Content Reviewed by Cameron Bolish, M.Ed., CEO of PaRC

Everyone who seeks treatment for substance use has different needs. While most individuals seeking treatment may intend to achieve sobriety, they may not realize that doing so requires addressing and overcoming all underlying causes of their substance use. For treatment to be effective and long-lasting, treatment programs must intentionally work to meet the individualized needs of each and every patient.

Treatment facilities are constantly working to understand how specific populations are affected by substance use and addiction. As a result, many facilities develop specialized treatment programs for unique populations.

Contrary to popular belief, substance use disorder (SUD) does not only affect those who experience economic or social disadvantages. Working professionals and executives are among one such population that is becoming increasingly affected by substance use. In response to this fact, many treatment facilities have created unique drug and alcohol rehab programs specific to these populations.

Understanding the Risks of Substance Use for Working Professionals

No one is immune from SUD; not even healthcare providers, first responders, corporate executives, attorneys and other working professionals. These people can actually be considered high-risk for substance use issues. However, working professionals are often neglected when considering high-risk populations for substance use. This may be because working professionals are regarded as high-functioning. It may also be due to the fact that substance use is more normalized within these populations.

Stress at Work Is a Risk Factor for Substance Use

Stress is a common risk factor that can facilitate substance use. Work stress is no different. Factors such as work overload, job insecurity, loneliness and additional work stressors can all instigate and perpetuate self-medication. Self-medication is the use of alcohol and other drugs as an attempt to relieve symptoms of overwhelm or distress.

Another factor that can facilitate alcohol and other drug use, whether in the workforce or the workplace, is when substance use is regarded as normative behavior. Additionally, physically demanding work, the availability of alcohol and other drugs, lack of supervision and low motivation can contribute to the substance use of working professionals.

Combined data from the 2008-2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) exhibits incredibly alarming results pertaining to SUD in the workforce. Of the 113 million adults aged 18-64 who were employed full-time, nearly 10.8 million — almost 10 percent — had SUD. The same data showed that of the 28 million adults who were employed part-time, nearly 3.3 million — about 12% — had SUD. It is important to note that these statistics only include individuals who met the criteria for SUD noted in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). There are likely many more individuals in the workforce who may not meet such criteria but still struggle with substance use.

Treatment and Addiction Recovery for Working Professionals

When it comes to treatment and recovery, working professionals have unique needs. After all, individuals who are committed to their jobs may have a range of hesitations that delay or prevent treatment entry and engagement. For example, individuals may feel stressed about going to treatment for fear that they will lose their job. Additionally, working professionals may need extra support and motivation to understand that they deserve to prioritize their mental health for once in their career life.

These hesitations are valid. However, when substance use problems are left unresolved, they can contribute to a range of mental and physical health problems. Not only can their physical and mental well-being begin to decline, but so can their relationships and, inevitably, their work life.

Many individuals may believe that they can control their substance use as a working professional. Unfortunately, addiction is characterized by a loss of control over substance use. Even the most high-function and strong-willed individuals may experience indefinite struggle if they leave their addiction untreated.

PaRC’s Professionals and Executives Rehab Program

Professionals and executives rehab programs, like the one offered by Prevention and Recovery Center (PaRC), can help meet the needs of working professionals by helping patients manage work-life stressors better. Our specialized program offers many specialty groups and classes for working professionals seeking recovery from alcohol and other drugs. We staff a licensed and experienced clinical team that works closely with patients to ensure that their professional credentials are not compromised.

Our program is designed with the whole person in mind. We offer a variety of treatment services and approaches to ensure that our patient care is individualized. Some important treatment services we can incorporate into our patient’s treatment program include:

  • Detoxification
  • Residential treatment
  • Partial day treatment
  • Chemical dependency education groups
  • Intensive outpatient program (day and evening)
  • Family services
  • Career coaching
  • Discharge planning
  • Experiential therapy
  • Patient and family aftercare
  • Grief and loss support groups
  • Spirituality groups
  • Relapse prevention
  • Alumni association
  • 12-Step meetings

We believe it is crucial for working professionals to feel valued and empowered throughout their treatment journey. With the help of treatment options like these, working professionals can feel confident in their ability to achieve and sustain lifelong sobriety, especially once they return to the workplace.

Prevention and Recovery Center (PaRC) is a treatment facility where we understand the unique needs of working professionals when it comes to treatment and recovery from substance use. This is why we offer a specialized treatment program for working professionals and executives. To learn more, call PaRC today at (713) 939-7272.