Im looking to see if anyone on here that went through getting sober then decided they wanted help others. And actually has a job in the field.
I know about the needing to help others during your own sobriety, but this feels different. I want to help “troubled teens”. I want to grab them up right before they make that last little move towards self destruction and write 10 years off their life. Or longer.
I want to help these kids like I wish someone helped me…
And I decided to go with emotional support on this one because I didnt realize just typing that last sentence would have me bawling.
These stupid random cries that have been hitting me lately can chill too. Ive always been a little sensitive but MAAAAAN im such a baby now.
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Hi! I actually did pursue a career in the “helping field”. Went to college to become a Community Support Worker. My first job was working at a halfway house for men getting out of prison and who have also been diagnosed with a severe mental illness. I did that for 5 years before moving into another job (where Im still at now 10 yeats later) where I work with adults who have a combination of intellectual disabilities and mental health issues. Its really rewarding. But i did find that it was difficult at times helping those with addictions, when i wasnt quite healed myself. Now that im clean and sober i am finding it easier, but still at times it can be hard. Self care is crucial in this field for sure.
I think helping teens that are struggling is such a GREAT career path. I hope that u continue with thia dream and make it happen 
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I went into public health (HIV, substance use) when I got sober. I did client facing work for a while then got into the leadership path. I love working for non-profits with a good mission. I support equity, community empowerment, and fighting stigma across all underserved communities. I absolutely love this type of work. My background is in law but it’s never too late to switch. I was 32 when I switched careers.
I’m here to answer any questions you have
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I cannot stress enough that well intentioned newly sober persons should NOT get into social work without sufficient training and education.
Doing social work is not the equivilent of being a sponsor, more skills and broader knowledge is required.
Dealing with a specific group of addicts such as teens or HIV affected necessitates more knowledge than one’s personal sober journey can provide.
Thinking that there is but one way to recover from addiction is actually harmful to the population one is helping to find sobriety.
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I say go for it. My little sister was addicted to fentanol and since getting out of jail has landed a fantastic job helping those who are active in addiction. This is also her longest stretch at being clean. She said her job is a daily reminder of why she doesn’t pick up. However, she had her license before getting addicted to hard drug’s. Just wanted to share that with you. Best wishes. 
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