Anxiety about returning to work

I’ve been off work for 6 weeks seeking treatment for my alcoholism. I go back in two days. My anxiety is through the roof. To the point I feel like throwing up. Settling back into that daily routine gives me concern about the post work evening which always involved drinking.

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Have you considered more time off to work on your recovery?? I would suggest that first if it is at all possible. I tried a work/recovery balance wayyy too early and the results were disastrous. I didn’t realize how willing and obligated companies are to help you get better. Your decisions at this stage are very critical to your long term recovery. This is only MY opinion and suggestion. I hope you keep us in the loop ! Good luck :+1::flexed_biceps::folded_hands::blush:ODAAT

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First off welcome! Glad you are here. Lots of great people and support.

Now, getting back to a “normal” routine after treatment is going to take adjusting to. You can do it! It 100% is stressful because we go from a safe place focused on ourselves and recovery, to being back to other responsibilities. If you are doing AA with a sponsor and/or have a counselor I would be open with them and you will get guidance and support. Feel free to post and reach out in the groups here. You are not alone.

If you are worried about what other people think, don’t! People think about us far less than we believe they do. Beyond that, the only thing that really matters is what you think and how you are bettering yourself.

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Yep, the typical after-work-trigger. I know what you mean. Either if its a stressful day, a good day or boring day at work…i always had a reason to drink in the evening.
But like you someday began to drink after work, you can also train your brain not to do it!
Make yourself a good meal when you come home or maybe do some housework or just a little workout. Break the routine, i am sure you can do it!
Think positive, everything will be fine!

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First of all, it’s good you are already thinking about this now instead of at the last moment. This means you treasure your sobriety. :pink_heart:
That also means you can work to protect it.
If you have to go back to work before you feel ready, I would suggest having an after work plan already in place. That might mean traveling home a different way to avoid triggers. Or calling someone to talk to until you get safely home. And remember it’s ok to say “no” if pressed to go out after work. No explanation necessary just No thank you I have plans already. I didn’t go out for months at first, just worked on getting stronger. You are stronger than you know. :flexed_biceps:

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I went straight from residential mental health/alcohol treatment back to work full time, so it can definitely be done. I stayed sober for over a year during that stretch, so the job didn’t directly cause the relapse. It was absolutely difficult doing such a harsh transition. Everyone told me to try PHP or an IOP before I went back, or to go back part time and ease into it, but that wasn’t an option with my job at the time. I can definitely understand the trepidation with going right back into it :hugs: but you’ve learned skills and made connections that have strengthened your sober muscles while you’ve been in treatment. If a step down program isn’t available to you, remember that there are sobriety groups and of course TS right in your pocket.

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