Getting or staying sober is a lifelong commitment, and many experts argue that it’s nearly impossible to achieve without support.  The reality is that up to 60% of individuals with an addiction disorder are likely to relapse after or during recovery.  This is when a sober companion becomes invaluable.  These trained companions offer support to people who are making concerted efforts to maintain sobriety.  If you’re struggling with the often awkward and frustrating path of recovery and are seeking an advantage in your healing - please read further about the revolutionizing advantages of incorporating SCS (sober companion services) in your journey to living a full, rewarding life in sobriety.

Sober Companion Services Overview

Before you hire a sober companion, let’s first talk about what these important people are and what they can do for you. Sober companion services are a type of service that can provide backup, advice, or encouragement if you are in recovery from addiction. They can also provide a shoulder to lean on in moments of weakness.  These professionals may also guide you on how to deal with triggers in recovery, and they can be a solid anchor during times when you may feel adrift or consumed by the challenges of living sober. 

The Different Types of Sober Companions

When researching sober companion companies, it’s important to understand not all SCSs are the same.  Some companion services are geared toward professionals who are managing the stresses of business while trying to remain sober.  Still, other types of sober companions may fill the role of counselor and help stimulate communication with family members regarding the unique strains addiction tends to place on relationships.

In addition to different types of sober companions that cater to your lifestyle - there are also recovery coaches that can fit in with other needs.  For instance, you can choose between having an on-call, live-in, or escort companion.  This means you can get support on the phone, in-person, or your companion can provide guidance while driving you to meetings or wherever you need to go.

To be sure, there is a coach or a companion that can meet every one of your needs, and it’s crucial that your sober companion service matches you with the right individual to ensure your long-term success in recovery. 

Services a Sober Companion Provides

As mentioned, there are a variety of different types of sober companions - and one is certain to meet your needs and match your personality.  That said, let’s take a closer look at the different services a sober companion can provide you so that you may establish your sobriety more firmly in life.

Support and Accountability

One of the primary goals of a sober companion is to provide constant support to their clients during their recovery journey. By having a trusted compatriot who is invested in your sobriety, you are more likely to successfully abstain. Having support from someone who knows what you’re going through is crucial in your recovery. Furthermore, a recovery coach can also hold you accountable for your actions - something that is essential for keeping on track.

Crisis Management

Life can get messy - no matter who you are or what kind of pre-existing challenges you face.  However, if you’re struggling with addiction, upturns in life can be especially crushing.  This is when a sober companion can be a lifesaver.  When life takes a twist and throws you off balance, your recovery buddy can help diffuse hostilities, help you talk through your feelings, and even provide practical advice when it comes to maneuvering life’s challenges while still staying sober.

Daily Structure and Routine

Most individuals who grapple with addiction issues will tell you that the only structure they experienced in the heat of their disorder is where and how to get their next drink or fix.  Once sober, that compelling drive can be painfully powerful - making the need for structure and routine paramount.  

A sober companion can establish daily routines and help you stay on track. This is crucial in order to replace triggers and habits.  When you replace healthy routines with old habits of substance abuse - this builds a long-term map for successful recovery.  That said, a sober coach or companion can work wonders when it comes to keeping you stable while rebuilding life-affirming habits in your sober life.

Communication and Relationship Building

Addiction touches every inch of our lives - including our relationships with family, friends, and co-workers.  Very often, use disorders mutate relationships, causing giant rifts, misunderstandings, or estrangements. A qualified sober companion can be pivotal in negotiating better communication.  Very often, companions are trained in various therapies and can be instrumental in negotiating conflict as well as assisting in opening up long-overdue conversations within families or partnerships.  As an intermediary, a sober companion can be influential in healing and restoring relationships.

Assistance with Practical Tasks

By now, you’re starting to understand that sober companion services can be diverse and dynamically helpful depending on your needs. Your recovery buddy can continue to be your ally in recovery by performing everyday tasks.  Simple must-do functions, such as grocery shopping, scheduling, or transportation, can often be overwhelming - especially if you are in early recovery.  This is when a sober companion can ease the burden, lend a helping hand, and help out.  Some companions even have nutritional and dietary training and can even help you eat more healthily while in recovery.

Aftercare Planning

Last but certainly not least, a sober companion can be significantly effective in helping you map out a solid plan for staying sober after detox or rehab.  Aftercare is, hands-down, one of the most critical aspects of recovery. It’s a volatile time when the temptation to use again is at its peak. Therefore, having a backer can help you plan out your next few days, weeks, and months during aftercare. From helping you find community support to tracking down resources - a sober companion can make a world of difference in your aftercare program. 

Costs of Sober Companion Services

As with most tailored services, the cost of sober companion recovery services depends upon the level of care you want or need.  For instance, you can expect to pay more for a live-in companion than, say, an on-call helper.  Depending upon the level of care, rates can range anywhere from $100 - $1800 per day.  Considering this vast difference in daily costs, it’s best to pin down exactly what you need and expect from a recovery companion in order to help you assess your budget for this vital wellness service in your recovery plan.

How To Find a Sober Companion

Finding a sober companion can be a daunting task, but it is well worth the effort if you need that extra support during recovery. Sure, you could Google search for “sober companions” or “sober coach.” But how do you really know these individuals are qualified, vetted, and trustworthy?  By far, your smartest solution in finding and hiring a sober companion is to contact Next Level Recovery.  We handle every detail - including establishing terms of agreements, as well as matching you up with the most ideal companion according to your specific needs.

Is a Sober Companion Right for Me?

That’s a fair question, and hopefully, reading this guide to sober companion services has helped you formulate an answer.  The reality of recovery is that it really does take a village.  At least, it takes support, backup plans, and strategies to keep you inline with your sobriety goals.  Considering this, a sober companion is an invaluable asset and ally for you while you navigate the barrage of complications common to living successfully in recovery.

Sober Companions at Next Level Recovery

At Next Level Recovery, we understand that addiction is not just a physical illness - it also affects mental health and relationships. Our sober companions work closely with clients and their families to ensure they receive the highest level of care possible.

Hiring a sober companion can be a life-changing decision, and Next Level Recovery is here to provide you with customized support from trained professionals. Contact us today so we can connect you with a sober companion to help you take control of your life again and move forward on the path toward lasting wellness and sobriety.