If you are thinking about quitting drinking, you will probably already heard about sober coaching. But you might not be sure about exactly what sober coaches do. The truth is that sober coaches can help you with every aspect of sobriety, whether you are new to sobriety or you’ve been sober a long time.
In this blog, we take a look at exactly what is sober coaching, and give you the information you need to understand what sober coaches can do for you. For information on how Sobriety and Wellbeing can support your sobriety, contact us today.
Many people with drug and alcohol problems find the sober life challenging. Sober coaches assist people in maintaining long term recovery from drugs and alcohol by giving expert support and advice. A sober coach effectively helps you to navigate life without the use of substances.
A good sober coach offers you unwavering support and acts as a consistent source of accountability. They understand the challenges you may face during recovery and can provide encouragement to help you stay committed to your goals.
Working together with a sober coach will allow you to identify realistic short-term and long-term goals. These goals can range from maintaining sobriety to rebuilding relationships and pursuing personal or professional goals.
In moments of crisis or intense cravings, a sober coach is there to offer immediate assistance. By having a proactive plan in place, you will be better equipped to handle challenging situations without resorting to substance use.
Sober coaches can help you develop essential life skills. These include stress management, effective communication, and strategies to navigate triggers and temptations in everyday life.
Addiction often strains relationships. Sober coaches help you to rebuild and strengthen connections with family and friends, fostering a supportive environment for your recovery.
Sober coaching recognises that everyone's journey is unique. Coaches tailor their approach to your specific needs, ensuring a personalised and effective support system.
Sober coaching is flexible, allowing you to receive support when and where you need it. This accessibility enhances the chances of maintaining consistent progress in various aspects of life.
The ongoing nature of sober coaching contributes to long-term success. It provides continuous support beyond the initial stages of recovery, helping you build a strong foundation for a substance-free life.
Now we’ve looked at what is a sober coach, let's look at the qualities you should look out for when deciding on someone to guide you through your addiction recovery.
Connection is the foundation of any successful relationship, and it is no different when it comes to sober coaches. You should feel comfortable, understood, and supported. During your first conversations, pay attention to how you resonate with the coach's approach, values, and communication style. These will be important factors on your ability to build connection with your coach.
Look for a sober coach with relevant experience and credentials. Someone who understands the complexities of addiction and recovery and has been through the process themselves is usually a good start. You should also consider whether the sober coach you are considering has credentials and certificates, as these will indicate they know what they are doing.
Sobriety doesn't adhere to a strict schedule, and neither should your sober coach. Opt for someone who is flexible and available when you need support the most. Knowing your coach is a call away during challenging times provides a sense of security.
This is especially important during early recovery, when your coach may need to “talk you down from the ledge” by encouraging you to stay substance free when things get tough.
A good sober coach understands that each recovery is unique and tailors their strategies to your specific needs and goals. Discuss your preferences, challenges, and aspirations, and ensure your coach is open to creating a personalised plan.
Open and transparent communication is crucial. A reliable sober coach should be approachable and encourage honest dialogue. This transparency helps build trust, a fundamental element of the coaching relationship. Make sure you feel comfortable expressing your thoughts, concerns, and victories. If you are not able to do this, consider looking for another coach.
An effective sober coach collaborates with you to set realistic and achievable goals. They should help you track your progress and celebrate milestones along the way.
Consider the financial aspect of hiring a sober coach. While investing in your recovery is invaluable, you need to find a coach who you can realistically afford. Some coaches may offer sliding scales or payment plans to make their services more accessible.
Finally, trust your intuition. Your gut feeling can often guide you toward the right choice. If, after the initial interactions you feel a sense of comfort, understanding, and trust, you may have found the perfect sober coach for your journey.
Sobriety and Wellbeing offer detox services, aftercare, in-patient rehab, relapse prevention and sober coaching. Our team is committed to supporting your continued sobriety, and would love to tell you more on what is sober coaching.
If you’d like more information on this, or would like to speak with one of our team about our approach to sober coaching, contact us today on 0800 002 5397.