addiction

AToN is a San Diego Detox program that focuses on improving the individual lives of our residents to help them lead healthy, successful lives in the community. We, for one, are proud of the work we do and of all the amazing residents who have recovered with us. Our community and the value we bring to it are critical parts of our self-identity. Searching for employment after addiction or substance abuse has impacted your career path can be one of the most challenging journeys, but you can manage with patience, persistence, and guidance. Managing your addiction, knowing your rights, and doing your best to make a solid presentation are all critical parts of maintaining your career after a drug conviction.

Addiction and Criminal Records

A 2019 PrisonPolicy.org study shows that nearly half a million people are serving time for non-violent drug convictions. The infamous “War on Drugs” in the US has been impacting communities for generations, especially minorities. Drug and alcohol convictions have a notable, measurable impact not only on individual households and communities but throughout the nation. There are hundreds of thousands of employable adults who are hamstrung in their careers by nonviolent criminal records. Upon release, many quickly relapse, fueled by stress, poverty, and severe social factors preventing them from properly recovering.

The most important part of getting back on your feet after a drug conviction is overcoming your addiction. A professional detox and recovery program does more than managing the symptoms of addiction. Professional therapy can keep you safe and healthy throughout the detox process, and help you develop coping skills to not only overcome urges but to better your life in a number of ways. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one tool that residents can use long after their recovery to focus their mind, resist cravings, and lead a healthier life. Group and family therapy, as well as accountability partners and a caring support community all work together to give our residents a powerful network for a life-long recovery and social connections. We find that community is an essential part of finding meaning in your life and career.

Knowing Your Employment and Drug Policies

Employers and employees both have their own set of rights when it comes to drug and alcohol consumption. These may change from state to state, or even from company to company, but ultimately addiction is considered a disability by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Knowing your rights under the ADA gives you an advantage and can help you prepare for some of the more difficult questions an employer may ask. Using drugs or other restricted substances during work hours, on a work facility, or while under the employment of a particular company may all be grounds for a discharge, and an employer can run tests for these substances at their own discretion. However, judging a candidate by a previous addiction after they have sought treatment is discriminatory. It’s important to make sure you understand your rights and to come prepared.

As the saying goes, we fall to our lowest level of preparation. The unfortunate truth is that a prior conviction can still impact your search for a job, but your professionalism, preparedness, and skills can carry you above your weakest moments. Learn and practice new skills through free sites like Khan Academy or YouTube. If you have the resources, some attorneys may be able to help reduce nonviolent offenses. If you choose to go through a professional recovery program, your counselors may also have information and connections to employers who are sympathetic and understanding to those suffering from addiction. Overcoming addiction is one of the greatest challenges we can experience in our lives. Seek out the help of professionals to give you the best prospects for the future.

Spirituality has historically been an integral part of the addiction and recovery process. Nowhere is that more prevalent than San Diego, with its historic churches and religious communities offering sanctuary to those looking for recovery from addiction. Overall, the community in San Diego has been extremely supportive in helping people overcome their addiction and lead healthier, happier lives. San Diego’s connection to spirituality, however, is declining and for many people seeking rehab and substance abuse recovery, programs that revolve around a particular faith can be alienating. Today, we want to take a look at the connection between spirituality and substance abuse in San Diego, and the US in general.

History of Substance Abuse Programs in the US

Since the 1800’s there have been documented movements within the US to remove drugs and alcohol from communities. This eventually led to the Prohibition Era in the 1920’s, where speakeasies and private liquor shops became popular, if illegal, destinations. Unfortunately, this only promoted the distilment of harder liquors, making addiction more dangerous, much faster, for individuals suffering with alcohol misuse.

Clearly, banning alcohol only triggered worse effects, less trust in authorities, and more hidden, reckless behaviors from people with serious substance use disorders. The immediate counter-response was to create refuges for alcoholics to recover in safety, with a guiding hand rather than an iron fist. Churches and community centers where dozens of community-minded members gathered, were an obvious solution. It became an unspoken standard that religious centers provided rehab and recovery services for their communities. As these practices developed, expanded, and formalized, they were laced with spiritual lessons, morals, and ethics, particularly following Christian and Catholic ideals. To this day, Alcoholics Anonymous has a number of their meetings at local churches or religious centers, and many of their 12-steps revolve around a faith with a higher power.

Spirituality and Addiction

While this was a great stepping stone for suburban, Christian and Catholic Americans, the religiously-heavy programs often don’t resonate with a modern American culture, where over a third of young adults are not affiliated with any religion. For Millennials, faith-based programs can be a distraction from the core benefits of recovery, such as self-empowerment, managing cravings, and networking with like-minded individuals to create a sphere of accountability.

How AToN changes the spiritual connection in recovery

At AToN Center in San Diego, we have a non-12-step program available for patients looking to recover without religious influence or pressure. We still value spirituality but feel that each person should find their own connection to the world as they see fit. Whether that’s through a higher power, through nature, art, or just through a love of the world as it is, we think its important recovery nourishes the soul. Programs like mindfulness and meditation help build focus and clarity, manage symptoms of detox, and control cravings. Meanwhile physical fitness programs, like Yoga, inspired by a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, Chinese Acupuncture, Watsu (relaxing shiatsu exercises in a warmed pool), and personal trainers help you feel more comfortable in your body, and develop the tools and tolerance for a lifelong recovery.

If you or a loved are looking for a proven recovery program that focuses on the individual needs, rather than following a formulaic religious teaching, then we’d love to show you what we can offer at AToN Center recovery. Call right now at (888) 640-9709 to find out more.