For people who have been or are still service users the situation is very different.
The two year rule
A number of years ago DrugScope suggested a two year rule – that people had to be two years clean before applying for jobs to prevent people from exploitation. Then, there had been a tendency for rehabs to employ their recent graduates on often very poor terms and conditions in a way that was simply exploitative. However, the rule began to be seen as a blanket ban and was applied in a discriminatory way. DrugScope, now, repudiates it in the strongest terms. However, many organisations still insist on it and this could present an unjust barrier.On a script
For people who are currently stable on a methadone script, there is no logical reason why, given decent management support, there should be blocks to entering employment in the drugs and alcohol sector but they can expect severe problems due to some engrained attitudes and prejudice/Competent
Being someone who had a drugs problem may provide a lot of insight into what other people are going through but without a certain set of skills it won’t help.These skills involve:
◦ unconditional positive regard,
◦ listening,
◦ problem solving,
◦ and empathy.
I am an ex-user – when should I start applying for jobs?
There is no right answer to this – when you feel confident that you can do a job well and handle the pressures involved. As there is no formal set of qualifications you might as well start applying now. However, just stating that you are an ex-user won’t be enough – you have to demonstrate that you have all of the skills in the person specification.Getting experience and making contacts
Volunteering is a practical way of getting experience for full time work. A number of organisations offer training schemes for volunteers – one of the most famous is the Blenheim project in London.Many organisations outside the sector will have large numbers of clients who have drugs and alcohol problems – volunteering with them will provide a broader range of important experience – this is particularly true of ones that work with people who have mental health problems, offenders and the homeless.
User groups are set up and run by users for users. They often campaign for better treatment and carry out advocacy – generally, they are well linked into local decision making structures so they represent an excellent way of finding out what’s happening locally and meeting people. You can find out if there is one in your area by contacting our local Drugs and Alcohol Action team.
Getting knocked back
A key question to consider is how you handle getting knocked back – it would be naïve to expect to start getting interviews straight away.The Alliance is a national organisation which exists to support people who are either in treatment or seeking help for drug dependency. It was set up and is run by people with direct experience of addiction management, reflecting the organisation’s core belief that when drug users and professionals work together as equals, it creates a powerful voice to help set high standards for drug treatment.
Some of the issues involved are discussed in the 'Employing ex-users" presentation.