The many challenges currently facing our educational system are making it more difficult than ever to provide Canadian students with an adequate education. Poor attendance, the ever-changing curriculum, and the stress of running a classroom with fewer resources continue to be problems for many teachers. On top of this list of growing concerns, is the rise in cases of substance use disorders involving teachers. Many teachers across Canada are reporting higher rates of alcohol, amphetamine, and sedative use.
Have You Developed an Addiction Due to the Pressures of Being a Teacher?
There are many ways that an individual can find themselves developing a substance use disorder. Many people enter the teaching profession with some history of alcohol or drug use that they were previously able to control. Some succumb to the occupational stress and occasionally overuse prescription medications, which can eventually lead to addiction. Others have their students, other members of staff, or their social circles who serve as gateways to addiction. Regardless of how the addiction begins, many teachers find it difficult to maintain control of themselves, their personal lives, and most importantly their students, as a result of an alcohol or substance use disorder. Some of the symptoms of alcohol or substance use disorders include the following:
- The use of alcohol or drugs several times per day
- Spending money on your habit, even though you can’t afford it
- Taking larger amounts of drugs than you originally intended over an extended period of time.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug.
- Engaging in dangerous behavior you would normally not engage in to get access to drugs such as theft.
Have You Been Avoiding Getting Treatment Because You Can’t Take Time off Your Job as a Teacher?
Even when a teacher recognizes that they have a problem, they may still hesitate to seek treatment, even though they may acknowledge that their problem could be fatal if not addressed. Other individuals may have coworkers or loved ones who recognize that they have a problem and bring it to their attention. Either situation can trigger feelings of helplessness, shame, and vulnerability, which can be very difficult to process for someone, such as a teacher, who sees themselves as an authority figure. Frequently, individuals deny that they have a problem and begin to isolate themselves from the people who express concern. If a teacher is lucky enough to realize, either on their own or with the help of others, that they have a problem, it may still be impossible to go for drug rehab during the school year.
Summer Is the Best Time for Teachers to Get Addiction Treatment
People are often unsure of what to expect during treatment and the idea can be troubling for some. Rest assured, EHN Canada specializes in treating substance use disorders and has excellent treatment outcomes. We offer individualized treatment programs that incorporate evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT). Our programs aim to address the destructive behaviour patterns that severely harm a person’s physical and mental health.
Our compassionate staff are trained to work with every personality and individual style to help our patients create long-lasting changes and provide much-needed skills and coping strategies to maintain and build on recovery after treatment. Our residential addiction treatment programs allow individuals the time and space to focus exclusively on their recovery. This can be very helpful for many teachers who are in the habit of putting others first.
EHN Canada recognizes the importance of privacy surrounding treatment, and every possible measure is taken to protect your confidentiality. No one will find out about your enrolment in an EHN Canada treatment program unless you choose to reveal it to them yourself.
Start Your Recovery This Summer
The pressure of being a role model and the negative feelings associated with addiction can be more than most teachers can endure. If you can’t take the time during the school year, plan to use your summer vacation as a time to focus on your recovery. Remember, if you have a substance use disorder, getting treatment is an essential part of your own learning and personal development, and a necessary step for you to become the best teacher you can be for your students.
Call Us Now!
If you would like to learn more about the treatment programs provided by EHN Canada, enrol yourself in one of our programs, or refer someone else, please call us at one of our phone numbers. Our phone lines are open 24/7—so you can call us anytime.
