Ohio Alcohol & Drug Rehab Programs For Professionals

Doctors, lawyers, and other professionals face a significant amount of stress. To cope, some of them turn to drugs. This type of substance abuse often leads to drug addiction (also called substance use disorder).

While addiction is treatable, many Ohio professionals avoid treatment because they fear losing their jobs. Luckily, the state offers flexible treatment programs that meet the unique needs of patients with high-stress careers. 

Drug Abuse & Addiction Among Ohio Professionals

Like the rest of the population, professionals may abuse many different types of drugs. The most commonly abused drugs among Ohio professionals are depressants and stimulants.

Depressants

Depressants are drugs that slow down your central nervous system. They make you feel calm and relaxed. 

Some of the most popular depressants include alcohol, opioids (such as OxyContin and Vicodin), and benzodiazepines (such as Xanax and Klonopin). Professionals often abuse these drugs to numb work-induced anxiety. 

Stimulants

Stimulants are drugs that speed up your central nervous system. They make you feel energized and alert. 

The most popular stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription stimulants (such as Adderall and Ritalin). Many professionals abuse these drugs to boost their energy, concentration, and overall productivity at work. 

Risk Of High-Functioning Addiction

Both depressants and stimulants are addictive, especially when abused. Drug addiction is a serious disease that makes you feel unable to stop using drugs. 

Many professionals become “high-functioning addicts.” That means they continue to perform well at their jobs despite their drug abuse. 

However, even if they appear functional and successful, professionals with addiction face serious risks, including fatal overdose, long-term health problems, and damaged or lost relationships. 

You or your loved one can avoid these risks by seeking help at an addiction treatment program. Unfortunately, many professionals avoid treatment. 

Why Do Professionals Avoid Addiction Treatment?

Generally, Ohio professionals avoid seeking treatment because they fear it will lead to job loss. 

In particular, many of them think that they can get fired for admitting they have an addiction. However, addiction is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). That means your employer cannot legally fire you for seeking addiction treatment. 

Other professionals worry they will lose their jobs if they take time off for treatment. This concern is usually unfounded. That’s because most Ohio professionals are eligible for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). 

This Act allows workers to take unpaid leave to seek treatment for medical conditions, including addiction. Also, in some cases, you can continue working during treatment.

Ohio Alcohol & Drug Rehab Programs For Professionals

Like all rehab programs, programs for professionals are available on an inpatient or outpatient basis.

In an inpatient program, you will live at a treatment center and receive 24/7 care. While these programs are intensive, some of them will allow you to work remotely. 

In an outpatient program, you will regularly visit a treatment center while living at home. You can often schedule your treatment sessions so they don’t conflict with your work hours.

Whether you choose an inpatient or outpatient program, you will receive a personalized treatment plan. This plan will include evidence-based treatment services such as:

Medical Detoxification

During medical detox, doctors will help you manage withdrawal symptoms as you get drugs out of your system. They may also prescribe medications to ease certain symptoms.

Therapy

In therapy, a mental health professional will teach you healthy ways to cope with work-related stress, drug cravings, and other mental health concerns. Some of the most common coping skills include journaling, meditating, exercising, and spending time in nature.

Along with individual therapy, many treatment programs offer family therapy. This type of therapy can help you and your family members resolve conflicts and support your long-term recovery.

Support Groups

In a support group, you can discuss your experiences and coping strategies with other people in recovery. Some treatment programs also offer specialized support groups for professionals. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment

In medication-assisted treatment (MAT), doctors prescribe medications to ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol and opioids. These medications can make your recovery much easier. 

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Many people with addiction also have other mental health conditions, such as depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. If you have one or more of these conditions, you will need to attend a dual-diagnosis treatment program. 

These programs offer specialized therapy, support groups, and other services for people with multiple mental health diagnoses. 

Aftercare Planning

Before you complete treatment, your treatment team will work with you to create a personalized aftercare plan. This plan will consist of strategies to help you build a healthy, sober life as a professional. 

Common strategies include ongoing therapy, regular exercise, and transitional housing.

To learn more about addiction treatment options for professionals, please reach out to Ohio Recovery Center. Our board-certified healthcare providers offer comprehensive, evidence-based care to help you or your loved one stay sober.