Recovery associates, also called recovery companions or coaches, can play an important role in early recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). They provide support and guidance during a critical time when individuals work to establish sobriety. These companions can help clients navigate the process, set goals, and connect with resources and support services. 

Recovery coaches promote accountability and provide encouragement and motivation. In addition, recovery associates serve as role models and provide hope that recovery is possible. By helping clients take small steps each day, recovery coaches can help them build and maintain momentum in their recovery journey.

What Recovery Associates Offer 

Working with a recovery associate offers many benefits to your recovery plan. Recovery companions are versatile and offer services tailored to the individual. A recovery associate can:

• Provide motivation and support during the early recovery stage

• Accompany you to your recovery center if necessary

• Stay with you during the transition from treatment to your home

• Travel with you to and from treatment

• Accompany you at social gatherings for extra care and support, if needed

• Identify possible triggers—people, places, or events—that could cause relapse

• Plan a healthy daily routine for you during early recovery

• Advise you regarding and accompany you to therapy and support group meetings

• Keep you accountable for your actions during recovery

Recovery associates are becoming increasingly popular as a means of helping people recover from SUD. They provide a wide range of services, including support, advocacy, and case management. They also help to connect people with resources and create individualized treatment plans. In addition, recovery associates can provide ongoing support and accountability, which is essential for long-term recovery.

Boundaries Are Crucial

Setting and maintaining boundaries is a key part of any relationship, especially when one person has a perceived position of power or authority over the other. This is particularly important to remember when working with a recovery coach, as they will be privy to a lot of personal information about you and your recovery journey. Therefore, you must establish clear boundaries from the outset and feel comfortable communicating with your recovery associate if you ever feel that those boundaries are being violated. 

Remember, recovery associates are there to support and encourage you, not to control or judge you. If you ever feel your recovery associate is crossing a line, speak up and let them know. By doing so, you can help to create a safer and more trusting environment for both you and your recovery associate. 

The following are several common ways that boundaries get blurred in relationships with recovery coaches:

Time

One of recovery associates' most common boundary violations is spending too much time with specific clients. In a professional setting, it is inappropriate for a recovery associate to single out any one client for special attention. Doing so creates the impression of favoritism and can undermine the client's trust in the recovery process. Additionally, spending excessive time with one client can interfere with the recovery associate's ability to work with other clients effectively. 

Self-Disclosure

When a recovery associate discloses too much personal information, it can create an atmosphere of intimacy that is inappropriate for a professional relationship. Additionally, self-disclosure can lead to boundary confusion, as clients may feel they are expected to reciprocate the level of disclosure. 

This can be particularly damaging for clients working to establish healthy boundaries in their lives. Excessive self-disclosure can erode trust and undermine the therapeutic alliance. Recovery associates must maintain a professional demeanor and refrain from disclosing excessive personal information. 

Gifts

Another type of boundary violation is gift-giving. While it may seem like a kind gesture, it can be interpreted as an attempt to buy favor or create a sense of obligation. It is also important to remember that clients may come from different cultural backgrounds and may not feel comfortable accepting gifts. Therefore, recovery associates should refrain from giving gifts to clients.

Physical Touch

A fine line exists between what is acceptable physical touch and what is not acceptable in the relationship between recovery associate and client. Touch can be a boundary violation if it makes the client feel uncomfortable or if it is not necessary for the recovery process. 

Recovery associates should only use physical touch when it is absolutely essential and when they have obtained consent from the client. If a client feels uncomfortable, the recovery associate should respect their wishes and stop immediately. By maintaining these boundaries, recovery associates can ensure that they provide their clients with the best care.

Action Steps

Knowing how to handle boundary violations when you are in recovery can be challenging. Still, it is essential to remember that you have a right to set boundaries and expect them to be respected. If your recovery associate violates your limits, you can take a few steps to handle the situation. 

Try to resolve the issue directly with the individual who has violated your boundary. If that is not possible or does not result in a satisfactory resolution, you can talk to the recovery associate's supervisor or another trusted individual about the situation. If the boundary violation is severe or continues after you have tried to address it, you may need to file a formal complaint. Boundary violations can be stressful and triggering, but by handling them calmly and reasonably, you can protect yourself and maintain your recovery.

It is essential to have a support system in recovery. For many people, that support system includes a recovery associate. A recovery associate, also called a recovery coach or companion, has been trained to support and guide people struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) and can help identify triggers and establish healthy coping mechanisms. While recovery associates can be invaluable in your recovery journey, it is important to be aware of potential boundary violations. Establishing clear boundaries with your recovery associate ensures that your recovery remains your responsibility. If you feel like your recovery associate is crossing any boundaries, be sure to speak up and communicate your concerns. Remember, you are in charge of your own recovery, and it is up to you to ensure that your recovery associate respects your wishes. To learn more, contact Next Level Recovery Associates at consult@nextlevelra.com.