Unemployment and Addiction
Addiction steals many things from people’s lives. It can take their health, their emotional well-being, and their important relationships. It can also take their jobs and their ability to support themselves. New Jersey addicts who are unemployed will need focused, professional help to recover.
The Relationship between Addiction and Unemployment in New Jersey
Addiction is a large problem in the workplace. In 2009, the Hazelden Foundation reported the results of a survey of more than 1,000 workers in human resources: over two-thirds of them stated that substance abuse and addiction were among the most serious issues their companies faced. Survey respondents also reported a large number of addiction-related workplace problems. These included absenteeism, missed deadlines, increased health care costs and reduced productivity. They also noted addiction’s negative effects on interpersonal relations, trust and the company’s reputation. They should think again if New Jersey residents think they can keep their addictions from the workplace.
Although they recognize the extent of the problem, most supervisors and human resource professionals don’t feel prepared to address addiction. They cited a number of obstacles in dealing with the issue of addiction, including lack of experience, lack of information about treatment, personal discomfort and time constraints. In the face of the workplace problems that addiction can cause, it isn’t surprising if a New Jersey boss chooses to fire addicted employees.
Not only can addiction lead to unemployment, but the reverse is also true. The stress associated with being jobless can lead New Jersey residents to abuse drugs or alcohol, which can, in turn, lead to addiction. This becomes a self-perpetuating problem, and can make it difficult to get a job.
The co-existing problems of addiction and joblessness can lead to more difficulties. Addiction is always hard financially, as supporting the drug or alcohol habit saps and drains financial resources. Unemployment intensifies the problem. This can lead people to steal or to begin to sell drugs or engage in other illegal activities in order to get the money they need to maintain their addiction.
How New Jersey Residents Can Manage Unemployment and Addiction
Whether New Jersey addicts are employed or unemployed, the proper course of action is to treat the addiction as soon as possible, and then focus on employment issues. It’s normal to be concerned about the costs of rehab, but there are treatment choices for people with limited financial means. Many treatment programs offer affordable financing options that spread payments out over time. There are also government programs that help many people. Rehab is a one-time cost, after which time people can return to gainful employment. Addiction has long-term, ongoing costs that continue to mount.
Many rehab programs include vocational counseling and other job-related services as part of their offerings. There are also non-profit programs that help find employment for New Jersey residents with addiction histories. America in Recovery links job seekers and employers. For those whose addiction has gotten them in legal trouble, the National H.I.R.E Network (Helping Individuals with criminal records Reenter through Employment) can be of help.
Help with Employment and Addiction for New Jersey Residents
If you live in New Jersey and are struggling with addiction, give us a call and let us discuss treatment options with you. Our 24 hour helpline is toll free. Our knowledgeable phone counselors can answer your questions and even check any insurance coverage you may have, if you wish. Treat your addiction and reclaim your life. Call now.
