Successfully Remain Drug and Alcohol Free
If you are back to safety-sensitive duties because you completing the return to duty process, congratulations! After successfully complying with the protocol outlined by your SAP, submitting a negative drug and/or alcohol test result, and returning to safety-sensitive duties, it is now time to remain drug and alcohol free. You don’t have to go through this process alone, and with some tips and practices, it doesn’t have to be so difficult.
Recovery Process
One way to remain drug and alcohol free is to stick to your recovery program. Shockingly, around 10% of people suffer from a substance abuse issue throughout their lives. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 23.5 million people ages 12 and older required treatment for a drug or alcohol problem in the last year. And fortunately, approximately 75% of individuals remain drug and alcohol free. Sticking to a recovery program can help.
Tips for Remaining Drug and Alcohol Free
- Stay busy, whether it be with work, household projects, or a new hobby. When you have little time to think about abusing drugs or alcohol, you’re less likely to want to go back to that life.
- Make sure you form a strong support system of friends and family. You need people you can turn to if you have moments when you feel weak. They can talk you through it to help you remain focused and on a path to sobriety.
- Get therapy if you need it. You’ll have a trained professional who can guide you and help you develop a strong foundation to build your sobriety upon.
- Start exercising regularly. Physical activity helps you better manage stress through the release of endorphins — feel-good hormones secreted in the brain during exercise. It can also help you establish a routine and fill time when you may have otherwise been using a substance.
Importance of Remaining Drug and Alcohol Free as a Safety-Sensitive Employee
When you have a safety-sensitive job, you may need to submit to a drug or alcohol test at any given time, especially if your employer has reason to believe you’re currently under the influence. If you fail a drug and/or alcohol test you will be removed from your safety-sensitive duties and have to complete the return to duty process (even if you went through it in the past).
If you are dealing with a failed drug and/or alcohol test and have to complete the return to duty process, connect with SRS at 410-668-8110.