A recovery coach works to remove barriers and obstacles to drug and alcohol recovery. They align themselves as mentors to help people stay on track with their recovery goals and avoid relapse. Not only that, but they also help people find their greater purpose and build a life that is rewarding and fulfilling.
If you’re ready to enhance your quality of life while recovering from a substance use disorder, know that it is possible and within reach. Working with a recovery coach can make this process easier and more meaningful.
Below you’ll find more information about recovery coaching, what you can expect from your mentor and where to find these services.
What Can a Recovery Coach Help With?
A recovery coach helps you work through addiction recovery. This process is ongoing and does not stop after treatment. As with most people, you’ll likely need continued support as you transition into a regular routine. If you go back to your old life without change, you’re more likely to return to drugs and alcohol.
Sober coaches are not to be confused with sponsors, doctors or therapists. They have distinct roles that include:
-
Removing barriers and obstacles to recovery such as triggers, dysfunctional relationships and a lack of independence
-
Creating and sustaining a meaningful life based on the factors that are important to you like excelling at work, achieving financial security or building sustainable relationships
-
Offering a wide range of approaches to stay sober – recovery coaches are not tied to any particular method of treatment or recovery
-
Identifying your strengths and how you can use them to your advantage
Is Recovery Coaching Necessary?
Sadly, relapse rates for addiction are between 40 and 60 percent and decrease after the first year. However, you’re never really out of the woods. Addiction is a chronic disease that you must always be conscious of. This does not mean that you are your addiction, but you will have to be mindful of the places you go, the people you’re friends with and the ways you handle stress.
Recovery coaching accelerates your progress in recovery by helping you achieve greater awareness of your choices, actions and goals in life. Your coach can help you identify new pathways to recovery, as well as help you see your role within your family and community.
Because this person is working alongside you in your personal space and relationships, they tend to have a better perspective on what you can do with the resources you have. Bottom line: recovery coaching in itself is not necessary but ongoing support is. How you choose to get that support is up to you.
Where Can I Find a Sober Coach?
There are a number of organizations that offer recovery coaching, and Bridge the Gap is one of them. We provide a wide range of therapeutic services for individuals who are struggling with substance abuse and/or mental illness. We can help by matching you with a recovery coach who can help you build a life of recovery.
In this plan, your coach will expand your support circle, find a strong recovery program and introduce a number of different relapse prevention tools and strategies. Your plan will be individualized to meet your specific needs while taking various factors into consideration, including your home life, triggers and social engagements.
To learn more about sober coaching and how it can help you or a loved one continue a healthy recovery, contact Bridge the Gap today.
