Starting your journey of recovery from addiction can be one of the most difficult obstacles you will ever face.
You may have tried to go it alone, but the truth is that doing so is extremely challenging. One of the biggest influences that can indicate relapse among those in the early stages of recovery is the people they surround themselves with.
For this reason, having a sober companion can make all the difference.
The demand for sober companions has increased in the UK as people recognize the value in overcoming addiction.
If you are on the path to recovery and are looking for ways to increase your chances of success, read on to learn more about how a sober companion can help support you in your new chapter.
What Is a Sober Companion?
When it comes to addiction recovery, many individuals require extra help and guidance to stay on track. That’s where a sober companion comes in.
In the UK, a sober companion is a trained professional who supports individuals struggling with addiction by providing around-the-clock care, monitoring, and encouragement.
They are sometimes referred to as a recovery coach in the UK, but essentially they act as a sober friend and ally, helping their clients navigate the challenges of sobriety while keeping them accountable to their recovery goals.
Sober companions can accompany their clients to recovery meetings, help them build healthy routines, and provide a non-judgmental listening ear. Overall, they play a crucial role in helping those in recovery maintain their sobriety and regain control of their lives.
How Do Sober Companions Work?
Upon arrival, the companions may search your residence and remove any drugs or alcohol to create a safe and drug-free environment. They may also assist you with grocery shopping, exercising, and paying bills.
One of the most significant roles of a sober companion is to watch for any potential triggers, problematic behaviour, or signs of relapse.
They may teach you social skills and accompany you to 12-step meetings to ease you back into society. Furthermore, they help structure your day in a way that does not involve substances and ensure that you never feel lonely, as loneliness is one of the most significant triggers for relapse.
With a sober companion, you can feel confident and empowered to take control of your sobriety and ensure a successful recovery.
A Look At The Facts:
Despite the best intentions and efforts, 70% of people relapse in their first year of sobriety. It’s essential to understand the potential causes of relapse, including:
- Boredom
- Isolation
- Loneliness
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
- Overconfidence
- Poor self-care
- Visiting triggering environments
- Keeping old relationships with those still in active addiction
- Mental health
- Caving from withdrawal
Fortunately, a sober companion can help with every single one of these.
They can provide invaluable support and guidance during the early stages of recovery. They can help you stay motivated, provide healthy companionship, assist in monitoring your environment, and provide guidance with mental health.
The Benefits of Having a Sober Companion:
Are you currently in the early stages of recovery and feeling overwhelmed? It’s important to remember that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
That’s where a sober companion comes in. While we just discussed their role in recovery, we’re here to dive deeper into the top benefits of having one.
We know we may sound repetitive, but we can’t stress enough how life-changing they can be.
So, let’s look at the top three reasons why having a sober companion in your corner can make all the difference in your recovery journey.
- A Sober Companion Can Help You Stay on Track
A sober companion can be valuable if you’re trying to stay sober. A sober companion will help you stay on track with your sobriety by providing support and accountability. They can help you stay away from triggers, provide emotional support, and help you stick to your sobriety goals.
- A Sober Companion Can Help You Avoid Relapse
Another benefit of having a sober companion is that they can help you avoid relapse. If you’re struggling with temptation or feeling like you might slip up, your sober companion can help you work through those triggers. They can provide guidance and encouragement in those vulnerable moments and help you develop a plan to avoid relapses in the future.
- A Sober Companion Can Help You Build a Support Network
A sober companion can also help you build a support network. If you’re new to sobriety, finding people who understand what you’re going through can be challenging. But a sober companion can introduce you to others in recovery and help you find resources and support groups in your area. Having a solid support network is essential for maintaining sobriety in the long term.
A Sober Companion Can Make All The Difference:
Choosing to live a sober life is a brave decision, but it is also a challenging one. Many people relapse within the first year of sobriety due to various reasons, such as emotional triggers and peer pressure – variables that are precisely what sober companions are trained to manage.
If you are struggling with sobriety, we encourage you to contact your healthcare professional to discuss whether a sober companion fits you.
Remember, taking care of yourself is a priority, and there is no shame in asking for help.
Contact Orchestrate Health today to find out more about how we can help you or a loved one on the road the recovery.
Resources:
- https://www.heatherhayes.com/understanding-the-role-of-sober-companions/
- https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/guides/what-is-sober-companion
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/add.15502#:~:text=It%20is%20estimated%20that%20up,most%20vulnerable%20time%20%5B2%5D.
- https://www.rehabguide.co.uk/sober-companion/
