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  • EADD Moderators: Shambles

Volunteering with addiction recovery charities

swampdragon

swampdragon

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Ello folks! Does anyone have any experience of volunteering or working for drug/alcohol addiction charities?

I've seen a voluntary opportunity that would be amazing experience for me, but... how honest should I be about my drug intake? I'm the voice of moderation and don't touch opiates or have any addictions, so I don't think I could be considered a bad influence, even if I told the truth. Do folks reckon they'd be cool with me saying I'm a very occasional user of MDMA and smoke a bit of weed, if they ask? Or will they really not want current drug users at all?
 
I've been "in treatment" with various organisations of this nature for around 20y and (during my less wasted times) have discussed working in such capacities with my counsellors and key workers. The main issue I had was that I assumed one would have to be 100% clean and sober to work for such people and keep any such past instances quiet. Everytime I have brought this up I've been told that as long as no current use and/or abuse extends to the point of interfering with the capability of working and fulfilling your role (whatever that may be) it is not considered to be a problem. Prior ab/use is never considered a problem and is often considered "work experience" as it helps staff to make connections with clients.

To be clear, I have been told explicitly on several occasions that current drug use is not a problem so long as it is not problematic.

I'd say go for it and be totally upfront. This is something I am seriously considering for my future and will be doing the same. Nothing alienates clients quite as much as people who have only ever read about things that have zero actual experience of them and this is recognised within the service. I would suggest not turning up to interviews drooling and incoherent but - knowing you - that's kinda unlikely and you really have nothing to worry about.
 
I've not worked in addiction charities, only been what they term a "service-user," I'd say be honest to a point. Say you've done drugs in the past but not currently n that it has given you experience of possible problems. But I would talk more of empathy n listening than drugs. As they msay be concerned of possible dealers (not saying you are of course) n people who may pass on drugs to vulnerable people, which does happen. Try to keep talk of your use to a bare minimun n focus on skills you've got in applying to the role; compassion, empathy, listening, helping out in a forum with members who experience addiction. Not sure about the latter.

Evey
 
Shambles said:
Prior ab/use is never considered a problem and is often considered "work experience" as it helps staff to make connections with clients. To be clear, I have been told explicitly on several occasions that current drug use is not a problem so long as it is not problematic.

I'd say go for it and be totally upfront. This is something I am seriously considering for my future and will be doing the same. Nothing alienates clients quite as much as people who have only ever read about things that have zero actual experience of them and this is recognised within the service. I would suggest not turning up to interviews drooling and incoherent but - knowing you - that's kinda unlikely and you really have nothing to worry about.
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Ahhh, thank ye very much, that's great! I'd hoped as much but it's really helpful to know you've been told this by professionals.. I probably would still downplay current use a little but it's good that I don't need to say I'm straight-edge or anything. :)

(And for what it's worth, I think you'd be great at it, given the amount of experience you have and how good you are at talking to people on here.)

And thanks too, Evey.. you make a good point that I should focus on the empathy more than the drugs.. good call. :)
 
For purely volluntary roles people still on methadone or bupe maintenance are generally considered fair game in my experience. People whose drug use is purely recreational and minimal even at that I can't imagine would be seen as anything other than an asset. Bear in mind this is precisely the situation most "service users" dream of so you'd technically be a role model :D

I find there is a big difference between front line services and what is generally presented through the media which tends to focus on 12 Step/abstainance approaches. In reality things are far mroe relaxed and it is widely acknowledged that this is not for all and would actively prevent many people from ever seeking treatment of any kind unless forced to.

I probably wouldn't dwell on current drug use in your situation but I would mention it if asked and also put it into context. From the relatively little I know of you in the grand scheme it seems you use - and use lightly - but never come close to abusing. This seems about as ideal as it gets in terms of people I'd like to talk to as a "service user" (as Evey points out - this is the horrendously icky title folk like me are given these days :!).

Go for it and the very best of luck <3
 
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