Coaches have become essential to many sports teams to help athletes improve their performance. But coaches also play an essential role in other areas of life, such as addiction recovery for sober living.
Substance abuse recovery coaches help people struggling with addiction get back on their feet and stay sober. Here’s everything you need to know on how recovery coaching helps.
The Struggle to Maintain Sobriety in the Early Days
The early days and weeks of sobriety can be some of the most difficult. It’s during this time that people are the most vulnerable to relapse.
A study published in the journal Addiction found that 43 percent of people who receive treatment for substance abuse will relapse within one year.
But with the help of a recovery coach, people in early recovery can increase their chances of success.
What Is A Recovery Coach And Their Job
A recovery coach is a type of addiction counselor who helps people manage their sobriety on a day-to-day basis. The job of a recovery coach includes:
- Assisting people in developing a sobriety plan
- Encouraging people to stick to their sobriety goals
- Teaching people new coping skills
- Helping people with mental illness
- Identifying triggers and assisting people in avoiding them
- Providing support during difficult times
A recovery coach is not a therapist, although some may have therapy training.
Instead, they focus on helping you develop practical skills to manage your sobriety.
Recovery coaches can be a valuable addition to your treatment team.
They can provide support and guidance when you need it most and help you develop the skills you need to keep yourself sober for the long haul.
When Do You Need A Recovery Coach?
If you’re not-yet-sure if you need a coach, consider seeking out one if:
- You’ve relapsed multiple times
- You’re struggling to keep up with your treatment plan
- You have a poor mental health
- You’re having trouble dealing with triggers or cravings
- You’re feeling isolated or alone in your recovery
- You’re feeling like you’re not making progress
A recovery coach can help you get back on track and stay motivated in your recovery.
How Can A Recovery Coach Help With Substance Abuse Problems
If you or some friend in your circle is struggling with substance abuse, you may wonder how a recovery coach can help.
Here’s how a recovery coach can help you achieve long term recovery:
Build A Sobriety Plan
A recovery coach can help you develop a plan to maintain your sobriety. This may include identifying high-risk situations, developing coping skills, and setting goals.
Create A Support System
A recovery coach can help you build a support recovery-oriented system for friends, family, and other people in recovery. This support system can provide encouragement and accountability.
Develop Coping Skills
A recovery coach and peer support workers can help you develop new coping skills to deal with stress, triggers, and cravings. These skills can help you avoid relapse and maintain your sobriety.
Set Goals
Recovery support roles also help you set goals for your recovery. These goals can help you stay on track and motivated in your recovery.
Recovery supports can help you with all of these things and more.
How Does The Coaching Recovery Process Work In Practice?
There is no simple solution to this specific problem since the coaching method will differ depending on the person and their specific demands.
However, there are some extensive principles that all recovery coaches follow.
The first essential step is to build rapport with the client. This involves getting to know them and their story and establishing trust.
Once a rapport is established, the coach will help the client develop sobriety goals. These goals may include attending therapy, staying sober for a certain period, or finding a job.
The coach will then help the client create a plan to achieve these goals.
This plan may involve attending support groups, therapy, or sober activities. The coach will then provide you with support and guidance as the client works to achieve their goals.
They will also help the client identify and cope with triggers, cravings, and other challenges.
Sponsors Vs. Recovery Coach: Who To Choose
There is some debate about whether addiction recovery coaches are appropriate for those in early sobriety.
Some argue that they are nothing more than glorified sponsors, while others believe that they can provide a valuable service.
A sponsor is one who has been through the 12-step program and is sober.
They support and guide those in the program but are not trained professionals.
On the other side, a recovery coach is a trained professional who provides support and guidance to those recovering from addiction.
They can help you develop healthy and useful coping skills, set goals, and create a support network.
Additionally, they can help you navigate the legal system and find government benefits.
So, while a sponsor can provide some support, a recovery coach can give much more.
How To Find A Recovery Coach
If you’re interested in finding a recovery coach, there are a few different ways to go about it.
You can ask your treatment provider for a referral or search online for a coach in your area.
You can also find coaches through national organizations such as the Association of Recovery Coaches or the International Coach Federation.
When searching for a coach, finding someone who is a good fit for you is essential.
Make sure you ask about their experience and recovery coach training and be sure to interview several coaches before making a decision.
Once you’ve found a coach you trust, you’ll be on your way to achieving your sobriety goals.
FAQs
What Does A Peer Recovery Coach Do?
The Peer Recovery Coach walks alongside individuals undergoing addiction recovery. They provide non-clinical support and guidance to assist individuals in making necessary lifestyle changes to support sobriety.
How Much Does A Recovery Coach Cost?
Recovery coaches typically charge between $50 and $200 per session. Some coaches may offer sliding scale fees or pro-bono recovery coaching services.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Certified Recovery Coach?
Most certification programs take between six and twelve weeks to complete.
What Is CCAR Recovery Coach?
The CCAR Recovery Coach Academy is an international certification program for those interested in becoming certified recovery coaches.
Difference Between A Life Coach And A Recovery Coach?
Yes, there are several differences between life coaching and recovery coaching. Life coaching is typically focused on helping individuals achieve personal goals, while recovery coaching is focused on assisting individuals to recover from addiction.
Seek Help When You Can
If addiction is something you or someone you love is struggling with, please reach out to a recovery coach.
Addiction can be really difficult to overcome on your own, and professional help can make all the difference.
Achieving sobriety is no easy task, but it’s made infinitely more accessible with the help of a knowledgeable and experienced recovery coach.
Please don’t wait until it’s too late; seek help when you need it.
