Recovery coaches or “sober coaches” help people who are recovering from substance use disorders set and reach their goals. While psychiatrists and psychologists prescribe medicine or provide diagnoses, recovery coaches focus on providing individuals with tools and guidance to help them build a strong foundation of sobriety.
These mentors are there to help you deal with the struggles of daily life while you navigate sobriety from drugs and alcohol. Additionally, they can help you learn how to take action in your recovery by inspiring internal motivation rather than external motivation.
Here are seven reasons why recovery coaching works and how it can help you recover.
The first reason that recovery coaching works is that it can provide you with the resources you need in recovery. Whether you require a detox program, a residential rehab, or a reputable psychiatrist, sober coaches have a network of resources they are ready to provide to you.
A coach can help you navigate finding employment, housing, and even legal issues. Because they are connected in the addiction recovery world, they are familiar with the resources people need to succeed after completing a treatment program.
Addiction is known as a family disease, so the entire family should be receiving recovery services. Recovery coaches like Michael Herbert help the entire family through the use of Structured Family RecoveryⓇ. This form of recovery coaching provides every member of your family with the coping mechanisms and support they need to heal.
Some of the services associated with Structured Family RecoveryⓇ include:
When you are recovering from substance abuse, one of the main necessities for recovery is being accountable for your actions. Oftentimes, it is extremely difficult to keep yourself accountable, especially when temptations arise. Recovery coaching is so successful because your coach will keep you accountable for your sobriety and ensure that you are working to meet your goals.
Relapse prevention planning is an imperative step in addiction recovery. Recovery coaches like Michael Herbert understand the importance of setting up plans of action that prevent relapse. However, a part of relapse prevention planning also includes considering what to do in the event of a relapse.
Things that recovery coaches include in relapse prevention plans include:
One of the most difficult times in recovery from addiction is the transition from life in treatment to normal, everyday life. You became used to the safety and accountability of a rehab facility and now you are going back home and into the real world where triggers are on every street corner. Without the proper coping mechanisms and support, this is enough to cause you to relapse.
Thankfully, recovery coaches are there for you during this time. They will provide you with the support you need to overcome everyday triggers and have an easy transition out of treatment.
While the coping mechanisms you learn in treatment will help you deal with triggers, it is important to continue to upgrade your coping mechanisms as you grow and change in your sobriety. Just like a pair of shoes, after some time your coping mechanisms will become worn out and you might need to replace them. Recovery coaching helps you learn new methods of coping that are tailored to your specific experiences and triggers.
Some examples of coping mechanisms include:
While therapists and counselors typically focus on helping you recover from past issues, recovery coaches work with you to overcome your current struggles. Did you experience something triggering today? Your recovery coach would talk it out with you, help you identify your feelings, and show you how to prevent triggering situations from bothering you as much in the future.
Michael Herbert, The Recovery Guide, has more than 30 years of experience working closely with individuals and families dealing with addiction and recovery issues. He is a seasoned Coach and can help you and your family establish long-term goals and access the tools you need for continued abstinence and recovery for the entire family. Get in touch with Michael today at 561-221-7677 to schedule an appointment.
