People who suffer from one or more forms of substance abuse will want as many people in their corner: fighting, alongside them, for their recovery. Indeed, without the support of others an individual’s chances of recovering are significantly reduced. One burgeoning form of support—that has only recently gained popularity—is that of recovery coaching. When this option is suggested to addicts, these people often inquire: ‘what is a recovery coach?’ Answering this question is not a simple matter. Indeed, being a recovery coach involves a host of specialized skills and training. The following aims to elucidate some of the fundamentals involved in recovery coaching.
A Secondary Source of Support
A good way of answering the leading question, ‘what is a recovery coach,?’ is understanding it as a secondary source of support. Recovery coaches are well aware that the work they do in no way substitutes medical treatment or more traditional forms of recovery. However in many cases, additional sources of support are also required: hence the necessity of recovery coaches. These persons are meant to supplement medical treatment, and to motivate you to make the best choices for both your life and your sobriety. Keep this in mind if you choose to work with a coach.
Will Act As a Constant Reminder and Encourager of Sobriety
In many cases, a recovery coach will accompany his or her patient to events and functions in order to ensure their sobriety. Being sober themselves, a recovery coach successfully reminds his or her patient of the strength and clarity of mind that attends sobriety. In addition, having a sober companion helps significantly in keeping a person sober him or herself.
Will Vary In Terms of Intensity
Depending on the case, a recovery coach will fulfill a more or less intensive role in an individual’s life. If a person feels that he or she requires weighty support in both achieving and maintaining their sobriety, they may want a coach who acts in a full time capacity. This person may spend most of their days with a patient, guiding them through their daily routine in a sober and empowered manner.
Alternatively, other recovering persons will want to achieve their sobriety with a bit more autonomy. This might entail meeting with their recovery coach either one or two times a week. At these meetings persons may discuss both their progress and their struggles, and develop a strategy for moving forward with their newfound sobriety.
