There is no question that recovery is challenging. For many of us, it will be the biggest challenge we ever face. But the rewards are more than worth the struggle. Early recovery is often the toughest stretch for most people. A sober companion can be an invaluable resource, especially when you’re still getting your bearings in your new sober life. 

If you’ve ever asked yourself, ‘Do I need a sober companion?’ This short article from Recovery Care Partner should help you decide. 

What Does a Sober Companion Do?

A sober companion is a professional who provides you with guidance and support during early recovery. Sober companions also give you someone to whom you are accountable. They can give you advice or just listen if you need to get something off your chest. They often accompany clients to meetings or group therapy for moral support or to help them make sure they make appointments to stay on track. Some people go for walks or hikes or even exercise with their sober companions. 

The main function of a sober companion is to provide emotional and moral support during difficult times in early recovery. They can provide encouragement and share wisdom. Sober companions are often in long-term recovery themselves so they have the benefit of both training and relevant personal life experience. This combination of qualities makes sober companions uniquely qualified to empathize with and help people in early recovery. 

What Don’t Sober Companions Do?

A sober companion isn’t the same as a 12-step sponsor. Both sober companions and 12-step sponsors can be very helpful, but one isn’t a substitute for the other. There are differences between sober companions and sponsors. If you plan on working the 12 steps, then you need a sponsor. Having a sober companion in addition to a sponsor is an excellent way to greatly improve your odds of success. A Sober companion does not take you through the 12 steps.

Having a sober companion doesn’t require you to participate in a 12-step program. Some people prefer alternatives to the 12 steps. It is a good idea to engage in some sort of fellowship if you can though. Your sober companion is a professional you hire, you will also want to make friends with people in recovery for additional support and fellowship. Sober companions are not the same as friends and they cannot become personally or romantically involved with clients, they must maintain the client-professional relationship boundary. 

The advantages of having a sober companion include:

• Someone else to talk to who truly understands.
• A source of accountability to help you stay on track.
• A person who is trained to provide you with the support you need.
• Help with getting to meetings or counseling appointments on time. 
• An experienced ear who knows the road ahead. 

So, Do I Need a Sober Companion?

Maybe. But, it’s really up to you to decide, of course. If you are in early recovery or soon plan to be, then sober companionship is definitely an idea that’s worth looking into. If this isn’t your first time being in recovery and you want to do things differently – having a sober companion is an excellent way to help you avoid past pitfalls. 

If you are new to recovery, sober companions are very helpful when it comes to learning the “lay of the land”. They are often in long-term recovery themselves, so they typically have great advice and can share the wisdom they’ve picked up along the way. Sober companions make a perfect addition to your recovery team, which may include a 12-step sponsor and sober support and friends you make in sobriety. 

If you would like a recovery coach or have more questions about recovery coaching, contact Recovery Care Partner at 855-727-2887