Employment Post-Addiction.

Three weeks after quitting crystal meth cold turkey. Three weeks after a year of nearly daily injections. Three weeks into an unknown and overwhelming existence.

No car.

No home.

No money.

I had been hired as a server at a taco joint the day my kids picked me up from jail. The inspiration to get sober quickly evolved into sheer passion. I was on a mission to rebuild. I also knew that any idle moments could get me into trouble.

By that time, I was renting a room by the week. I would ride the bus in inpatient rehab three times a week, ride the bus downtown to pee in a cup three times per week, keep appointments with my drug treatment court case worker, and show up for court to stand before a judge biweekly.

All while serving at night.

In my haste to get ahead financially, I then took a job at a French bakery. I was upfront with them about my current situation and was initially met with empathy and flexibility.

Until I wasn't.

Both jobs began to push me over my mental and physical limits. I also heard slurs by management at both locations about the 'meth heads' hanging around outside and being offered alcohol on several occasions.

Can you imagine the stress I was under simply trying to survive? Then to be triggered in such insensitive ways.

I can understand why those in early sobriety find it so difficult to stay sober. Typically, restaurants are our only hope as they don't typically run background checks and are desperate for help.

I finally collapsed one night during the dinner rush. The muscles in my back locked up from dehydration. The manager was annoyed even while lying on the floor, and I had to call 911 from my cell phone.

The doctor in the ER gave me valium, which then showed up on my drug test and caused my drug treatment program to start over. I finally made it back to my room late at night. My shift at the bakery started at 8:00 am.

The next morning, I was so groggy I got on the right bus line but went in the wrong direction. I was late for my shift. I was met by the manager on duty, who berated me in front of several other employees.

"How did you not know the bus was going away from the city, not towards?!"

For the first time in my life, I raised my fist to punch someone. A woman at that! Bursting out crying, I ran out of the bakery never to return.

To say that we need recovery-friendly workplaces is an understatement. There was not one person in leadership who understood the nature of addiction nor approached me through a trauma-informed lens. How I didn't relapse is a miracle.

This is why I am so happy to feature a fellow meth survivor and champion for recovery-friendly workplaces on The AfterMeth Podcast!

Kevin Hyer's journey into methamphetamine addiction began unexpectedly at age 39, demonstrating how addiction can affect anyone regardless of age or professional status.

His story highlights the rapid and devastating impact of meth addiction, as he went from a successful career to losing his job within just 8 weeks of first trying the drug. This swift descent underscores the potent and destructive nature of methamphetamine.

Reflective Questions:

1. How has Kevin's story changed your perception of addiction and recovery?
2. What role do you think support systems play in successful recovery?
3. How might society's stigma around addiction impact someone's journey to recovery?
4. What are your thoughts on the concept of "recovery-friendly workplaces"?
5. How do you think Kevin's professional background as a labor attorney influenced his approach to helping others in recovery?

The psychological power of methamphetamine addiction is a central theme in Kevin's narrative. He describes vivid experiences of paranoia, hallucinations, and severely impaired judgment, illustrating how profoundly the drug can alter one's perception of reality and behavior.

These effects extended beyond just the high, impacting his daily functioning and decision-making abilities even when not actively using.

Kevin emphasizes the crucial role of support systems in the recovery process. He credits his time in treatment programs and the ongoing support of the recovery community as key factors in his journey to sobriety.

This underscores the importance of professional help and peer support in overcoming addiction and maintaining long-term recovery.

Journal Prompts:

1. Reflect on a time when you or someone you know faced a significant challenge. How did support from others impact the situation?
2. Write about a misconception you once held about addiction or recovery that has since changed. What led to this change in perspective?
3. Describe what a truly "recovery-friendly" workplace might look like to you.
4. Consider the idea of "second chances" in your own life. When have you given or received a second chance, and what was the outcome?
5. Imagine you are creating a support program for people in recovery. What key elements would you include and why?

The stigma surrounding addiction, particularly methamphetamine addiction, is a significant obstacle that Kevin addresses. He discusses how this stigma can affect various aspects of life, from personal relationships to employment opportunities. Kevin's openness about his past addiction serves to challenge these stigmas and promote understanding and acceptance of those in recovery.

Through his work with the Hyer Calling Foundation, Kevin is now dedicated to promoting recovery-friendly workplaces and providing support for individuals in recovery.

This mission reflects his belief in the importance of second chances and the value that people in recovery can bring to the workforce. By advocating for more inclusive and supportive work environments, Kevin aims to help others rebuild their lives and careers after addiction, just as he has done.

Action Exercises:

1. Research local organizations that support addiction recovery in your community. List three ways you could potentially get involved or offer support.
2. Create a personal "relapse prevention plan" or a "life improvement plan" that includes strategies for maintaining physical and mental health, building support systems, and achieving personal goals.
3. Practice using person-first language when discussing addiction for one week (e.g., "person with substance use disorder" instead of "addict").
4. Identify three potential triggers in your life that could lead to negative behaviors or setbacks. Develop a strategy for managing each one.
5. Write a letter of encouragement to your future self, reminding yourself of your strengths and the progress you've made in your own journey of personal growth.

I would really love to hear your stories. What has been your experience with recovery-friendly workplaces? Reply and share.

Love, Dallas 💚