For many people, 2022 and the start of 2023 has been difficult in the job market. With a tightening recession, many have lost jobs, especially within the tech industry. Yet, while some are focused on finding a new position, others are suffering from the emotional and mental struggle that job loss often brings.

Why Does Work Loss Impact Mental Health?

As noted by the American Psychological Association, a person’s job contributes significantly to their mental health and overall well-being. Work benefits us in many ways. It can:

• Provide a sense of identity
• Create structure for the day
• Alleviate or lessen financial strain
• Create opportunities for social interaction
• Provide something to focus on throughout the day

The immediate concern after job loss may be survival. How will you be able to maintain your current lifestyle without a job? Fear of financial struggle often fuels a person’s desire to find a new position. This fear can quickly turn into chronic anxiety or depression if it isn’t addressed.

Struggling with Addiction?

For a person who turns to drugs or alcohol to deal with stress, job loss can open the path to substance dependency and addiction. People who use substances as a way to self-medicate anxiety may spiral into heavy use when faced with an uncertain future. If you are struggling with addiction or fear that you are headed that direction, consider stepping into addiction treatment right now.

Why Now Is the Ideal Time for Addiction Treatment

While it may seem counterintuitive to spend money on addiction treatment when you’re out of work, entering treatment now can be smart for several reasons. 

• Your health insurance may still be in place

If you recently lost your job, your insurance benefits may continue for the next few weeks, and then you may qualify for COBRA or other coverage. Take advantage of the benefits you have. Drug and alcohol addiction treatment could be available to you right now while you have the time.

• You’ll have the support you need to create a better way forward

Trying to create a new future for yourself while suffering from addiction is almost impossible. By getting addiction treatment now, you’ll develop the self-awareness, self-confidence, and support you need to set clear goals and move forward. You’ll meet people in treatment who will become part of your support system, and you’ll have more resources at hand to help you find a job that suits your new lifestyle. 

• You’ll be prepared to do well in a new position

Addiction impacts your ability to do your job well and to achieve career goals. By stepping away from the job market right now and entering into a treatment program, you create an opportunity to truly heal. You can learn how to put addiction in your past so you can focus on developing the skills you need to care for yourself in a sustainable, healthy way. You’ll be more appealing to employers and have a better sense of what type of work will help you thrive. It’s worth the time and money to get help now instead of waiting.

How Victory Addiction Recovery Center Can Help You

At Victory Addiction Recovery Center, we offer a comprehensive professionals program that’s uniquely designed to help people who are facing addiction and dependency in the workplace. Our professionals program helps you understand and cope with the specific career-focused struggles you may be having, including improving your ability to overcome stress, manage change, and cope with job loss.

You’ll gain access to partial hospitalization and outpatient care, too. These programs allow you to work closely with others going through the same thing as you engage in group therapy and activities together. 

If you lost your job for any reason, and you know that addiction could be limiting your success, now is the time to embrace change. Contact our drug and alcohol treatment center in Lafayette, LA, to learn more about the care we can offer.

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