New York Sober Companion: 7 Secrets of a Sober Companion
7 Secrets of a Sober Companion
A sober companion is not a sponsor, a lawyer, accountant, advisor, bookie, or lover! A sober companion is an individual, working full-time with clients in a recovery coaching role. At times nights, weekends, extended periods, or twenty-four hours a day, travel, live in, from several weeks to months, or longer. The relationship begins with treatment discharge, or where there is a need. The client returning home from treatment leaves a drug-free environment for a situation where they know there could be problems. A Long Term Recovery Coach or Sober Companion will provide the symbolic safety of treatment. A Long-Term Sober Companion will introduce the client to the modalities of recovery; help them deal with triggers and help them with an action plan. A Long-Term Recovery Coach or Sober Companion will help the client to make life changes and work toward the solutions needed.
Secret #1: Sober companions are highly trained professionals.
Sober companions go through rigorous training learning tools, techniques, skill sets, and competencies that aid them in their work. Granted not all companions are the same, it depends on where they were trained and their level of training.
Secret #2: Sober companions are held to very high ethical standards.
Ethics are a very important part of any sober companion’s training. They must learn all of the requirements and set boundaries, follow rules and regulations, and expectations. There are ten categories of ethical standards that all companions are held to:
Fraud related conduct
Safety and welfare
Professional standards
Confidentiality
Unlawful conduct
Sexual Misconduct
Exploitation of clients
Record Keeping
Cooperation with investigations
Assisting unqualified practice
Secret #3: The practice of sober companions is goal and client driven.
Although the companion can assist with the action plan, the client must set the goal. The companion never ever sets the goal in the action plan for the client. Once the client sets the goal the companion will help with the action and specifics with follow-up and timetables of when each task must be completed for success. Action plans lead to success.
Secret #4: If you don’t like working with a certain sober companion, you can choose a different one.
Not all people click! Sometimes two people just don’t mesh. If you find that your companion is a dud, or they bore you to death, simply find a different one. A word to the warning though, if this keeps happening it may be you. You should be happy with your companions; you will be spending a good deal of time with them.
Secret #5: Sober companions will go to special events with you and help you make it through the event sober.
Sometimes weddings, funerals, and major life events can be gigantic triggers for those in early recovery. Sober companions will go with you to events and help guide you through all of your triggers and provide you with coping mechanisms to get through sober and safe. It doesn’t matter if you’re a lead singer playing a gig, or the best man in your cousin’s wedding, a sober companion will dress the part, and be right there with you.
Secret #6: All sober companions are not the same.
Sober companions come from all walks of life, all different backgrounds. Some companions are in recovery, some are not, some are religious, some are not, some are spiritual, some are funny, some are more highly educated than others, and they have many different perspectives and worldviews. The most important factor is that you find a sober companion who is highly trained.
Secret #7: You can become a sober Companion, yes you!
Imagine that! You could train to become an excellent sober companion and help change people’s lives for the better. The Addictions Academy of Miami, Florida trains Companions, recovery coaches, interventionists, and all kinds of recovery professionals. You can visit their website at www.theaddictionsacademy.com or call 800-706-0318 for more information on how to become a sober companion or recovery coach.
There is no secret that these wonderful professionals are helping to change and save lives each and every day. Aftercare is paramount to long-term recovery and coaching and companions are very important in the big picture. The need is overwhelming, there are not enough people to help all those in need at present. Many more coaches and companions will be needed going forward in the war on addiction. The bottom line is that sober companions make a difference.
Call us at 800 706 0318 ext. 1 for more information or to schedule your private sober companion consultation today.
©2015 Cali Estes
