How to Become a Sober Companion

A Roadmap for Becoming Effective Sober Companions

Today the SOBRLIFE topic of choice is for those want to talk about a key role in the addiction recovery world: the sober companion.

If you are seeking answers on how to become a sober companion, you’re in the right place. So let’s get into what it takes to become a sober companion and how you can really make a difference in people’s lives.

What is a Sober Companion?

First things first, let’s define what a sober companion actually does. A sober companion, also known in some circles as a recovery coach or sober coach, is a professional who provides one-on-one, intensive support to individuals in early recovery from addiction. 

Sober companions offer their clients ways to stay sober and navigate the challenges of daily life without using.

Unlike sponsors or therapists, sober companions work with clients 24/7, sometimes even living with them for a while in some cases. As companions in sobriety, you are there to offer emotional support, practical guidance, and a watchful eye to prevent relapse.

Why Do People Hire Sober Companions?

The sober companion role is key in the early stages of the recovery process. Sober companions help their clients maintain sobriety by assisting them through the early phases of recovery, guiding them in implementing coping strategies, and supporting them in establishing healthy routines to prevent relapse. 

Early sobriety is a very vulnerable time, full of triggers and temptations. Having a dedicated support person can make all the difference between recovery and relapse.

In our experiences with the recovery community, the SOBRLIFE team has often seen how sober companions provide a bridge between addiction treatment and independent living. In this role, you can help clients apply the tools they learned in rehab to real life, and build confidence and resilience along the way.

Skills and Qualities Needed for a Solid Sober Coach or Companion

Sober companions are not always (or often) clinical professionals, but to be an effective sober companion you’ll need to develop the following skills and practices:

1. Empathy and compassion: You need to be able to connect with clients on a deep level and really get their struggles.
2. Patience: Recovery is not linear and setbacks are common. You’ll need to stay calm and supportive through the ups and downs.
3. Boundaries: You’ll form close relationships with clients but maintaining professional boundaries is key.
4. Knowledge of addiction and recovery: A solid understanding of addiction science, recovery principles, and treatment modalities is required.
5. Crisis management: You need to be able to handle emergencies and high-stress situations.
6. Communication skills: Clear communication with clients, their families, and other professionals is essential.
7. Practical assistance: Providing hands-on help with managing daily activities, navigating schedules, and attending important appointments to support clients during early recovery.
8. Life skills: Helping clients develop essential life skills such as stress management, effective communication, and problem-solving is crucial for staying sober and navigating life’s challenges.
9. Flexibility: Every client is unique and you’ll need to adapt your approach to their individual needs.
10. Self-care: This work can be emotionally demanding so taking care of your own mental health is vital.

Education and Training in Addiction Recovery

While there is no certification for sober companions, here are a few ways to prepare for this career:

1. Addiction Studies: Consider getting a degree or certificate in addiction studies or a related field like psychology or social work.
2. Recovery Coach Training: Many organizations offer recovery coach training programs which can give you valuable skills and knowledge.
3. Certified Addiction Professional: Some states offer certification for addiction professionals which can add to your credibility.
4. First Aid and CPR: These certifications are often required and can be lifesaving in an emergency.
5. Therapy Sessions: Ensure clients attend therapy sessions by offering transportation and emotional support during this critical time.
6. Continuing Education: Stay current with the latest research and best practices in recovery through workshops, conferences, and online courses.

Is Having Personal Experiences With Addiction Required?

Many sober companions have personal experience with addiction and recovery. If that’s you, that can be a big asset in working with clients. But you need to have significant clean time (usually at least two years) and a stable recovery before you can take on this role.

If you don’t have personal experience with addiction, that’s okay too. What’s most important is that you can empathize, support, and guide others through their recovery.

