Sober Companions: A Key Resource in Recovery
For many individuals, relapse is a natural part of the recovery process. Once you’ve completed treatment and returned home, the risk of relapse can feel daunting. Fortunately, there are resources available to help reduce this risk, including sober companions.
During formal treatment, whether inpatient or outpatient, your days are structured and routine. Returning to life outside of treatment can feel intimidating, and it’s normal to worry about maintaining sobriety without that structure. A sober companion can offer the support and guidance needed to help you stay on track and avoid undoing all of your hard work.
What is a Sober Companion?
A sober companion is someone whose role is to support your recovery journey. Sometimes called sober escorts or recovery coaches, sober companions are particularly valuable for individuals in early recovery. These companions provide assistance to help those whose sobriety skills are still developing and who may not yet be ready to navigate everyday life without the risk of relapse.
While friends and family may be supportive, they may not fully understand the complexities of recovery. Sober companions, however, are trained to support recovery efforts and provide crucial guidance during this transitional phase. Whether they are with you full-time, part-time, or on an on-call basis, sober companions offer advice, support, and help you avoid temptations that could lead to relapse.
What to Expect From a Sober Companion
Sober companions play a specialized role in helping you maintain sobriety. Some of the things you can expect when you have a sober companion include:
- Companionship: Isolation is a leading cause of relapse. Sober companions provide emotional support, which is key to staying sober, especially in the early stages. This support can include talking through triggers, recommending counseling sessions or meetings, and offering unbiased advice.
- Relapse Prevention: The primary goal of a sober companion is to help prevent relapse. They might accompany you during outings to ensure you don’t encounter opportunities to purchase drugs or alcohol, and they can help make sure your home remains free of substances.
- Accountability: Sober companions hold you accountable, making it more difficult to give in to triggers or urges.
- Assistance: Depending on your needs, a sober companion can remind you of appointments, help you get to them, and encourage you to attend support group meetings.
Who Is a Good Fit for a Sober Companion?
Whether or not you need a sober companion depends on your circumstances. Your therapist or treatment team may recommend one based on several factors:
- Home Environment: If your home environment is not conducive to sobriety or you lack a support system, a sober companion may be beneficial.
- Transportation: Sober companions can help by providing transportation to group meetings, outpatient drug rehab, or other important appointments.
- Co-occurring Disorders: If you are dealing with both addiction and a mental health disorder, a sober companion can offer the support needed to manage both challenges.
- History of Relapse: If you’ve relapsed in the past, a sober companion can help reduce the likelihood of future relapses by providing guidance and accountability.
What to Look for in a Sober Companion
When selecting a sober companion, consider the following:
- Affordability: The cost of a sober companion varies depending on how often and for how long you need their services.
- Availability: Consider whether you need a full-time live-in companion, part-time assistance, or support during specific periods when you’re most vulnerable to triggers.
- Experience: Many sober companions are in recovery themselves, providing first-hand knowledge of the challenges you’re facing. Choosing someone with the right experience can create a meaningful mentorship relationship.
- Value Alignment: It’s important that your sober companion shares your values and supports the same recovery principles you follow, whether that’s through 12-step programs or other approaches.
- Licensing and Insurance: While the sober companion industry is not strictly regulated, it’s wise to ensure that your companion has appropriate credentials, such as a valid driver’s license and insurance.
Benefits of a Sober Companion
There are several advantages to having a sober companion during your recovery, including:
- Motivational Support: Sober companions provide much-needed encouragement as you transition from treatment to everyday life.
- Structure: Sober companions help create and maintain a sobriety-focused routine, ensuring that you don’t take on too much too soon.
- Healthy Habits: With the guidance of a sober companion, you can establish and maintain habits that support long-term recovery.
- Relapse Prevention: For individuals who have struggled with maintaining sobriety, sober companions offer a critical layer of protection against future relapses.
- Coping Skills: Many sober companions have developed effective strategies for dealing with triggers and challenging situations. They share these valuable tools with you, helping you cope and stay sober.
Find a Sober Companion Near You
The early stages of sobriety can be challenging, but having a sober companion can make the transition from treatment to everyday life much smoother. At Creekside Recovery Residences, we offer sober companion services to support your continued recovery.
To learn more about how a sober companion can help you, call us today at 470-470-6479.
A sober companion can be the key to maintaining your sobriety and achieving long-term success.
