Productivity Problems
We all know alcoholism and addiction are huge social problems. What is less understood is alcoholism and addiction’s affect on productivity? It is easy to see, walk into a drug treatment center, how many people are not working, on disability, unemployment or general relief. Why? Addiction separates us from society. Being clean and sober is the first step back. Complete recovery requires reintegration into society. One of the ways we reintegrate is through working. Why can’ the newly clean and sober find jobs or work? A criminal record, gaps in employment, poor personal and professional networks or all of the above. Early recovery is a roller coaster ride of emotion and physiological changes in the body. In the recovery community we call it healing. A friend of mine Executive Dave said in our weekly “work in recovery” group something I’ll always remember: Find a “Get Well” job in the first year. I love that! While your body and mind are healing take it slow. Don’t try to find the perfect career, just get a Get Well job. Keep busy, go to meetings, get support and stay clean and sober. In my life this has turned out to be the best advice possible.