Whether you’ve just finished rehab, live in a triggering environment, or are facing challenges that are putting pressure on your sobriety, you’ll know just how difficult sobriety can be to maintain.
A sober companion is someone who is trained to help people in addiction recovery with day-to-day challenges to help maintain sobriety.
If you’re looking for additional support to help with your recovery, a sober companion may be the answer.
In this article, we will cover exactly what a sober companion is and how they can help your sobriety.
Read on to find out more about:
- What a sober companion is
- How a sober companion supports your recovery
- The benefits of a companion, as well as their responsibilities
- Who can benefit from a sober companion
- The process of finding a sober companion.
Let’s get into it!
What Is a Sober Companion?
A sober companion is someone who provides one-on-one support, guidance, and accountability to people recovering from addiction.
Also known as sober coaches, they have an important role for people in the early stages of their recovery by helping them navigate daily life without substances. They offer encouragement and are a source of accountability to prevent relapse.
Sober companions can support sobriety in a number of ways. They provide emotional support, help develop coping strategies, and assist in creating a healthy, happy, and sober lifestyle.
The Role and Responsibilities of a Sober Companion
A sober companion has many roles which are often individualized based on a person’s unique needs.
Their main goal is to offer continuous support, guidance, and encouragement to help people in recovery.
Some of the responsibilities of a sober companion include 24/7 assistance, helping to make healthy lifestyle changes and acting as an advocate.
How their role differs from therapists, sponsors, or counselors
Compared to therapists, sponsors, and counselors, a sober companion offers more hands-on, day-to-day support.
While these professionals have a pivotal role in supporting someone’s sobriety – whether that be by counseling or support systems such as Alcoholics Anonymous – many of these specialists will work at managing the underlying problems of sobriety.
On the other hand, a sober companion will help someone navigate everyday life and help with everyday tasks.
The Benefits of Having a Sober Companion
Many people find having a sober companion extremely helpful in navigating day-to-day challenges to their sobriety, especially early on in the recovery process while they are still forming habits.
Some of these benefits include:
- Provides accountability: By being a consistent presence, sober companions hold people accountable for their actions and commitments to sobriety. This in turn reinforces the importance of staying on track.
- Offers emotional support: Having someone who is always available to offer an empathetic listening ear (and encourage people when they need it) is crucial during challenging moments in the recovery journey.
- Helps prevent relapse: Recovery companions are often highly trained, and can assist with recognizing triggers and implementing strategies to avoid situations that might lead to relapse.
- Encourages healthier habits: Sober companions actively help people implement positive activities into their routines, to create a healthier lifestyle. This may include exercise, proper nutrition, and self-care, which all help with long-term recovery.
- Provides companionship and reduces loneliness: Oftentimes, the presence of a companion alleviates feelings of isolation and loneliness, which have been found to be associated with addiction.
- Assists in navigating challenging situations: During recovery, you will face difficult situations that will likely put you and your sobriety at risk.
A sober companion provides practical guidance and support during difficult situations, offering strategies to overcome challenges and help with relapse prevention.
- Enhances motivation for sobriety: Sometimes it is not enough to be motivated for ourselves. However, a companion is a constant motivating presence; they inspire people to stay committed to their recovery goals.
- Act as a sober role model: A sober companion demonstrates how sobriety can be both successful and enjoyable. This inspires and can act as a role model for people who are early on in their recovery.
- Improves overall well-being: A sober companion will often support someone in their overall well-being – whether that be emotionally, mentally, or physically. They will help not only stay abstinent but also create positive lifestyle changes.
- Enhances chances of successful recovery: By working with someone in these ways, a sober companion significantly increases the likelihood of a successful and sustained recovery journey for individuals combating addiction.
Who Needs a Sober Companion?
Sober companions, or recovery coaches, are great for everyone who is on a journey of recovery.
They are particularly helpful for people who are early on in recovery, such as those who are leaving rehab centers.
They are also extremely helpful to those who are returning to a place where people may still be abusing alcohol and other drugs.
The Process of Working with a Sober Companion: How Does It Work
If working with a sober companion is something you think could benefit you, there are plenty of companies that work with people to find the right companion for them.
To start off with, the company will make a quick assessment, where your needs, goals, triggers, and challenges are evaluated in order to find the perfect companion. You will then be matched, and the right companion will be selected for you.
You will then set goals and boundaries with your companion, before being matched up and working together to support you in your journey.
Is Having A Sober Companion Worth It?
With so much on the line, having a sober companion can make all the difference in your recovery. If you’re coming out of rehab, living with challenging circumstances, or having problems with relapse, then a sober companion is absolutely worth it.
However, if you are not facing issues in your sobriety, and do not feel you need support, a sober companion may not be as beneficial for you.
In saying that, it is important to note that not everyone is perfect. A sober companion will help your recovery, lifestyle, and overall health no matter where in your journey you are.
Conclusion
There are many times when abstinence is a real challenge. Whether that’s coming out of a residential treatment facility, socializing at night, or emotional turmoil, a sober companion can help you navigate these challenges and support your sobriety.
By helping you manage the challenges of sobriety, a sober companion can help ease your stress and prevent substance abuse from recurring.
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