It can be tough for some individuals to balance treatment with a busy work life. Many individuals in recovery struggle to juggle their professional lives, outpatient care at Renaissance Ranch, and relationships with family and friends. Poor substance use disorder (SUD) management can lead to weak work performance and a substance relapse. Developing a structured work schedule, practicing self-care, taking time for loved ones, preplanning therapy sessions, and reaching out to co-workers for support can help one find stability for a successful recovery.
Develop a Structured Work Schedule for a Successful Recovery
When an individual is faced with pressure to please their boss, complete several work tasks, and attend weekly meetings, the thought of participating in outpatient care can seem exhausting. A disorganized schedule can increase feelings of distress and derail one’s recovery. Knowing it can be tough to balance professionalism with outpatient care, maintaining an organized routine is essential to gaining long-term stability. Tackling the small tasks can help one easily check things off the list to see progress. This can increase motivation to work towards the bigger tasks. Later, an individual will earn more time to dedicate time to other priorities, such as attending outpatient treatment.
Make Time for Self-Care to Gain a Successful Recovery
Some days can feel as if they never end for busy professionals. This can be especially true for those who pursue outpatient care. Although this may be a common complaint, one must dedicate time to self-care. For example, it can be easy for a professional to accept overtime or stay up past midnight finishing tasks, hoping to make the following day a tad easier. Overworking oneself can cause serious burnout and potentially worsen one’s mental health. A lack of sleep can also lead to increased levels of stress. This only increases substance cravings overall, worsening one’s mental state. Therefore, getting an adequate amount of sleep is important. Other self-care strategies include taking time for:
- Hobbies
- Eating nutritious foods
- Practicing mindfulness meditation
- Journaling progress
- Getting regular exercise
- Practicing gratitude
- Setting achievable goals
- Praying and connecting with nature
Take Time With Family and Friends for Support
Balancing professionalism with outpatient care can seem overwhelming. It is common for some individuals with substance use disorder to feel as if they cannot fit in time for self-care, let alone spend time with others. Even though this is a prevalent concern, taking time for loved ones is important.
Studies have highlighted that active family involvement is developmentally important for fostering positive outcomes and sustaining long-term healing. Doing so can provide the support needed to stay on track to proper healing. Spending time with those who also live a sober lifestyle can be a supportive outlet.
Engaging in sober activities with family and friends can also serve as a healthy distraction for relapse prevention. Family members sometimes find it difficult to understand an individual’s condition. Opening up to close and trusted companions can help family members feel involved and provide the support needed to abstain from drugs and alcohol.
Preplan the Most Convenient Times for Therapy Sessions
A busy working professional may feel there is not enough room on their calendar to add anything more. Work tasks, family events, and self-care… An individual may ask themselves, “Where is there time to fit in outpatient treatment?”
Fortunately, standard outpatient therapy is generally less intense and one may attend a session 3 or fewer days a week or once a month depending on the severity of the condition. Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) requires more hours that range between 4 days a week and 9 hours per week. On the other hand, a partial hospitalization program (PHP) takes place in a hospital setting for up to 5 days a week for support.
One must maintain outpatient care to find balance with one’s professional life. Understanding that outpatient treatment varies depending on the person’s needs, one must preplan the most convenient times to attend therapy sessions. For example, it can be helpful for one to:
- Review their work schedule before booking an outpatient appointment
- Filling loved ones in on any calendar modifications
- Prioritizing tasks to ensure they have time for treatment
- Identifying outside factors to properly respond to therapy and gain time management
- Communicating concerns with a chosen professional to adjust their schedule accordingly
Reach out to Co-Workers for Support for a Successful Recovery
Managing work life as well as attending outpatient care can be mentally and physically taxing. Some individuals may keep their sobriety a secret, and that is perfectly okay. It can be tough to surrender and ask for help. Many individuals in various situations feel like a burden doing so. Others may fear judgment. However, it is important to seek support In times of great hardship. Those who prefer staying private but still need help can simply share that they have an appointment to make and request coverage when needed. Doing so may significantly reduce stress and provide the relief needed to focus on outpatient treatment at Renaissance Ranch.
Here at Renaissance Ranch, we provide a comprehensive addiction recovery program that uses a wide variety of therapeutic methods and medical processes delivered through a faith-based approach to promote lasting recovery. Our programs for alcohol and drug addiction recovery in Utah are structured for intensive treatment, supplemental options, and continuing care. In addition, we designate one recovery coach for every client to prevent relapse and ensure sustained recovery. Over the years, we’ve observed that individual recovery coaches play a key role in helping clients reach full rehabilitation through proper guidance and specialized attention. Call Renaissance Ranch at (801) 308-8898 to gain the support needed to find balance for a successful recovery.