From Hell to Helping: Navigating the Challenges of Recovery in the Field They say those who can't do, teach. But what about those who've been to hell and back? Can they teach, counsel, or nurse? Should they? The question of individuals in recovery entering the helping professions is a complex one, filled with landmines, silver linings, and a whole lot of gray area. The Dark Side: Relapse Risks and Unfinished Business Let's get the scary stuff out of the way first. The helping professions aren't for the faint of heart, and they're certainly not a cakewalk for those in early recovery. The stress, the trauma, the endless needs of others...it's a recipe for disaster if you're not solid in your own sobriety. One moment of weakness, one boundaries slip, and you could be face-first in the booze or dope again. And this time, you're not just dragging yourself down, but also the vulnerable people relying on your care. There's also the matter of unfinished busi...