Need help staying sober? Sober coaching and sober companionship can help. We’ll take you through the difference between these two options so that you know what to expect from each one.
Basic difference between sober coaching and sober companion
A Sober companion is a non-medical, caring, and compassionate individual who will guide you through the early phases of your recovery. Also referred to as “Recovery Support,” these individuals are there to provide emotional support and encouragement during your first few weeks/months in treatment.
A Sober Coach is there to provide support and accountability as you achieve your long-term goals. You do not need to be in treatment or even recently use drugs/alcohol to benefit from a coaching relationship – you just need a desire for change. A coach will hold you accountable, help set realistic goals, and work with you along the way to ensure success.
Sober Companion vs. Coaching
Comparing sober companions to coaching may be like comparing apples to oranges. Although both services are designed to assist you in your recovery, they are very different. A Sober Companion is there for the client immediately following treatment and continues until they feel confident about their ability to live a life in recovery. The client will not need a coach at this point because they are not even thinking about setting any personal goals. A coach is someone that you would seek out for help in trying to achieve your long-term goal of sustained abstinence.
Benefits of both services
For some, sober companionship can be very beneficial in early recovery by giving clients a source of stability to come home to after treatment. This is especially helpful if clients are coming from out of town and have no family or friends to support them. Counselors may encourage these clients to use sober companions as a transitional resource until they can secure long-term support back home. On the other hand, coaches work closely with clients to identify and achieve personal goals. The companion is usually there for emotional support. The coach will typically use a scientific approach such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients learn new coping skills and build self-esteem.
When to use each service?
Both services offer a non-judgmental and supportive way for you to continue on your road to recovery. It’s important that the first focus is always your health and safety first and foremost. Sober companions will help provide support as soon as someone comes home from treatment, then the coach will be there for you when it’s time to set and achieve personal goals.
Read more: Reasons Why You Should Hire a Sober Companion
How much does it cost for either service?
The average rate of a sober companion is $300 to $1500 a day. Coaching can vary greatly depending on what package you select. A standard coaching package will range between $50 to $100 per hour.
Where do I find a coach or companion in my area?
The first step is to contact your local treatment center; they would have the most accurate information on who provides these services in your community, as well as the rates for each service. You can also search them online via Google or Yahoo. There are also numerous websites online that allow you to search for sober companions and coaches in your area by simply entering your zip code.
Hope this article has helped you understand the difference between the two services and that you will be able to make a decision for your way to recovery.