Getting Started as a Sober Companion

Once you have the skills and knowledge, here are the steps to get started as a sober companion:

1. Get Experience: Start by volunteering at recovery centers or working in treatment facilities to get hands-on experience.
2. Network: Connect with professionals in the addiction recovery field, therapists, treatment centers, and interventionists.
3. Join Professional Organizations: Organizations like the Association of Intervention Specialists can provide resources and networking opportunities.
4. Do a Sober Companion Program: Do a sober companion program to understand the full role of a sober companion. These programs emphasize multifaceted support in the early stages of recovery, emotional support, teaching accountability, preventing relapse, instilling a healthy lifestyle and crisis intervention.
5. Develop Your Brand: Create a professional website and social media presence to market your services.
6. Specialize: You may want to focus on a specific population (e.g. executives, athletes or young adults) or type of addiction.
7. Liability Insurance: Protect yourself professionally by getting the right insurance coverage.

Life as a Sober Companion

So what does a typical day look like for a sober companion? The truth is, there is no such thing as a typical day in this job. Your schedule and responsibilities will vary greatly depending on your client’s needs.

As you might know from your own experiences, or seeing a loved one seek sobriety, those going through detox and rehabilitation face numerous challenges related to returning to substance abuse. Sober companions play a crucial role in providing guidance, support, and strategies to overcome addiction and maintain long-term sobriety.

You may start your day by helping your client plan their day, making sure they get to appointments or meetings. You may also accompany them to work, social events, or family gatherings, providing support and helping them navigate triggers. 

Managing the Daily Details to Support Client Recovery

Practical support is a big part of the job, meaning tasks like scheduling, transportation, and guiding healthy lifestyle choices.

Throughout the day you’ll be having conversations about recovery, processing emotions, and teaching coping skills. You may help with practical tasks like grocery shopping or job hunting, always with the goal of building independence.

In the evening you may attend a support group with your client or help them wind down with healthy relaxation techniques. If you’re living with the client you’ll need to be available overnight in case of emergencies or moments of crisis. And making sure clients get to therapy is key to their sobriety and recovery.

The Challenges and Benefits of a Sober Coach

Being a sober companion isn’t without its challenges. The work can be emotionally demanding and sometimes physically tough. You’ll face resistance from clients, setbacks, and difficult family dynamics.

Sober coaches (also known as recovery coaches), provide less intensive, recurring support during the later stages of recovery, focusing on motivational guidance and life skills.

But the benefits are huge. There’s nothing like the feeling of seeing a client grow in their recovery, rebuild relationships, and find their passion for life again. Working with family members can even enhance this process as they are key to establishing healthy routines and navigating the post-treatment life. You’ll form deep connections and know you’re making a real difference in someone’s life.

A Sober Companion’s Code of Ethics

As a sober companion, you’ll be privy to sensitive information and in positions of trust. You must maintain high ethical standards at all times. This means:

1. Confidentiality: Respect your client’s privacy and only share information with authorized people.
2. Professional Boundaries: No dual relationships and clear professional boundaries.
3. Scope of Practice: Know your limits and refer clients to other professionals when needed.
4. Continuing Care: Work with your client’s treatment team for comprehensive care.
5. Self-Disclosure: Be mindful of what and when you share personal information.

The Future of Sober Companionship

As awareness of addiction and the importance of long-term recovery support grows the demand for sober companions will increase. We’re also seeing some exciting developments in the field like the use of technology to support and monitor progress, with the Sober Network leading the way!

There’s also a growing recognition of the need for culturally competent care so there are opportunities for sober companions to work with diverse populations.

Is Helping Others Achieve Long-Term Recovery Your Calling?

Being a sober companion is a tough but amazing career. It requires a unique combination of personal qualities, professional skills, and ongoing learning. If you love helping others and are committed to the principles of recovery this could be the job for you.

Remember your work as a sober companion is also a part of your personal growth. Stay open to learning from your clients, colleagues, and experiences. Have your own support network and practice self-care regularly.

Join the SOBRLIFE Movement and Recover Out Loud

At SOBRLIFE we’re always excited to have new professionals join the field, as well as encouraging all to join us in inspiring others by choosing to ‘recover out loud.‘

If you’re considering becoming a sober companion we also encourage you to reach out to experienced professionals, attend training programs, and maybe even shadow a sober companion to get a feel for the work.

The road to recovery is never easy, but with dedicated sober companions by their sides in the early going, many people find the added strength and support they need to build lasting sobriety.

By choosing this path you can be that support and help someone to change their lives in transformative and inspiring ways. It’s a big responsibility and a privilege – one we can say from experience is life-changing!