What is a Recovery Coach?
Why do you need a Recovery Coach?
The most vulnerable time for an individual recovering from substance abuse and/ or
addiction, according to Psychology Today, is in the first 90 days of recovery, as this is when the greatest percentage of relapses occur. A recovery coach is a professional who mentors and supports a person in recovery. We provide tools and teach people how to navigate situations.
Is a Recovery Coach a Therapist?
Recovery coaches are not professionally licensed therapists, however some have similar certifications. All our coaches have national or state certifications and have at least 5 years of continuous recovery allowing them to empathize with their clients. Recovery coaches do not provide clinical care and cannot diagnose or treat substance use disorders.
Is a Recovery Coach like a Sponsor?
A sponsor provides peer support for free and in most cases will be enrolled in a 12-step program and takes a person through the “12 Steps.” A recovery coach will provide life skills & goal setting and is trained to assist in locating housing, employment, medical services, etc. Once a person is well immersed into a 12-step program, the recovery coach steps aside.
Why engage with a recovery coach while in treatment?
Early recovery is a critical inflection point. You have to reshape your thinking and behavior as well as your relationship with
mind-altering substances. You also need to consider life outside of treatment or jail. Getting connected with your recovery coach early can help you transition back into normal life while allowing a familiar face to help with this transition.
How to maximize the effectiveness of your relapse prevention program.
The persistent nature of addiction requires continuous treatment to ensure people are supported through the duration of their recovery. This is especially crucial during the critical period immediately following discharge from an intensive treatment program. Having a relapse
prevention plan in place has shown a significant positive impact on abstinence.
How our recovery coaches help the family.
Our program provides support and
guidance to parents, siblings, spouses. Virtually anyone whose physical, emotional, or spiritual health has been compromised by a loved one’s addiction. Our sessions offered via Zoom/Teams
help family members identify and change their behaviors that were developed in response to their loved one’s addiction.
How Does a Recovery Coach Support the Client?
Part of our coach’s role is facilitating positive change in the client’s life. This is achieved through goal setting, creating
steps to achieve them, providing support via text, phone, and in-person, and tracking milestones. We provide a safety net from the moment they leave treatment and we stay with them until they are firmly established in a recovery community of their choosing. This process
lasts anywhere from 6 months to 1 year.
Does a relapse to drug use mean treatment has failed?
No, the chronic nature of addiction means that for some people, relapse, or a return to drug use after an attempt to stop, can be part of the process. Relapse rates for drug use are similar to rates for other chronic medical illnesses. If people stop following their medical treatment plan, they are likely to relapse. Relapse serves as a sign for resumed, modified, or new treatment.
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What’s the best advice for individuals & families who are new to the world of recovery?
First and foremost, be patient. There will be high’s and low’s in early recovery and
change takes time. Try to be positive and stick together through the journey. Eventually, the situation will stabilize and a new-normal will be established. Make sure to seek your own support throughout the process.
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