Mental Health
February 18, 2020
Support is key for anyone recovering from addiction. The move from treatment back to everyday life brings many challenges. To overcome these, you need a strong support system.
A sober companion offers the support needed to secure your recovery efforts. They provide a foundation for lasting sobriety.
A sober companion offers personalized, one-on-one support.They tailor their approach to your unique needs and circumstances. Through companionship, guidance, and encouragement, they assist in navigating recovery.They help build skills to cope and strategies to handle triggers and cravings.
With a sober companion, you can make progress in your recovery. You get the help needed to move through this tough but rewarding path to sobriety.
A sober companion, also known as a sober coach or recovery companion, offers personalized support during addiction recovery. Research suggests individuals with this support are twice as likely to remain sober a year after treatment than those without any support.
While “sober companion” and “sober coach” often mean the same, there is a slight distinction. A sober coach is often on-call 24/7 but may not always be present. However, a sober companion offers more consistent care.They might live with you or join you on trips to help manage triggers.
This support can look different depending on what each patient needs. It usually involves emotional support, accountability, access to resources, and therapeutic support. This helps patients navigate challenges insobriety.
A sober companion has many key roles, including:
Emotional support: They offer empathy and judgment-free support. This helps individuals face the highs and lows of sobriety.
Accountability: Sober companions ensure individuals stick to their sobriety goals. This includes going to meetings, therapy, and avoiding triggers.
Companionship: They provide company to reduce loneliness and isolation. This is crucial during tough times.
Crisis management: They help handle crises or relapses with de-escalation tactics.
Routine establishment: They assist in setting up healthy daily routines. This covers sleep, exercise, nutrition, and fun activities.
Transportation: They offer rides to appointments and meetings. This ensures access to necessary resources.
Relapse prevention: They put relapse prevention plans in place. This involves identifying triggers and developing coping skills.
Advocacy: Sober companions advocate for individuals within the healthcare system. They make sure their needs are heard and met.
Education: They teach about addiction, recovery, and coping methods. They also share resources to aid the journey to sobriety.
Documentation: They keep detailed records of the individual's progress, setbacks, and milestones.
Becoming a sober companion doesn't follow a standard path. Many have personal recovery experience, either directly or through family who went through recovery. Certifications and education in psychology, addiction, and social work are common.
Sober companions offer unique benefits, but there are other support options:
These support systems play a part in a person’s recovery journey. A sober companion is beneficial early on. They offer extra support for transitioning into daily life and managing therapy and meetings.
The chance of staying sober varies widely. Short-term, 20-50% of treated individuals stay sober. Long-term, it's 20-80%. Factors like demographics, history, and coping skills affect a person’s relapse chances.
Recovery challenges include:
Research has shown that individuals with a strong support system are less likely to relapse. This support can come from sobriety groups, family, or a sober companion.
Sober companions offer both practical and emotional support. They provide coping tools and keep individuals motivated. This support reduces the temptation to return to old habits.
A key benefit of sober companions is their constant availability. Unlike therapists or sober living homes, a sober companion can be there 24/7. They offer dedicated, personalized care focused on your success.
Sober companions help at all recovery stages. Here are some who can benefit the most from sober companionship:
If you face stress or triggers, a sober companion could be vital. They help you manage triggers and provide crucial support in a crisis.
Some common challenges with sober companionship include:
Cost: It can be costly, with fees based on time, support level, and the companion's experience and training. However, the benefit of avoiding relapse vastly outweighs the cost.
Availability: It might be hard to find the right sober companion. Good communication helps match you with someone compatible.
Dependency: Sober companions are great for short-term help but aren't a long-term solution. There's a risk of becoming too reliant on them. Setting goals for independence can prevent dependency.
Transitioning: Moving on from a sober companion can be tough. Building a support network while they're with you makes the transition smoother so you are never without support.
Finding the right sober companion boosts the success of your recovery journey.
Look into their credentials, training, experience, and education when searching. Education and licenses offer extra confidence in their skills and reliability.
A companion with similar experiences can better understand your challenges and triggers.
Be clear about your needs, goals, and triggers with your sober companion. This helps them tailor a strategy for your long-term recovery.
There are three primary places you might find a sober companion:
Support groups: Start with your local support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous. They may offer sober companion programs, sponsors, or mentors. Building friendships here can offer support similar to that of a sober companion.
Daily life: Develop healthy relationships at work, through hobbies, or with neighbors. Choose people who support your sobriety and avoid those who might trigger old habits. These connections can act as informal sober companions.
Hire a professional: For comprehensive support, consider hiring a professional sober companion. While more costly, you get someone fully trained and dedicated to your recovery. They ensure constant availability and know how to support you effectively.
Here’s how to find the right sober companion:
Step 1: Research your options. Check treatment centers, reviews, credentials, and referrals.
Step 2: Interview candidates. Ask about their experience and training, their approach to sobriety, availability, and fees.
Step 3: Consider your options before committing to a companion. To ensure compatibility, you can request references and conduct an interview before signing on with a companion.
Peer support in recovery leads to long-term benefits. Those who received peer support, such as through a sober companion, saw:
Are you struggling with stress? Facing a big life change like moving on from rehab?
A sober companion could be the support you need.
By choosing a sober companion, you lower your risk of relapse. You also improve your emotional and physical health. They're ready to help you succeed.
To find a sober companion in Los Angeles, contact us. We're here to connect you with the support you need.