Ocean Ridge Treatment & Recovery
Detox, Treatment, Recovery
Returning to work—or staying employed—while going through drug and alcohol treatment can feel like walking a tightrope. You want to be present, productive, and dependable, but you also need time and space for healing, rest, and reflection. At Ocean Ridge Recovery, we understand that balancing work and recovery is a journey that takes intention, patience, and the right tools.
Whether you’re in early addiction recovery or maintaining long-term sobriety, this blog offers practical tips to help you achieve a healthy work life balance while prioritizing your mental, emotional, and physical health.
You don’t have to tell everyone everything—but if you trust your HR department, manager, or a supportive colleague, letting them know you’re focusing on your mental health or recovery can open the door to flexibility and compassion. You might also be eligible for protected time off, adjusted schedules, or reduced workloads as part of a recovery-ready workplace.
Many employers now take steps to support employees facing a substance use disorder, offering therapy sessions, flexible hours, or support group referrals.
Creating a healthy balance between your work and recovery means knowing when to say “no.” You don’t have to attend every happy hour, take every shift, or say yes to extra projects that could interfere with support group meetings, therapy sessions, or your evening routine.
This is your time to focus on healing—set boundaries that preserve your progress and energy.
Self care isn’t selfish—it’s survival. Make time in your calendar for recovery routines just like you would a meeting or deadline. That might include:
These seemingly small habits help you build healthy habits and maintain a healthy work life balance as your professional life and recovery begin to align.
Many people in substance abuse recovery find comfort in structure. Set daily routines for meals, sleep, work, and therapy sessions so you can anticipate what’s next and reduce emotional overwhelm.
A consistent schedule helps you balance work demands with recovery time, especially during moments of high stress or temptation.
Recovery is not a solo mission. Rely on trusted support group communities, recovery mentors, colleagues, friends, and family who want to see you succeed. Attending support group meetings regularly can also help reduce feelings of isolation, build accountability, and inspire you to stay committed to your goals.
If you’re not part of a formal group yet, Ocean Ridge can help connect you with local or virtual options tailored to your needs.
Stress can be a trigger, so learning to pause before reacting can be a lifesaver. Try breathwork at your desk, take a walk between meetings, or step away when you feel overwhelmed. Mindfulness techniques support mental health, help with emotion regulation, and contribute to a successful recovery.
Even a moment of intentional quiet can shift your entire day.
As you return to or rebuild your career, surround yourself with people who support your growth. Steer clear of gossip, negativity, or environments that don’t respect your boundaries.
Building healthy relationships at work helps reinforce your values and create a stigma free workplace that uplifts everyone—especially those in substance use disorder recovery.
Every day you stay committed to recovery and show up for work is a win. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Progress is rarely linear—and your effort, even on hard days, speaks volumes.
Remember: staying sober and learning to balance work and life is an ongoing process. Let yourself be proud of how far you’ve come.
At Ocean Ridge Recovery, we help professionals navigate substance use disorders without having to sacrifice their career. Whether you’re working full-time, part-time, or transitioning back after alcohol treatment or drug and alcohol treatment, our team is here to guide you toward a path that honors both your healing and your goals.
We believe in helping companies retain employees, build recovery-ready workplaces, and foster real change—inside and out.
Need help balancing work and recovery? Contact Ocean Ridge Recovery today to seek support, compassionate care, and a personalized plan that meets you where you are.
Our medical, clinical, and counseling staffs on site are available 24/7.
Bobby Nassiri is a seasoned Program Director and Business Development Director with over 12 years of experience in the behavioral health industry. Since earning his CADCII counselor certification in 2017, Bobby has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals through compassionate care and innovative program development. Bobby’s expertise spans a wide range of areas, including strategic business growth, program management, and client counseling. His comprehensive approach to behavioral health ensures that every program he directs is both effective and empathetic, catering to the unique needs of each individual client. Outside of his professional endeavors, Bobby enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, practicing Brazilian jiu jitsu, and attending concerts. His diverse interests and commitment to personal well-being reflect his holistic approach to life and work.
So, you’ve decided to go to rehab. You’ve figured out where you want to go. You’ve figured out how to pay for it. You’ve figured out what to do about your job. Everything is falling into place except…
Failing a drug test can be a stressful and life-changing event, especially if it happens at work. Drug tests are often required by employers to maintain a safe and productive work environment. But if you fail, it could lead to consequences that impact your job and future opportunities.
Whether for mental health or drug abuse, seeing recovery is a courageous and important choice. But a lot of workers put off getting help because they’re concerned that it will affect their jobs.
Going to rehab can be a powerful experience. Here, you’re giving yourself the chance to pick up a new set of tools that will allow you to proactively deal with life, addiction, and cravings. At the same time, moving to rehab can be an incredibly lonely experience as you leave friends, family, and your home behind.
Leaving rehab can be daunting. The transition back into everyday life feels overwhelming for many in early recovery. Sober living homes can provide the vital support and structure needed to navigate this challenging yet crucial stage of your journey.
Addiction recovery is a tough journey, and it often takes a unique approach to tackle the physical and mental challenges of substance abuse. One exciting and effective method making waves in addiction recovery: Jiu Jitsu.
At Ocean Ridge, we understand that the demanding schedules, high-stress environments, and physical demands of a job at BNSF Railway can contribute to substance use issues. Our mission is to provide compassionate, effective treatment tailored to the needs of BNSF Railway employees, helping them reclaim their lives from addiction.
At Ocean Ridge, we get it—balancing a high-pressure career while seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. That’s why our Executive Treatment program is here to make things easier, offering top-tier care in a private, confidential setting.
Addiction doesn’t discriminate—it can impact anyone, no matter their career or position. For professionals, juggling work responsibilities while trying to seek help can feel nearly impossible. You might not have the option to step away from your job entirely to focus on treatment. That’s why finding a rehab tailored to professionals is crucial.
Addiction doesn’t discriminate—it can impact anyone, no matter their career or position. For professionals, juggling work responsibilities while trying to seek help can feel nearly impossible. You might not have the option to step away from your job entirely to focus on treatment.
Now, more than ever, our friends, family, and loved ones need medical help for drug and alcohol abuse.
In fact, in 2020, 40.3 million Americans struggled with a substance use disorder. Our friends, family, and loved ones need help and compassionate care from quality drug and alcohol rehab centers.
The admissions process for Ocean Ridge Treatment and Recovery is quick and convenient. Our Drug Rehab and Alcohol Rehab programs are modern, effective, and based in clinical excellence.
The Georgia Sue house is a gorgeous six-bed facility in Laguna Hills that boasts a warm, upscale environment created to help our clients feel at home during their recovery journey.
The Del Campo House is a six-bed facility in beautiful San Clemente that offers clients both privacy and community. Surrounded by gorgeous natural views, this space provides those seeking help for substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders with everything they need to feel relaxed, supported and empowered.
For individuals seeking freedom from substance use, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offers a free, compassionate and supportive community. With its emphasis on the 12-step framework, NA meetings in Orange County, CA provide recovering addicts with the tools and encouragement they need to achieve and maintain sobriety.
For many, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers a vital foundation for recovering from alcohol addiction. With its supportive community, structured program, and proven success, AA provides alcoholics with the tools and encouragement they need to stop drinking and rebuild their lives.
Drug testing is a common practice in many industries to ensure workplace safety, compliance with regulations, and employee productivity. Employers across a variety of sectors often require drug tests during the hiring process, after an accident, or at random intervals to maintain a safe and drug-free work environment.
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