The ideal scenario for a person who has recently become clean and sober and is making a fresh start in life is that they have successfully completed a treatment program, are involved in substance abuse treatment programs that support their recovery, and that they have a long list of supportive friends and family members to call on for encouragement. Another key support for newly recovering addicts and alcoholics is a sober companion. Sober companions, also known as recovery coaches, provide unlimited encouragement and safety for persons who desire round-the-clock support. This support is crucial for those struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues, ensuring they have a strong foundation as they navigate early recovery.
For persons who struggle with relapse, a sober companion could be the lifeline that leads them to long-term recovery.
Table of Contents
What Does a Sober Companion Do?
Build real-life skills that will help you avoid the pitfalls of a relapse. Sober companions are trained to recognize high-risk situations and provide on-call support to help clients manage cravings and avoid relapse.
IDENTIFY RISKS
Find areas of your recovery where there is room for personal development and growth. Sober companions work with clients to identify triggers and develop strategies to manage them effectively.
CREATE PLANS
Take concrete actions to reach your goals with well-organized life planning and success. This includes creating comprehensive treatment plans and setting achievable milestones in the recovery process.
FIND BALANCE
The right healthy balance between your personal and professional life is key to sobriety. Sober companions help clients integrate wellness practices into their daily routines, promoting overall well-being.
BUILD NEW HABITS
Healthy habits are the tools to success for recovering addicts and alcoholics. Sober companions assist clients in developing and maintaining these habits, which are essential for sustaining a sober life.
FIND SUPPORT
Having a strong foundation of support and being part of a fellowship is essential for sobriety. Sober companions connect clients with support groups and other recovery support resources, enhancing their support system.
How Can a Sober Companion Help an Addict?
The services a sober companion provides to a newly recovering addict often include emotional support through one-on-one visits or telephone calls, as well as regularly scheduled meetings together. They also provide guidance on how to keep recovery a priority and what to do if triggers occur. Companions also provide safe transportation to and from important obligations and will support the person side by side through a difficult experience. Additionally, many people new to recovery desire someone to simply be there when they attend 12-step meetings, legal commitments, or to even chaperone them while traveling.
Sober Companions are Saving Lives
The New York Times published an article about how sober companions in Long Island are saving addicts from themselves and how a person in recovery truly benefits from the extra support versus just receiving support from twelve-step meetings:
“Individual support has been a critical component of recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, which provide “sponsors” mentors and role models who have gone through the programs themselves, for free. Sober companions have a more intense relationship with their clients, as do sober or recovery coaches…who function much like a counselor or therapist, meeting clients or talking on the phone in sessions that focus on issues such as life skills…etc.”(NYTimes).
Sober Companions for Long Island Residents
We match clients with a sober companion in Long Island. Clients are paired with companions based on age, gender, interests, and other factors they may have in common. This type of relationship grows stronger over time, just like any significant relationship does, and therefore our recommendations consider personalities and interests when matching a companion to one of our clients. The steps to find out how to set up a sober companion for yourself or a loved one begins by calling one of our addiction recovery specialists.
At our treatment center, we emphasize the importance of a robust support system, including sober companion services, to aid in the recovery journey. Whether it’s one-on-one support from a sober coach or participating in group sessions at our treatment facility, we ensure that each client receives the care they need. We also provide various substance abuse treatment programs, from residential treatment to outpatient services, to cater to the different needs of our clients.
Our services include sober living arrangements and connections to healthcare providers to support the overall health treatment of our clients. We also offer case management to coordinate care and ensure that clients have access to necessary resources, including mental health professionals and support groups. Our goal is to help individuals build self-esteem and self-confidence as they navigate their recovery process and achieve long-term sobriety.
For more information or to set up a sober companion, contact us today and begin the journey to a healthier, sober life.
