The process of looking for a new job is tough for anyone. It’s endless paperwork and submitting resumes and writing/reading emails and going to interviews, and it’s never exactly thrilling. For recovering addicts, however, the process can be monumentally difficult. Sometimes it can seem like a mountain to climb without any hiking gear. The thing is, it can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be on how to find a job after rehab.

First City Recovery Center wants to help, and so the following is a five-step guide to all aspects of entering the workforce as a recovering addict. It begins with a self-assessment, as well as doing some brainstorming about which type of job you want. From there we’ll get into the nitty gritty of it all, including plenty of options specific to recovering addicts. You CAN and WILL find a job. If you’re not ready, we’ll get you ready. Let’s begin.

Key Takeaways

• Job hunting in early recovery is challenging but absolutely achievable with the right preparation, mindset, and support systems.
• Self-assessment is essential before returning to work, ensuring you’re mentally and emotionally ready to take on new responsibilities.
• Identifying the right industry or job type helps you choose a role that aligns with your lifestyle, skills, and recovery needs.
• A strong, updated resume can make a major difference, especially when addressing skill gaps, employment gaps, and certifications.

What is Rehabilitation?

Question: What is Rehabilitation?

Answer: Rehabilitation is the structured process of helping individuals overcome substance use disorders and rebuild healthy, stable lives. It typically includes medical detox, therapy, counseling, and life-skills support designed to address both the physical and emotional aspects of addiction, preparing a person for long-term recovery and everyday functioning.

STEP ONE – Self-Assessment

Obviously we all need money to live, but you must ask yourself: “Am I ready in finding a job after rehab?” As a recovering addict, you hopefully have resources and a help network available to you. If you truly feel as though you’re not ready to enter the workforce, reach out to someone you trust.

If you attended an addiction recovery facility, ask about any aftercare programs they may have. Starting a new job requires commitment, and that requires a healthy body and mind. Addressing addictive behaviors and any co-occurring mental health issues is an important part of preparing for employment after rehab.

Keep in mind though that a new job also offers stability and opportunity. Although it may seem daunting, if you feel at all capable and ready, then move on to step 2. If you’re just not ready, seek the help you need and deserve.

STEP TWO – Determine an Industry

Make a list of all your skills and trades. Are you good with numbers? Electric work? Plumbing? Carpentry? Maybe you want to explore a new field entirely? Think about the busiest road nearby, whatever your Main Street is. What businesses are there? Could you see yourself working for any of them?

Some things to consider when you’re figuring out which industries you would fit into after rehab with First City Recovery Center:

• What do you want out of your job? Is it strictly money or is it maybe a flexible schedule or good benefits?
• What are the pros and cons of the industries/businesses you’ve listed?
• Will you have adequate transportation if you don’t own a vehicle?
• Are there opportunities for advancement if you so desire to climb the ladder?
• Does this industry or position help you find the right job that supports your recovery goals and overall well-being?

Once you have a good idea of which industry or industries you want to work in, and you know what you want out of your job, it’s time to start the dirty work. Exploring different job opportunities can help you find a position that matches your skills and supports your recovery. Some of what follows may strike you as obvious, but we want to make sure we cover all the bases.

STEP THREE – The Resume

Update your resume! Any gaps in employment that aren’t explained will be red flags to potential employers. If you have a resume already, great! Bookmark this article, open your resume, and update it all the way to today.

The most important part of any resume is the Skills section. Former employment is wonderful, and an attention-grabbing, positive, well-written ‘About Me’ will help, but the Skills section is essential. List all your skills! Some people tend to forget that certain skills are, well, skills… such as typing, reading, writing, knowing any second languages, being computer-savvy, being efficient at Word or Excel or Outlook, musical ability, athletic ability, and even some human traits such as patience, ability to work under pressure, or leadership.

Don’t forget to include any certifications you’ve earned or any classes you’ve taken post-high-school. Also, have someone proofread it, even if you think you’re a grammar wizard. It’s always best to have another trusted pair of eyeballs look it over. If you simply have no clue how to make a good resume, there are plenty of websites online that will show you.

Many treatment centers like First City Recovery also offer resume writing assistance as part of their employment support services to help clients re-enter the workforce. A simple search for “resume template” ought to do the trick.

STEP FOUR – Application

Famous hockey player Wayne Gretzky once said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” You also miss 100% of the jobs you don’t apply for. Now that you have your industry or industries chosen and your resume is updated, it’s time to apply to actual jobs.

There are countless websites and apps that can assist you in finding jobs for recovering addicts. However, we want to mention a few that are specifically catered to recovering addicts. Probably the most established of these resources is the US Department of Labor’s One Stop Career Center.

Here you’ll find multiple resources for all types of walks of life seeking employment. Some treatment centers also provide access to job boards dedicated to people in recovery, making it easier to find employment opportunities that are supportive of your journey. Another well-established resource along these lines is the National Skills Coalition.

They’ll help you connect and network with employers that may actually be seeking people like you. A third option that can do wonders for recovering addicts is The Salvation Army. When it comes to employment, they offer job placement programs specifically designed for recovering addicts. In addition, our treatment center may offer job placement support or connections to local employers to help you transition back into the workforce.

STEP FIVE – The Interviews

You’re not legally obligated to disclose this information for employment after rehab. However, some people choose to be open with prospective employers about their recovery to foster understanding and reduce stigma. If your recovery involves ongoing treatment or medication, it’s important to be honest with your new employer so they can provide appropriate support and accommodations.

It might be a good idea to come forward though, especially if you’re on any medications for your recovery. If this is the case, your employer will indeed have to know since you’ll likely be taking the meds on the clock. That being said, it’s your right to keep your addiction status to yourself.

