One of the most impactful strategies is employing the support of a sober companion. In this post, we’ll explore the integral role they play in addiction rehabilitation and recovery, highlight their key responsibilities, and identify what sets different companions apart in their ability to help others successfully navigate recovery.
Addiction recovery is the process of overcoming dependence on addictive substances like drugs and alcohol. The aim is for the participant to function without drugs and/or alcohol, improve their physical and mental well-being, and help them find their physical, mental, social, and spiritual balance in daily life.
A strong support system is vital for the success of any addiction recovery plan, including:
While family members, close friends, and counselors are there for support, a sober companion is in the trenches and has the individual’s best interest at heart since they’ve been there before. They know what works and what doesn’t, and with this firsthand knowledge, they hold individuals in recovery to a higher level of accountability than other treatment methods.
A sober companion provides personalized, around-the-clock support to individuals in addiction recovery. They act as mentors and advocates on the path to sobriety, offering emotional support, sober transport, and relapse prevention. They live with the participant and are available 24/7 as a peer-to-peer source of motivation and guidance.
The primary role of a sober companion is to encourage and reinforce sobriety. They help participants stick to their sobriety by keeping them away from tempting situations, monitoring their behaviors, and providing companionship during challenging times.
Sober companions accompany participants to high-risk places like social events or family gatherings where alcohol is present. They also provide accountability by administering drug tests and making sure participants attend meetings and therapy sessions.
Sober companions are trained professionals who understand addiction and recovery. They act as a support system for the participant, helping them implement what they learned during treatment and making sure they stay on track with recovery goals. Having the support of a companion greatly improves the chances of maintaining sobriety.
Could someone you care about benefit from a sober companion? ALYST can help.
A sober companion has many responsibilities, including:
A sober companion helps establish structure and routine, which are important for sobriety. Sober companions may wake participants up in the morning, remind them to eat healthy meals, join them at the gym, and help them wind down at the end of the day.
Sober companions also offer emotional support as participants work through triggers, cravings, and the ups and downs of recovery. Their companionship makes participants feel less lonely during this difficult transition.
When someone is in the early stages of addiction recovery, a sober companion is helpful when that person isn’t aware of what triggers are present in the environment or how to identify high-risk events. Something as simple as driving home from work might be a trigger, and during early recovery, the person might not have the skills or tools to avoid relapse.
Sober companions serve as training wheels for real-world situations, with the companion stepping back once the participant has demonstrated the developed mindset to work through triggers in healthy ways.
Explore more situations when sober companions can be helpful.
Sober companions, addiction counselors, and sponsors play distinct roles in supporting recovery:
“Having a Certified Recovery Agent with a participant for the first several months can make all the difference in whether they maintain sobriety. The CRA provides that constant presence reminding them of their sobriety goals. Consistency and structure create safety.”
– Jason Wahler, Brand Ambassador
As you’re researching sober companion services, it’s important to remember that not all programs are the same. Before selecting one, consider these factors:
Using a sober companion involves a financial and time commitment. Sober companions are available 24/7, so there is no break from accountability. However, the around-the-clock nature of the support can make it cost prohibitive for some individuals. It’s worth clarifying costs and payment options before deciding on a sober companion program.
Working closely with a companion can be challenging at first. Participants may feel like their privacy and independence are compromised. However, participants are often surprised by how quickly they form a bond with a companion.
The ongoing relationship provides rewards such as improving self-esteem, learning to ask for help, and figuring out healthy coping strategies. Participants gain insight into their addiction from someone with an outside perspective. Overall, sobriety becomes easier with a companion’s guidance.
Due to the confidential nature of the participant-companion relationship, it’s important to establish trust early on. Some sober companion programs enable participants to participate in the selection process to ensure success from the start.
Don’t let the word “companion” fool you into thinking that just anyone can be a sober companion. When it comes to addiction recovery, lives are at stake. That means not just anyone can or should be a sober companion. However, there are no required certifications or standards to become one, so every sober companion program has different training and requirements.
As with any career, that means some programs are looking for little more than people to fill the role, while others require a rigorous vetting and training process that lasts a year or more. Most programs land somewhere in between, so it’s important to ask what certifications and training sober companions have received before they’ve been assigned to you.
The best sober companions are those who not only talk the talk—they’ve also walked the walk. The reality is that when addicts are in recovery, they aren’t always the most honest or transparent with themselves or others. During the early stages of recovery, individuals are prone to downplaying risky behavior and overestimating their willpower to stay sober, which can lead to serious setbacks, including relapse.
While many people want to take their loved one’s words at face value, a sober companion who has been in the participant’s shoes is better equipped to see through the facade and know when to push back or call out high-risk behaviors.
To provide consistent support to individuals in recovery, sober companions also need support from their team. While mandatory training is important, it shouldn’t end there. As a sober companion is providing care, their support is only as good as the support of the team backing them.
When you’re choosing the right sober companion, learn more about the support they receive in their role. If there isn’t a full-time team behind them making sure they have everything they need to provide the best care, you can’t expect to get the best care.
ALYST has Certified Recovery Agents (CRAs), but these are not the same as sober companions. CRAs combine the best of sober companionship, sober coaching, and life coaching into one dynamic role. We also hold our CRAs to a higher standard of experience and training than any sober companion company you’ll find.
Read more about the differences between sober companions and CRAs here.
ALYST is redefining what you should expect from the sober companion experience. That’s one of the key reasons we call them CRAs, but it’s not just in the name. Our CRAs are establishing the new norm for the rest of the industry to follow. When you’re ready, find out if you’re a good fit for our program or learn more about what sets our approach apart.
The Importance of Addiction Treatment Privacy for Confidential Recovery