Education in Recovery
One of the staples of treatment and recovery programs involves treating substance use disorder (SUD). While SUD is an intricate part of the struggle people face moving toward recovery, there are co-occurring mental health conditions that should be accounted for in the recovery process. Research has shown that a majority of issues with SUD are interconnected with trauma. Therefore, we provide clients with resources and services that go beyond the treatment of SUD alone, as we believe the best approach is caring for the whole person.
This process involves incorporating the larger life goals and passions of the individual to help them further reach self-reliance. For instance, seeking educational opportunities as you begin a sober life can be essential to recovery. Education-based support services can be beneficial to clients building a full life. Fulfilling educational goals can support physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellness. As a result, education can help clients develop the life skills necessary to support the sustainability of their long-term recovery.
How Can Education Support Me in Recovery?
Providing support services in conjunction with treatment can allow you to heal your body, mind, and spirit. The eight dimensions of wellness are a representation of the whole person being treated and supported through recovery.
8 Dimensions of Wellness:
- Financial
- Social
- Physical
- Intellectual
- Emotional
- Spiritual
- Environmental
- Occupational
Education-based support services can fulfill several areas of the eight dimensions of wellness such as the intellectual, social, occupational, and financial areas. Each dimension of wellness creates, intersects, and supports the other dimensions. With educational support, you can gain knowledge, improve work opportunities, and increase financial security. Moreover, you expand the sense of happiness, fulfillment, and purpose in your life. Whether you return to school for your GED, attend community college, or seek higher education, your path toward long-term recovery is strengthened by your commitment to your life goals and the purpose you build beyond SUD.
To learn more about educational support services, visit our Educational Groups page.
How SUD Impacts Employment in Recovery
Traditionally, treatment and recovery programs have focused on how SUD can negatively impact a client’s employment. For many clients, treatment and recovery can be daunting not only on a mental and emotional level but also on a financial level. Furthermore, individuals with SUD can face an all-too-common stigma in the workplace.
Unhelpful stigmas can create shame associated with asking an employer for time off to get the help you deserve. You might fear losing your job and sacrificing financial security if you share your struggles or ask for accommodations. These work environments tend to lack the necessary knowledge and education to destigmatize ideas and belief systems that come from unsupported generalizations and assumptions.
As we know, maintaining employment is essential for basic needs, survival, and self-determination. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the rewarding aspects of seeking employment can play a bigger role in your progress toward recovery.
How Can Employment Support Me in Recovery?
Employment, much like education and therapy, can support sustainable long-term recovery. According to a guide from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), employed clients are more likely to show:
- Lower chance of relapse
- Higher rate of abstinence from substance use
- Less likelihood of engaging in criminal activity
- Higher quality of life
- Easier time transitioning from clinical support to independent living
Research has shown that the benefits of employment in recovery go beyond a job’s ability to give clients financial stability and a higher quality of life. When both unemployed and employed clients are supported in finding more meaningful work, their chances for lifelong recovery and well-being increase. One of the factors that leads to SUD is the need to fill or distract yourself from trauma. However, when you can find meaning and purpose in the work you do, you move closer to finding purpose in your life.
Academic and Career Advising at Grace Recovery TX
A fundamental part of our work at Grace Recovery TX is helping you find what you need to live in long-term recovery. We want to support you in building skills to be autonomous and live a life you are in love with. Through individualized treatment, we help you work toward the goals you once told yourself you cannot accomplish.
As fear and mistakes are a part of life, we are here to remind you that your fears and mistakes do not equal worthlessness. With a structured support system, you can build a life that you are thrilled about. Whether you push yourself to pursue knowledge in school or build a career that feeds your soul, finding purpose in your life is found in pushing yourself to do the things that might intimidate you at first. Ultimately, committing to yourself and your long-term happiness is what lifelong recovery looks like.
What Support Services Does Grace Recovery TX Offer?
At Grace Recovery TX, you can start building a life you are excited about with the help of your:
- Case manager
- Recovery coach
- Academic advisor
- Career advisor
To learn more about Grace Recovery TX and our vision, please visit our Home page.
Pursuing your education and career goals can support you on your journey to long-term recovery. At Grace Recovery TX in Austin, Texas, we support our clients in building short and long-term goals with the help of our academic and career advisors. Call us today at (737) 237-9663 to learn how you can start pursuing your goals for long-term recovery.