Juggling work and family is a challenge. The thought of throwing rehab and treatment programs into the mix seems overwhelming. But it is possible!
From time management to breaking down and asking for help, these seven tips will help you manage your family and career while making time to get support for substance abuse.
- Leave Superman or Wonder Woman for the Movies!Unless you’re a superhero, chances are you can’t do it all. Set realistic expectations. Finding time for work, your family and friends, and a treatment program is challenging. Having realistic expectations will decrease or reduce some of the pressure.
- Take It EasyNow is probably not the time to put in more hours at the office, sign up for extra responsibilities at your child’s school, or join a gym. It’s frustrating when you want to do more than your schedule allows. Recognize that this schedule isn’t forever. It’s what you need to do right now to stay on the path to recovery.
- Make a Time BudgetJust like you live on a financial budget, you have a time budget. Everyone gets 24 hours a day. Use those hours wisely, and you’ll fit in more than you think.Sit down alone and write out a daily and weekly schedule, considering your work hours, kids’ activities, and other commitments. Then look at where you could fit in a support group.
- Pare It Down
Once you’ve created a schedule, decide what needs to stay and what you can give up. You can always add something again when you have more time. When family, work, and staying sober are your top priorities, it’s okay to step out of extra activities. The same goes for your kids’ activities. Overscheduling events and activities isn’t worth the stress that accompanies adding them on top of what you’re already dealing with. - Put It In WritingSaying you’re going to try to make it to a support group meeting is different than putting it on your schedule like you do a dentist appointment or teacher’s conference. It’s not an extra, it’s a commitment. If you put it on your calendar, you’re more likely to stick to it and you won’t schedule another activity at the same time.
- All Hands on Deck!Enlist your family’s help. After you’ve worked out a schedule and chosen a time for a group meeting, make a family schedule on a whiteboard or calendar. Delegate responsibilities to your partner and kids. Whether they help make a meal, do the dishes, or run errands, it frees up time for your top priorities.
- Ask For HelpAs you’ve most likely learned in rehab, you can’t fight substance abuse alone. So why try to juggle family, work, and treatment programs by yourself? Talk to your boss about temporarily reducing your work load. Network with other parents to get help with rides to your kids’ sports or school activities. Many churches, synagogues, and other organizations offer support. If you don’t ask, they can’t help!
While it may seem daunting at first, making time for your family, job, and treatment for substance abuse is possible!
Rehab After Work offers outpatient group therapy for those recovering from substance abuse. We are committed to helping those suffering from addiction and their families, offering hope and a chance at a new life. Call today or contact us online to see how our supportive counselors can help you!
