Supportive Work Environment for Heroin Addict

We have a heroin addict at work that has just started recovery.  He has been a sniffer and has been prescribed Nalorex.  I have been rather surprised that the recovery period seems to be quite challenging in terms of trying to hold a small organization together and provide support at the same time.  Initially I thought that creating a very basic level of responsibility could help, but now I am thinking that to remove every single responsibility might be best.  
It is unfortunate that work is basically the only supportive environment that he has.  We are now entering into the 3rd week.  I realize that this is totally different than recovery from alcohol, but I am quite ignorant as to what to do.  What kind of environment is helpful to something like this?  I find myself questioning the huge risk that I have taken on this person - not on a personal level, but at a professional level.  I am frightened and unsure of what is best.

Does anyone have any words of wisdom?

[confused456]

Hello. I am not sure that I will have any "right" answers for you. Here is my opinion. I feel that you need to give this person responsibility. If you let them slack, and get out of responsibility, that may be a very bad idea in my eyes for these reasons, for an addict, our minds try to trick us to have any reason to use, if he has no responsibilities, this may "trigger" him into using again. I would let him know that you are supportive, but expect tasks to be done as usual. Let him know that you do understand there may be days where he does not even want to move, and you are willing to work with them through it all, but ultimately, he has to be responsible. I am not sure this helped at all. Just my thoughts from my own point of view. Best of luck to you and to him.

[newmanagment]

wow, words of wisdom for someone that cares enough to give him a job, help him do it, and come on this forum to seek advice.. that would be hard. i think you are an awesome person, and very caring too. so just keep doin wut your doing, and let him know ya care. i think some responsibility is good, will help him keep his mind off of things. He is also going to need some aftercare, like NA/AA or a drug counselor.. if he is going to stay clean forever. how about checking into those meetings in your area, and getting the times, and taking him on lunch or after work. he will find a huge amount of support and understanding, and you will know that not only did ya help him get clean, but helping him stay clean..... so other then that all i can say to you is THANK YOU for taking time in  your life to help one of my fellow addicts to find a new path.... good luck,  many prayers, and much respect....

[confused456]

Wow, of course New said it all!!!!!

[ResponsibleParty]

Thanks for the response.  I have been a bit surprised by how daily responsibilities can overwhelm.  Also the nalorex side effects seem to have been a bit draining for the first week.  One thing that we had agreed to before embarking on this was that I would witness his taking of the nalorex each day.  I believe that we need to stick to that agreement - what do you think on that idea?  
I have no idea what the psychological pressures are with this drug.  I have had my own problems in the past - like all 70's teenagers - but man this stuff is tricky.  

[confused456]

Yes it is tricky at times. I think that if he agreed to that, then yes, by all means, make him stick to the agreement. I think it is best for both of you.

[sterling_silver]

I have had two employees with drug problems. One was coke, the other was pain pills.One made it, the other did not. I think it is important to stay clean from all drugs and drinking. You are doing the right thing. I would give him the responsibilities that he is comfortable with. I would also add N/A meetings and drug tests.
You are a good soul for sticking with this guy.
Best of luck..............

[ResponsibleParty]

Just to let everyone know, I am also working on finding a local NA group.  We are overseas so it is not quite as easy as in some places, but I am sure that one is out there.  I have found a message board so far and am just trying to determine the when and where of the meetings.  
I really appreciate the help and advice here.

[newmanagment]

see if ya can find a number and call them 2moro, sometimes the online schedules can be hard to figure out. i just wanted to say thanx again, you are a great person!! oh and yes, if an agreement was made to take the med in front of you , then by all means stick to it... as addicts we need to relearn about honoring agreements, and keeping our word....

[cathy5841]

new is so right you are an awesome person..i agree there needs to be some responsibility, i do think you should check behind him to be sure the resposibilites are being met.  to protect your business.  na is great to.  the best thing for a person in recovery is the support you are so freely giving.   it will make all the difference in his rocvery.  GOD BLESS YOU
CATHY