindly offer a more sober alternative. Giving him/her a polite option to turn down the drink may be what saves them from a relapse.
In the end, recovering addicts are just like you and I. We all get stuck in a pit sometimes and we all have to have assistance getting out and getting back in the game. Use your position to help your recovering employee get back to reality.
Originally posted on November 20, 2017 @ 2:21 pm