With relapse rates hovering between 40 and 60 percent, it’s imperative that people in recovery have all the tools and resources they need to succeed. There are many reasons why people relapse, but some of the most common are due to poor self-care, boredom, social isolation and exposure to too many triggers. Some people might also relapse because they are too confident in their recovery – sobriety takes effort and you can’t get complacent!
Fortunately, people in recovery have more tools and resources than ever before, but they need to know how to access them. That’s where a recovery companion, or sober companion, can help. Recovery companions integrate people back into society, provide extra support during stressful times and promote aftercare.
Let’s explore some of the ways that a sober companion can boost your journey to recovery.
Support With Transitions
Many sober companions are in recovery themselves. They have been where you are and know what got them through. This type of support is invaluable, as many people in recovery feel misunderstood. Even though your family and friends mean well, they may not comprehend what you’re going through.
Because many sober mentors have walked the recovery journey, they know what it takes to maintain sobriety. Your sober companion will make sure that all drugs and alcohol are removed from the home, monitor who you are hanging out with and keep watch over your behaviors.
Practical Assistance – Transportation, Resumes and More
Recovery companions aren’t just there to support your emotional needs. They can also help out with practical needs, such as driving you to your 12-step meetings, finding doctors in your area and arranging stable housing. If you are looking for a job, your sober companion can also help you write up a resume and cover letter, as well as run through practice interviews with you.
Encourage Healthy Habits and Self-Care
It’s easier to make smart choices when you’re feeling good on a physical level. This is why your recovery companion will make a point of encouraging healthy habits. Your mentor will want you eating balanced meals, sleeping a consistent 7 to 9 hours at night and exercising for 30 minutes most days of the week.
Other healthy habits to adopt are coping strategies like deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness and yoga. As you face stressful situations, you can use these tools to calm yourself down. You can no longer turn to drugs and alcohol, so you need other ways to cope.
Build Stronger Bonds with Loved Ones
People who struggle with addiction often have poor relationships with their loved ones. A sober companion will help you reconnect with family and friends. They can help you get back in the good graces of your family so that you can have them in your support network, too. Your sober mentor will also model a healthy relationship that is built on trust and respect.
Find a Sober Companion with Spearhead Health
These are just some of the ways that a sober companion can help boost your recovery. Spearhead Health has responsive, compassion and solution-focused recovery companions that can provide you with the extra support you need.
All sober companions are trained and supervised by a licensed clinician, and overseen by our Care Managers. They have experience with substance use, mental health disorders, medication management, crisis management and relapse prevention. Contact our team today to learn more about our sober companion services.