If you or a loved one is struggling with a drug or alcohol problem, support and encouragement are critical to long-term success. Rather than focusing on the devastating effects of addiction, addiction coaching encourages you to give attention to the strengths that are within you. However, not everyone is aware of what addiction coaching is and how it can support their journey.
Addiction coaches, or recovery coaches, are not meant to replace a formal addiction treatment program. Rather, they are meant to be a part of your recovery team. And we need them more than we think. Statistically, relapse rates following a drug or alcohol rehab program are between 40-60 percent. Plus, many people never get the treatment they need in the first place.
In this post, we’re going to cover some of the most common misconceptions about recovery coaching and the truths behind them.
Myth #1. Addiction coaches diagnose and treat addiction and mental health issues.
Addiction life coaches are non-clinical and do not diagnose or treat mental health or substance use disorders. Their goal is to improve quality of life and help people reach their goals. Together, with the client, they come up with a recovery plan and a specific set of objectives.
Another difference is that addiction coaches help their clients recognize their strengths and how they can apply them to living in the here and now. They’re more concerned with “living” and “doing” instead of “feeling.” When combined with addiction treatment, counseling and AA/NA meetings, clients receive a well-rounded support team.
Myth #2. Recovery coaches are going through sobriety themselves.
While it’s true that some sober coaches are going through or have gone through the addiction recovery process, this is not the case for all of them. The reason why a large number of sober coaches have a history of addiction is because they were able to overcome their challenges and now want to help others.
Some people feel more comfortable working with someone who understands their pain and has gone through the recovery process. If this is important to you, look for a recovery coach who has this background.
Myth #3. Sober coaches are just like therapists but without a license.
Coaches may hold certifications in their respective fields, but there are no national laws saying they require a license. But before you assume this is a negative feature, not having a licensing board to answer to allows addiction coaches to be more flexible. They can meet their clients at a coffee shop or their home, for example, whereas a therapist could not.
Of course, that’s not to say that you don’t have to do your research when choosing a recovery coach. You’ll want to choose someone who has a background in mental health counseling and understands addiction as a disease. Bridge the Gap has a hands-on team of mentors who are trained in crisis intervention and have past experience working as clinicians.
Myth #4. You only need a sober coach for a short time.
There’s a misconception that addiction can be “cured” with a treatment program and some AA meetings. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Addiction is a complex and chronic brain disease. This is not to say that “once an addict, always an addict,” but it does mean that you can’t let your guard down or get complacent in recovery. Relapse is a risk.
With this in mind, you can use addiction coaching services for as long as you need them. Some people use them for the rest of their life! Once you reach a feeling of accomplishment and completeness, you won’t have a need for drugs or alcohol in your life. But many people continue meeting with their recovery coach to grow stronger in their lives.
Myth #5. You don’t need an addiction coach if you’re working through an aftercare program.
Aftercare does offer structure and support following an inpatient treatment program, but it’s not as comprehensive as you may believe. Treatment centers are busy and have trouble providing the amount of outreach as they should. And if a relapse does occur, all they do is put the person through the same program they went through. They also don’t have the time to get “drop-outs” back into their programs.
Of course, this is not a knock on addiction treatment centers. It’s just that their resources are often limited and they must spend them on the clients that are at their facility and receiving care. An addiction coach can help fill in the gaps and provide you with the added support you need as you transition into a more normal routine.
Ask About Our Addiction Coaching Services Today
Bridge the Gap offers sober coaching services for those who need them. We work with clients to help them develop a self-care plan, establish structure and practice accountability and consistency. We offer drug testing and breathalyzers upon request as well. To learn more about our addiction coaching services, contact us today.
