How do you navigate the workplace sober? Fear affects all of us to some degree, no matter how outgoing or confident we seem on the outside. Long after substance abuse has crossed from the realm of pleasure into the nightmare of addiction, fear is one of the main factors keeping addicts from seeking help. Fear and social anxiety may have even contributed to your drinking or drug use in the first place.
Navigating the Workplace Sober
There’s also the fear of feeling singled out, of being labeled or talked about or feeling left out when the gang heads to the neighborhood bar for a few cocktails after work. You may wonder if you’re still an interesting or fun person without a few drinks. If you’ve been at your current job for some time, your recovery may be common knowledge. Your co-workers have probably shown support and applaud your sobriety. They may also feel uncomfortable talking about drinking or drinking around you. The situation can become awkward all around.
People will lift their cues from how you’re acting, so you should be the one to take the lead in social situations. If you’re relaxed and comfortable, your companions will be, too. With so many people committed to healthier lifestyles or not drinking for a number of reasons (medical issues, religious devotion or affiliation, designated driver status, etc.), it is likely that no one will think twice if you order a coke minus the rum. It will only become a big deal if you choose to make it one.
If the question of why you’re not drinking does come up, simply replying with “I don’t drink”, or “I’m not drinking this evening” is enough of an explanation for most people. Remove yourself from anyone who presses the issue by suddenly making your way across the room or saying whatever it takes to walk away peacefully. This will give you a little space and enough distance to regroup and hone your coping skills before rejoining your peers.
Orange County Addiction Treatment
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addition and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
Our Orange County addiction treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery, and help you navigate the workplace sober. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
