Whenever a business owner is seeking new employees, in their mind there will several traits that they hope to find in a candidate. In most cases, it is unlikely that someone having drug rehab success on their CV is going to score them many plus points, however, that personal experience may just mean that they have a lot more to offer than many other candidates.

Let us face facts and point out that going through drug recovery is not a walk in the park by any means. Whilst each individual will face up to it and deal with their drug rehab in a different way, there are several common traits and behaviours which everyone going through drug recovery will show.

For successful drug rehabilitation, those traits will all be positive ones, and may well be exactly what a prospective employer is looking for. To give you a fuller understanding of these positive traits, here are some of the most significant ones.

Courage

For anyone with an addiction, be it an ice addiction, smoking, drinking, self-harm, or drugs, it takes a huge amount of courage, not only to admit that they have a problem, but to then commit to going through a program that will rehabilitate them. Whilst not many occupations will be one where someone’s life is at risk, having the courage to make decisions, to question erroneous instructions, and to put forward new ideas, can all make that employee a hugely valuable asset to the business.

Resilience

We have all heard stories of people on drug rehabilitation programs who give up and return to their previous addiction. For those that stay on the road to recovery, it requires them to have a huge level of resilience, especially during those moments when their desire to use drugs again is at its highest. A business will benefit hugely from employees who show that even when things are tough or difficult, they show resilience in continually trying to do the best job they can.

Self-Discipline

If there is one positive trait that everyone who successfully completes drug rehab must have, it is self-discipline. Having the self-disciple to not call their dealer when the temptation rears its head, or to not go looking for a supplier in the parts of town where they usually hang out, is impressive. That same self-discipline shown in the work environment will mean they work diligently, do not break the rules, and prove themselves to be an honest and hard-working individual.

Gratitude

Let us face it and be open about the fact that drug addiction is deadly. For anyone to have been given the chance to not only stop using drugs but to literally be given a chance to save their life, they will be truly thankful to those who helped them achieve this. With a second chance at life, they are also going to be grateful to an employer who gives them the opportunity to earn an honest living. Their gratitude will manifest itself in their dedication and loyalty to that employer.

Empathy

Given that they have overcome drug addiction, one of the most difficult rehabilitation programs there is, recovered drug addicts have a tendency to show greater compassion and empathy to others who, might not necessarily be on a drug rehab program, but are trying to overcome personal issues and difficulties in their own lives. In the workplace this means you will have an employee who considers their fellow worker’s welfare more than others might and supports them.