Dear Jaydos~
Welcome here to the Forum, I think you will find many who have been injured and had to change jobs, and many more who have a drug or alcohol problem.
Becoming a father is a great change in your life (it certainly was in mine) , and in what you think is important. Both career and D&A problems are best coped with using the help of others, in fact it is often that which makes it possible. I am going to assume you have a wife or partner -my apologies if I have it wrong.
Trying for an new job can be very discouraging at times, and that means that D&A seem more attractive as you become despondent and fear there is no chance of success.
I managed to change jobs after being invalided out of my career and the reason is my partner, who looked after me amazingly when I was very ill, and later after I'd been let go got sick of me hanging around the house and made me go out and do something that eventual helped me start a new life.
I also got medical support, and that made a huge difference too.
May I ask if you can talk frankly with your partner -or someone else who cares - and face these problems together. It does not make you weak to do that, everyone needs a hand at times. Shows sense.
I'd also suggest you contact our 24/7 Help Line 1300 22 4636 and see if there is a D&A support group in your area. Having the group, and possibly an experienced person from them as a mentor can make the difference between stopping and staying stopped, rahter than stopping multiple times.
A GP on side too can make a big difference. Beyond Blue has some words on this too
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/men/what-causes-anxiety-and-depression-in-men/alcohol-and-drug-use
I would like it if you came back and talked some more as you go though all this
Croix
