Rehab For Professionals

Most people assume addiction makes it impossible to hold down a job. But research has shown that at any given point, 10% or more of full-time employees will develop a substance addiction. So if you work in a company with more than a dozen other people, you may know someone who needs drug addiction treatment in WV. Of course, this will depend on what you do as well because some career professionals are more prone to alcohol and drug addiction than others.

Professions most commonly associated with substance abuse

While it is possible for anyone working in any industry to develop an addiction, some jobs are more likely to lead to addiction than others. Since stress is what commonly causes people to start abusing substances as a form of self-medication, workers in high-stress positions are at the highest risk. The jobs most commonly associated with substance abuse used to be in the mining and construction industries. But that has changed and today, most people in rehab for professionals are:

• dentists, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers
• pilots
• law enforcement, police, and attorneys
• corporate executives

Professionals in these careers could experience burnout, chronic stress, and being overworked, which could lead to mental health issues. Some corporate professionals may look to numb the symptoms with alcohol and drugs. This unhealthy way of coping with stress could lead to substance addiction. What is more, those who do develop an addiction can learn to live as high-functioning addicts, still mostly able to do their job while satisfying their cravings. This makes it harder for people in their environment to notice their addiction so they typically start treatment with a more severe problem than most.

Substances most commonly abused among professionals

Which substance a professional might abuse depends on the effects they want to achieve and the availability of different substances. For example, a pilot who is nervous about flying in bad weather might take benzodiazepines to calm down and a nurse who works in intensive care may end up in alcohol rehab for professionals if she starts drinking to deal with the emotional stress of her job. On the other hand, a corporate executive during a crisis or a lawyer going into a major trial might turn to stimulants to enhance performance. None of these people, however, are very likely to take hallucinogens as this will impede their ability to work. Instead, the most commonly abused substances among professionals are:

• alcohol (an easily available and socially acceptable depressant)
• prescription medication (especially common among medical personnel)
• central nervous system depressants (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and sleep aids that bring about a sense of calm and relaxation)
• stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, and cocaine which can temporarily increase energy levels)

At Harmony Ridge, we understand that being successful at work doesn’t always mean you have your whole life together. Addiction doesn’t take into account an individual’s work or social status, financial rank, or other economic circumstances. It can affect almost anyone at any time. We are here to help with a variety of rehab programs for corporate professionals suffering from addiction. Our rehab includes specialized addiction therapy for professionals, different levels of care for different severity of addiction, and personalized treatment plans that take into account the unique requirements of your work and personal life.

The benefits of attending specialized rehab for professionals

While the demands of each professional in rehab are unique, all patients must be equipped with the resources and skills needed to successfully complete recovery treatment. To ensure that full-time professionals are getting what they need too, we make certain accommodations for their work. For example, our rehab programs in West Virginia allow you to go through treatment in a safe, secluded environment while still working remotely even as you attend treatment. Other benefits of our specialized program include:

• privacy
• cooperation with your workplace
• intensive, extremely focused short-term treatment
• treatment from licensed professionals experienced in working with patients from the corporate world
• therapy that addresses issues unique to working in high-stress environments
• access to online work communication

While some professionals and executives aren’t capable of stepping away from work for more than a few weeks, others require long-term treatment to ensure lifelong sobriety. It all depends on the person. But whichever category you fit in, we will adjust the treatment to your needs. This why rehab for professionals exists: to assist professionals like you in getting the treatment needed at their pace and without sacrificing their personal lives or discretion.

Addictions treated in our rehab for professionals

No substance is exclusive to a specific demographic. Working professionals become addicted to various substances just like the rest of the population. But our rehab for professionals is equipped to handle that – we treat all common addictions with equal skill. At our facility, you’ll have access to:

• alcohol rehab centers in WV
• benzo addiction treatment
• cocaine addiction rehab
• fentanyl detox treatment
• heroin rehab centers
• Ambien rehab
• barbiturates rehab
• marijuana rehab center
• stimulants addiction rehab center
• opiate rehab center
• meth rehab center West Virginia

Harmony Ridge Recovery Center is dedicated to providing the highest level of care to all patients. Our facility is modern and well-equipped – you will feel right at home while staying with us. Furthermore, it is surrounded by over 50 acres of stunning nature; you’ll be able to explore the hiking trails around you in your free time. The peaceful environment invokes feelings of calm and relaxation, lowering your stress levels and facilitating recovery.

But our facilities would be nothing without our staff. We employ licensed professionals with personal experience with addiction. This fosters a welcoming and understanding atmosphere where you will feel supported and cared for.

It is tempting for professionals to enroll in outpatient programs so they can continue working. This might seem like the ideal solution, but it won’t offer the environment and structure required to help you recover from addiction properly. To avoid the ever-common issue of relapse, addiction treatment must be focused and intense. Outpatient programs don’t offer this level of intensity. So when you’re taking your first steps toward sobriety, especially if you’ve been struggling with addiction for a while, you should prioritize drug and alcohol rehab for professionals.

If you’re worried about losing your job while attending addiction treatment, don’t be. People who work are protected under the US Department of Labor’s Family and Medical Leave Act. This states that employees can “take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons.” These include severe health conditions, like addiction, which prevent you from fulfilling your work duties.

1. In which industries is drug abuse most common?

People with substance abuse disorder work in all kinds of jobs. However, addiction is most common in professions that are very fast-paced, emotionally draining, and stressful. This includes the food and service industries, but also medical professions and high-power corporate work.

2.  Which drugs are most commonly abused by professionals?

Professionals typically abuse two broad categories of medications: CNS depressants and stimulants. Those who are seeking to deal with anxiety, depression, and insomnia or numb their feelings typically turn to alcohol, benzos, and opioids. Those who are looking to improve their performance typically turn to stimulants.

3. How does rehab for professionals differ from standard rehab?

Rehab for professionals differs from standard rehab in two major ways: the treatment addresses issues unique to full-time workers and the patient’s work is taken into account when planning treatment. In practice, this means that your profession and day-to-day work life will be a topic of conversation during therapy as well as that you will be granted additional privacy to keep your identity secret and allowed certain freedoms that let you keep working while in treatment.

4. What type of treatment do professionals mostly go into?

Most professionals opt for inpatient drug and alcohol rehab to get the most intensive and targeted treatment possible. This allows them to recover faster and return to work sooner. However, other programs are also available.

5. Will I lose my job if I go into rehab?

Addiction is a medical condition; as such, its treatment is legally speaking no different than the treatment of any other illness. You can take a medical leave or leave of absence to go into rehab and you can even have the treatment covered by insurance. In fact, it is best that you do inform your employer of your addiction and the treatment you’re receiving for it as this allows for clear communication and collaboration between your workplace and rehab center which can work together to provide you with the best possible treatment while still keeping you employed.