How Would I Use a Sober Companion?
Sober companions are an invaluable resource if used effectively, but some may be left scratching their heads about what exactly this would entail. Are sober companions an everyday thing? What do they do? Is there something I should be doing while they’re around? When can I request one? Would it be a waste of time to ask for one when not on the go? We’ll be answering these questions and more, and some of the information you read here may shock you!
What is a Sober Companion?
First, if you came into this knowing very little about sober companions, all this information may have been a bit overwhelming, so let’s start with the basic building blocks: What is a sober companion? Well, often when hearing this term some may assume it’s a friend or a generally trusted individual who stays sober and holds a person accountable for any unreasonable intake of addictive substances. Maybe similar in vain to a designated driver. However, a sober companion, while close in function, isn’t really that.
They’re individuals that can either be hired through organizations, referrals, or independently that are trained to keep a watchful eye over their clients in recovery in potentially triggering situations. Work trips, vacations, or commonly used routes with certain bad habits along the way are just a few examples of where a sober companion can come in handy. It’s up to the discretion of the client whether they would like to hire a companion through an organization or independently, but if doing the former, there are often harsher protocols and standards for companions that ensure the best possible service. Ultimately though, it’s important to do your research!
A good place to start looking if curious is The Addictions Coach! Run by Cali Estes, the titular Addictions Coach herself, she embeds years of experience, knowledge, and success into a strong team of individuals with an unstoppable approach to addiction treatment alternatives. Addictions coaching, sober companions, life coaching, and so much more with vigorous certification standards and undeniably high-quality service. However, focusing back on sober companions, the Addictions Coach in particular is a fantastic service to choose because of their commitment to the client’s comfort and well-being, going as far as to offer personality tests to test compatibility between companions and clients. It’s one thing to have an inspirational or respected figure in one’s life to help them, and it’s another to have that figure also be one that you truly connect with.
Where They Come in Handy
So, how would one use a sober companion? Well, the beauty of the service is that it’s surprisingly flexible. Live in sober companions are some that can provide constant care if the client is in need, there are some that can come exclusively on trips with you, or accompany you to locations, walks, routes, occasions, or whatever is needed then and there. They can also be as strong or as lenient as the client desires. No one wants to feel as if they’re being treated like a baby, but at the same time, we want to know that this person is indeed looking out for us.
There’s also no “wrong” way to use a sober companion. You can live as you normally would while doing anything in this chosen event and you could hardly notice their presence at all! There will obviously be a discussion on the best methods to help you achieve your goals, the preferred methods of pushing you towards that, and so on, but from then on the companion does the heavy lifting.
If you’re curious and want more information on sober companions, feel free to reach out to services like The Addictions Coach for questions and inquiries. There’s no wrong way to recover, but sober companions are a fantastic way to make sure the road to recovery is smooth and manageable.