Supportive Environment: Building Your Network

Building a supportive environment is key to success in both recovery and employment. Programs like Visible Recovery at First City Recovery Center create a sense of community, connecting you with others who understand your journey. Outpatient programs, support groups, and recovery-ready workplaces offer ongoing encouragement and accountability, helping you stay focused on your goals.

Don’t underestimate the value of a strong network—whether it’s through a career center, job search support group, or peers in recovery, surrounding yourself with positive influences can make all the difference. These connections not only provide emotional support but also open doors to employment opportunities that align with your skills and interests, making your recovery journey more sustainable and rewarding.

Maintaining Employment in Recovery

Staying employed while in recovery takes dedication, but with the right support and resources, it’s absolutely achievable. First City Recovery Center and other treatment centers offer ongoing guidance to help you manage substance use disorders and mental health conditions while balancing work responsibilities. Intensive outpatient programs and outpatient services can teach you practical skills for stress management, communication, and self-care—essential tools for maintaining employment and long-term recovery.

If you’re facing co-occurring challenges like eating disorders or domestic violence, specialized treatment programs are available to address these issues alongside your recovery. Remember, prioritizing your mental health and staying connected to support systems will help you thrive both at work and in your recovery journey.

Simply Not Ready? Here’s Some Real Talk and Advice

Put your mental health first with First City Recovery Kokomo. We began this article by emphasizing how crucial it is to be ready for a new job. Now we want to offer some ‘real talk and advice’ to those who may feel as though they’re not ready for the workforce but still want to enter it.

We always want you to try your hardest, but it’s important to keep in mind that if you start a job and you hate it, you can always leave. If your job isn’t meeting your needs, go right back to Step One up there and start over! If you’ve been hired and you’re nervous to start or you’re having second thoughts, reach out to someone you love and trust to have your best interest in mind.

Support from loved ones can make a significant difference during this transition, as they often understand the challenges you face and can provide encouragement and perspective. Hopefully they’ll remind you of everything good that’s to come once you start working.

Yes, the process of finding and starting a new job might stink, but in case you need reminder, here are some pros to starting a new job (and also to having a job in general) if you are a recovering addict:

• You get money! Duh!
• You can make friends… sober ones.
• You have a set schedule which helps with overall self-discipline.
• You have a place you can be sober without temptation.
• You have an excuse to avoid
• You get money. Did we say that?

Anyway, if you’re still not feeling ready to start a new job but you’re feeling like you’re capable, move onto the next section. If this particular section helped enough, then go ahead and click that little x on the top right and start applying!

However, if you simply are not ready to start a new job then this is your last chance to reach out to a loved one and seek the help you need and deserve. Remember, many people in recovery face similar challenges, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Some More Tips and Motivation

Recovering addicts may find it challenging to list former employment and/or references. Also, you may have a criminal record, or you may simply feel the stigma of recovering from addiction. First off, you’re not alone… not even close. Millions of Americans have a history of drug or alcohol addiction, and as it turns out, most of them are working (statistically).

Secondly and more importantly, the law is on your side. Aside from felonious criminal charges, criminal history and/or addiction status rarely needs to be reported to a prospective employer. And yes, there is a stigma when it comes to addicts – even those in recovery – but just as with any stigma, it’s popular opinion but not necessarily individual opinion. Most people are within one or two degrees of separation from someone affected by addiction.

Therefore, most people will understand your situation if you so choose to disclose it. Once again though, chances are you don’t have to disclose it. Employers (good ones anyway) care about reliability, not your past. And so be yourself. Update your resume, take on all the interviews you get, and choose which job will suit you best.

If you have any questions or concerns, or if you simply want to talk more detail with a specialist, call us right now at 1-877-595-3330 or go back to our homepage. At First City Recovery Center, we believe that your comfort is both necessary and important as you move beyond addiction. This is why we offer a beautiful, luxurious, and welcoming facility here in Indiana. While pursuing a life free from substance use disorder, you can find the hope and peace you need right here at First City Recovery Center!

We at First City Recovery Kokomo Indiana are dedicated to your physical well-being, your emotional health, and your overall success on the road to recovery. We are committed to you. Our team is willing and ready to assist you as you begin and continue your path to freedom from addiction.

First City Recovery Center Resources

City Recovery Center offers a comprehensive suite of resources to support you at every stage of your recovery journey. From medical detox and intensive outpatient programs to outpatient services and support groups, you’ll find the care you need to address substance use disorders and mental health concerns. Primary care providers and mental health services are available to help you manage your overall well-being.

When you’re ready to find employment, City Recovery Center can connect you with job search resources, insurance plans, and stop career center services to help you secure a new job. Volunteer positions and education programs are also available, giving you the chance to build new skills and gain valuable experience. By taking advantage of these resources, you can find employment opportunities that support your recovery and set you on the path to long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to tell employers that I’m in recovery?

No. You are not legally required to disclose your addiction history or recovery status. However, you may choose to share if you feel it will help your work environment or if you’re taking medications that require employer awareness.

2. How do I explain gaps in my resume after rehab?

Use neutral language such as “personal health matters,” “family responsibilities,” or “professional development.” Employers typically care more about your skills and current reliability than the specifics of your gap.

3. What if I don’t feel ready to go back to work?

Take your time. Talk to your treatment provider, therapist, or support system. Entering the workforce before you’re stable can be overwhelming, so prioritizing your mental health is key.

4. Are there job resources specifically for people in recovery?

Yes. Programs like the U.S. One Stop Career Center, National Skills Coalition, Salvation Army job placement, and career support offered by treatment centers provide tailored assistance to individuals in recovery.

5. What types of jobs are good for someone in early recovery?

Jobs with structured schedules, supportive supervisors, low exposure to triggers, and opportunities for advancement are ideal. Industries like trades, customer service, retail, skilled labor, and office administration are common starting points.