Posted July 1, Reviewed by Davia Sills. Sober companions, also called sober coaches, are becoming increasingly popular in the U. What do they do, and is a sober companion the right choice for you? Sober companions are individuals in recovery who assist someone struggling with addiction who is trying to get or stay sober.
Sober companions are mentors or guides. They are not a friend, therapist, or step program sponsor. The main role of a sober companion is to encourage clients to make healthy choices, doing so by example. Jobs may last anywhere from a few hours to a year or more. Almost all sober companions will work with any abstinence-based recovery model.
Sober companions may do a variety of jobs. Those suffering from addiction are frequently afraid to go to treatment and may need help getting safely to a treatment center. Often transport jobs require the companion to drive a long distance to a treatment facility with a client if the client has no ID and cannot get on a plane. Some transport jobs require a nurse to give medication to a client, in addition to a sober companion.
Though transport jobs are common, most sober companions are hired to stay with an individual after they have finished a residential treatment program. In these jobs, sober companions may live with the client in their home or do hour shifts 8 a. These jobs usually start with a full sweep of the home, to remove any drugs or alcohol from the residence. These jobs vary in length, but two weeks to a month is common. Another short-term sober companion job has the sober companion travel with an individual for a particular event, such as a family reunion or a business meeting.
These kinds of stressful events can cause relapse for individuals new in recovery. A sober companion helps an individual remain grounded and sobriety focused during the event and provides emotional support and encouragement in the high-stress situation.
