A recovery companion (sober companion) offers the same tailored support service as a recovery coach but with more individualized in-home care, offering around-the-clock support that can be customized for a few days, weeks or months. We assess for what is needed and cost-effectiveness.
At some point in almost everyone’s life, they will face some form of adversity. For some, this will be in the form of addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 23 million people in the United States suffer from a drug or alcohol addiction. If you are one of those struggling with addiction, you are not alone.
What is a Recovery Companion
Our Recovery companions understand the unique challenges that come with drug and alcohol addiction, having lived experience and overcoming their own obstacles. At Recovery Consultants, we know these challenges well and have helped numerous clients change their lifestyles to recover successfully.
If you are struggling with addiction, we can help you to develop coping mechanisms, form healthy habits, and create a support network.
Why are Recovery Companions Important for a Successful Recovery?
The recovery process is seldom easy. In fact, it’s often bumpy, with a lot of starts and stops along the way. That’s why having a recovery companion can be so important. A recovery companion can offer guidance, support, and encouragement when you need it most, in your home.
Recovery companions offer an objective perspective. They can help you identify blindspots when you’re in the midst of addiction or mental health challenges. They can also offer new perspectives and strategies for dealing with difficult situations.
In addition, recovery companions can provide emotional support. They can be a sounding board for your thoughts and feelings. And when you’re feeling low, they can offer words of encouragement to help you keep going.
What Does a Sober Companion Do?
What Does a Sober Companion Do?
A sober companion’s job is to offer emotional and practical support to their client. They will work with you to develop a plan that meets your unique needs and helps you achieve your sobriety goals. Some of the ways they may do this include:
- Attending appointments with you: Doctors appointments, therapy appointments, etc.
- Going on outings with you: Running errands, grocery shopping, etc.
- Helping you stick to your sobriety plan: Checking in with you regularly, being available to talk when needed, etc.
- Providing emotional support: Listening to you, offering encouragement and motivation, etc.
- Practical assistance: Helping with day-to-day tasks like budgeting and meal planning.
- referrals for resources: To therapists, doctors, support groups,etc.
- Transportation: To and from appointments or events
- 24/7 availability: In case of an emergency
5 Ways a Recovery Companion Can Help You
1 Support During Early Sobriety
One of early sobriety’s most complex parts is learning to live without drugs or alcohol. Everything is new and uncharted territory. A recovery companion can provide support and guidance during this time. They can help you create a sober routine, connect you with resources, and be a sounding board as you navigate this new way of life.
2 Accountability
A recovery companion can help hold you accountable for your sobriety. They will check in with you regularly and ensure you stay on track. They can also help you create goals for your sobriety and develop a plan to achieve them. Having someone in your corner rooting for your success can make all the difference.
3 Sober Activities
Sobriety doesn’t have to be boring! A recovery companion can help you find fun and engaging sober activities to fill your time. They can introduce you to new hobbies, connect you with like-minded people, and help you find ways to have fun without drugs or alcohol.
4 Relapse prevention
If you struggle, a recovery companion can help you get back on track before things spiral out of control. They will check in with you, offer support, and help you develop a plan to avoid relapse in the future.
5 Emotional support
No one understands what you’re going through like someone who has been there. A recovery companion can provide much-needed emotional support during difficult times. They will listen without judgment, offer helpful advice, and be a shoulder to cry on when needed.
Who Needs a Sober Companion?
Recovery companions benefit anyone struggling with substance abuse or addiction who wants additional early sobriety support. They can be beneficial for those who:
1) Have recently completed treatment but are not ready to return home yet
2) Have been sober for a while but are struggling to maintain their sobriety
3) Are newly sober and trying to avoid triggers and temptations
4) Feel isolated and need someone to talk to
5) Struggle with anxiety or depression
6) Have difficulty sticking to their sobriety plan
7) Need help budgeting or meal planning
8) Need transportation assistance
9) Benefit from having someone available 24/7
What to Expect From a Sober Companion
While each recovery companion is different and will tailor their services to meet your specific needs, there are some general things you can expect from working with one. These include:
1) In-home support
2) Creating a recovery routine
3) A non-judgmental attitude
4) Practical assistance
5) Emotional support
If you are struggling with addiction, know that there is help available to you in recovery companionship services. These professionally trained individuals can provide much-needed support as you navigate early sobriety.
What to look for to find a good Recovery Companion
The most important thing to look for in a potential companion is empathy. They should be able to understand what you’re going through and offer non-judgmental support.
Look for someone who has been through the recovery process themselves or has experience helping others through it. They should also be trustworthy and reliable. You need to be able to count on them to be there for you when you need them the most.
Lastly, choose someone who makes you feel comfortable and safe. They should be someone you can relax around and be yourself with.
At Recovery Consultants, we believe that recovery companions improve client outcomes by providing immediate assistance in times of emergency and crisis. They work closely with the client and treatment provider to develop a plan that best fits each individual situation.
Patient Confidentiality
One of the biggest concerns people have about recovery companions is confidentiality. Will my companion tell anyone what I say in session? The short answer is no. Sober companions are ethically bound to keep everything you say in therapy confidential. However, this doesn’t mean that there are never exceptions to this rule.
If you were to disclose something that indicated that you were going to harm yourself or someone else, your therapist would be required to break confidentiality and report this to the appropriate authorities.
Having a recovery companion present during therapy can help put your mind at ease regarding confidentiality. Your sober companion can maintain confidentiality while having someone else in the room who can offer support and encouragement.
What to Ask Your Recovery Companion
When you are ready to schedule your first appointment with Recovery Consultants, it is essential to take some time to prepare yourself ahead of time. This way, you can feel comfortable during your initial session. Before your first meeting, make sure you have these things prepared:
- A list of concerns regarding your relationship with your partner or family.
- Identify areas you’ve struggled with in the past.
- Any information you think your companion needs to help you understand your situation.
- An idea of what you hope to achieve from working together.
Asking these questions helps you become familiar with each other and allows you to focus on getting the most out of your sessions together.
You Are Not Alone
Your words of encouragement can mean a lot to someone struggling with addiction. We are celebrating Recovery Month with our friends at Recovering Together, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people recover from substance use disorders.
Conclusion
Our Recovery Companion program provides intensive 24-hour supervision by trained professionals, providing stability and safety for those struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorders. Recovery Companions are available around the clock, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, to ensure that clients receive the highest quality of care possible.
Working with a recovery companion is an excellent way to start your sobriety journey. They can provide support, accountability, relapse prevention, and emotional vetting, which are vital in early sobriety. If you are thinking about working with a sober companion, reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you on your journey to recovery.
A recovery companion will be there with you every step of the way, offering experience, knowledge, and compassion. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your journey to recovery.