recovery benefits
What is a Recovery Coach?
A recovery coach uses a collaborative, strength-based approach to changing your relationship with drugs or alcohol. The emerging field is being strongly embraced in several US jurisdictions and is increasingly adopted by organizations globally.
1. Boots on the ground
While other members of the care team will be advising and prescribing, Recovery Coaches (sometimes referred to as a sober coach) walk alongside those with addiction, supporting them on their day-to-day path of recovery. It’s important to note that a recovery coach has walked a very similar path themselves, so they know how to anticipate any challenges that might arise.
2. Change agents
One of the most promising aspects of the recovery coaching relationship is that of eliciting change in those facing addiction. Using skillful questioning (motivational interviewing), a recovery coach can gently guide a person with addiction to their own meaningful discoveries. Much of that is how much of an impact their substance or behaviour has had on their lives. Because it is a path of self-discovery, it carries much meaning for the person entering recovery. As a result, recovery usually begins sooner and lasts longer.
3. Connectors
Among other things, addiction is a disease of isolation – disconnection. Recovery coaches act as connectors – not only to the struggling addicts own goals – but to the services and supports available around them. That could be anything from people who will find them housing or work to connection with detoxification, treatment services or peer support groups.
4. Confidants
A recovery coach is an understanding ally in which anything can be shared in complete confidence. People who are in the grip of addiction, are often met with disapproval, criticism and rebuke because of their behaviour. A recovery coach arrives with a complete lack of judgment, and instead brings a deep level of compassion and understanding. This is often new, and completely refreshing for someone battling addiction. It is within this dry tinder that the fire of a strong bond is forged.
5. Dream builders
A purpose-filled life is immensely beneficial to long-term recovery. External motivations (“My wife wants me to …” or “I want my job back”) are effective short-term primers for change. Autonomous motivations (“I want to live a better life…”) are much better and longer lasting. However, the best are “flow experiences” (“I love living sober …”) and have the longest, most beneficial, outcomes. Here, we find purpose, and deep meaning, just in the act of living addiction free. Most people who are sober with the assistance of a recovery coach can find this inner-spark, this sense that life is so much better outside the grip of addiction.