What Is a Sober Companion?

Support From a Sober Companion at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab

A sober companion is a trained addiction professional who partners with you to help you stay on track toward your recovery goals. They act as a mentor, guide, and source of support during each stage of recovery. Often, sober companions are more readily available than other professionals in the support system, such as therapists. That means that you can call on them anytime for guidance or support. In some circumstances, sober companions even live with their partners for a period of time to provide 24/7 care.

Sober Companion Services

Guidance and Support

Sober companions are highly trained professionals. They understand the nuances of addiction and mental health and are equipped to assist you in moments of crisis. One of their most important roles is as an addiction expert who can give you advice and guidance when you need it most.

Many sober companions also have a personal connection to addiction and mental health issues, either through their own experience or that of a loved one. Because of this, they can offer emotional support in the difficult times of life and recovery. They understand what you are experiencing on a deep level and will always be there for you.

Accountability to Maintain Sobriety

Sober companions are also great for keeping you on track toward your recovery goals. They aim to prevent relapses and help you maintain your sobriety. Through training and personal experience, they’ve learned to spot triggers and signs of unhealthy habits better than most. While working as your companion, they’ll check in with you regularly about your progress, help you set goals, and encourage you to continue on the recovery path. If you do relapse, they’ll help you explore what caused the setback and create a plan to prevent it from happening again.

The Role of a Sober Companion at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab

At Exclusive Hawaii Rehab, we believe that sober companions can play a vital role in recovery journeys. That’s why we partner many of our clients with trained, compassionate companions who support their recovery through multiple stages.

Developing Healthy Routines

Healthy routines are the foundation of sustained recovery. At Exclusive Hawaii Rehab, a sober companion can help you discover gaps in your lifestyle and address them. This might include cooking healthy meals, getting regular exercise, or practicing daily self-care. These things are difficult to implement when you’re not in the habit, but a sober companion can assist you and encourage you so that these practices become routine.

Developing and Refining Coping Strategies

In recovery, it’s vital to learn and practice healthy coping strategies. These are the mechanisms and techniques you will use in the real world when you face stressors and triggers. Different coping strategies work for different people, so it’s important to find the ones that benefit you. Your sober companion can help you develop unique coping strategies and then practice them in controlled scenarios. From there, you can refine these techniques so that you’re prepared for anything life throws at you outside of treatment.

Finding and Participating in Sober Activities

Once you’ve left primary treatment, it’s important that you continue to engage in social activities. However, it can be difficult to find events where you won’t be faced with triggers, like substances. That’s why sober groups and their activities can be a great option. Your sober companion can help you connect with other sober individuals and groups that host sober activities and events. It can also involve accompanying a patient to group therapy sessions.

Who Needs a Sober Companion?

A sober companion can benefit individuals transitioning through levels of care and aftercare by providing continuous support as they move from intensive treatment to more independent living. They also offer guidance during high-stress or challenging periods in early recovery, such as returning to work or dealing with personal triggers. For those who need extra support maintaining sobriety, a sober companion helps reinforce positive habits, offering accountability and encouragement to stay on track. By providing personalized, one-on-one assistance, sober companions play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate the complexities of recovery and sustain long-term sobriety.

How Long Is a Sober Companion Necessary?

The length of your partnership with your sober companion is based on two factors: your specific needs and your progress. Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. Different people need different approaches and progress at different rates. If you need more support than others, that’s nothing to be ashamed of; it just means that your partnership with a sober companion might last longer. In the same way, you probably won’t be in the same place as the next person three months into recovery. That’s completely normal. A sober companion may be necessary only for the first few weeks after primary treatment, or they might stay by your side for upwards of six months.

Are Sober Companions For Individuals With Severe Addiction?

While it is true that people with severe addiction often have higher support needs in recovery, sober companions can be a beneficial resource for anyone with SUD, no matter the severity. When considering whether a sober companion is right for you, you should take many factors into account: your goals, needs, mental health issues, and lifestyle. Even if your addiction isn’t severe, a sober companion may still be a great addition to your care plan and help grow your community of support.

Getting Started With a Sober Companion at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab

Remember, addiction is a disease. Therefore, recovery is a lifelong journey. Though recovery isn’t an easy process, it’s easier when you have professional support. Exclusive Hawaii Rehab believes in the power of genuine partnerships between individuals with SUD and sober companions. No matter what stage of the journey you’re in, a sober companion could be a great addition to your care plan. Our compassionate staff is available to help answer any questions and provide information on any concerns.

If you’re considering a sober companion for your recovery journey or want to learn more, give Exclusive Hawaii Rehab a call at (808) 775-0200.

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