The Addiction Coach Review: by client Derek

Often when it comes to getting help, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by cold-hard facts. Sure, you can hear about the good it can do, the effects it can have, and the limitless potential – but until you hear about the legitimate and personal impact service can have, it feels less powerful. So, one of the ways to best address this issue is with stories! There are plenty out there to choose from, but when looking specifically under the acclaimed “Addictions Coach” umbrella, there are a few standout journeys.

Before going forward, if it isn’t clear, this experience is with not just any addictions coach, but The Addictions Coach. This brand is led by the woman of the same title, Cali Estes “The Addictions Coach”. She’s the founder and leads the team on most – If not all – addiction coaching expeditions. They provide various services, whether you need a sober companion, life coach, retreats, counseling, therapy – whatever you need, they probably have it! This is all to say that while the story you’ll read today may be true to Cali and her services, it shouldn’t be expected of every addiction coach out there! Make sure to do plenty of research into every potential coach or companion you may be seeking. Make sure they have their license, training, insurance, whatever it takes. Heck, Cali and The Addictions Coach as a whole guarantee insurance, certification, and experience with their coaches, so they’re always worth giving a shot.

This story is from Derek, an NBA player. Now – being in the NBA is what can easily be considered a high-intensity lifestyle. The consistent schedule for players like Derek has been open to the public for a while now and reportedly consists of the following:

Wake up at around 8 a.m., eat breakfast, then move immediately onto strength training. After that would come agility and flexibility training, then shooting practice after that. Then comes the training for other maneuvers like finishing or ball handling, finally ending with a 5-on-5 game with other players and a game later that night.

With all of these in place, there’s not a lot of room for free time! So – when Derek was forced to confront his issues with addiction, he was left in an awkward spot. He would try rehab but unfortunately, fail three times. This could be due to any number of reasons, but this is sadly not uncommon. Of those who complete treatment, about 25% of them manage to reduce alcohol intake for more than a year.

This was incredibly difficult for Derek, and he was losing everything and spiraling down fast. Expectations, rigorous scheduling, and lack of playtime and training while in rehab, can easily weigh a lot on one person. We’re often led to believe rehab is the go-to solution for drug treatment, and if it fails, confusion or negativity is inevitable. Family and friends are often caught in the whiplash of addiction, and while a stable support system is downright necessary for those in recovery, some families just aren’t equipped for that. Sure, there’s family coaching and life coaching, but as far as Derek knew, these options just weren’t available.

Following those three failed rehab attempts, Cali would step in and help Derek get put on the right path. She went above and beyond to ensure his success, working with him and his coach to put a plan in place to keep Derek sober and accountable. This may lead to the question – why involve his coach? Isn’t it a personal matter? Plus, what did Cali do that’s so different from rehab?
Well, often the biggest hurdle in recovery is a lack of accountability, as was mentioned earlier. There’s a certain bond between a teammate and his coach that’s built on a strong foundation of trust and respect. One is expected to take his players’ strengths and weaknesses into account and lead them to success, while the other is expected to put his ego aside and put faith in the judgment and vision of that coach. So, with that dynamic comes a hesitation in letting that coach down, which encourages Derek to uphold that plan.

Next, comes the more complicated aspect – what did Cali do that’s so different from rehab? Well, the biggest downside to rehab for a lot of people is the dedication it takes. Not everyone can be away from home or their job for longer than a week, let alone a month or two. This is especially true for NBA players, as even if it is allowed and they are given the opportunity, there’s the burden of expectation. “I could be training with my teammates right now. I’m missing TV time right now. I might develop some rust and be worse by the time I get back.” For any developing young star, any lost moment is a moment they could use to become the next big thing. So, what The Addictions Coach offers is flexibility for those with hectic schedules. Rather than forcing one to attend in-patient treatment, there are mobile options to accommodate those fast-moving lifestyles. Sober companions accompany people on trips and events, life coaches and sober coaches can operate virtually if need be, and Cali and her team can take the trip to you if it’s needed. They’ve worked with celebrities and executives – this realm is their expertise, and they thrive in it.

So, that leads to only one question: Where’s Derek now? Well, as of writing Derek has been sober for over a year and is doing well for himself. The best part is The Addictions Coach gave him the tools to implement on his own even without direct input. Unlike other services that would possibly create a reliant dynamic – one in which the client would have to constantly seek help and thus pad a profit margin – The Addictions Coach sets each and every client up to thrive on their own without intervention! They are there to help those in need above all else!