Understandably, the first thing that comes to mind when people hear the word “coach” is often sports. Maybe it brings back memories of your own experience in youth sports, or makes you think of a favorite pro sports coach. [updated March 2023]
But that’s beginning to change with the explosion of the professional coaching industry. You can now find a coach for just about anything – from a business or career coach, to a lifestyle coach, relationship coach, or empowerment coach.
And for good reason!
A coach is someone who helps equip you with tools, awareness, skills, and support on a journey of personal growth. So, it makes sense that a growing number of people are turning to recovery coaches when looking to get & stay sober.
The Power in Shared Experience.
At its roots, recovery coaching is a form of peer-based support because recovery coach’s draw from their own personal experience with substance use & recovery (in addition to their professional training).
One of the biggest developments in peer-based recovery came with the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in 1935. And while opinions of the overall AA program are quite varied, it’s safe to say most people recognize the profound value in being supported by someone who is actually embodying the success they’re after in their own lives.
Having personal experience with substance use allows recovery coaches to truly empathize & understand what their clients are going through in a way that someone without personal experience simply cannot.
And it’s clear that people are finding value in this type of support.
Today, recovery coaching has become mainstream in the United States, and is quickly gaining momentum here in Canada as an emerging resource that is demonstrating the effectiveness of personalized support systems in helping people achieve long-term sobriety.¹
Personal Support For Lasting Success.
The truth is, navigating the road to long-term recovery can be really stressful.
And, change can be hard to sustain.
30 day treatment programs can be a powerful step in the process, but most people need somewhere to turn for continued practical support, and this is where recovery coaching really shines.
Recovery coaches realize that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. They meet you where you’re at, and stick around for the long haul.
They help you get clear on your goals, which could involve moderation or complete abstinence, and then guide you in creating a personal roadmap to achieve those goals.
Throughout the process, they help you identify potential triggers, find sources of greater motivation, establish accountability, and make adjustments as your goals & needs evolve.
As a constant pillar of support, they help you:
- Discover the tools & resources that work for you
- Learn to socialize without drugs/alcohol
- Practice new ways to cope with strong emotions
- Establish new healthy boundaries & daily routines
- Plan ahead for stressful events or situations
- Explore new hobbies & passions
It’s also worth noting that recovery coaches offer a great option for those who aren’t open to more traditional forms of treatment. For some people, entering a 30 day treatment program, or intensive outpatient program (IOP) feels embarrassing or shameful. Recovery coaching seems to carry far less stigma, and can be kept private, and even done virtually with most coaches offering online sessions.
So, what makes recovery coaching standout when compared to other forms of support?
Three Unique Benefits of Recovery Coaching.
- Recovery coaching is personalized & adaptable.
Recovery coaches tend to be familiar with several pathways to recovery, such as AA, She Recovers & SMART Recovery, which allows them to easily adapt to whichever path appeals most to you. And, if you aren’t sure which pathway suits you best, they’re uniquely positioned to be able to help you explore many options.
Recovery coaches are also great at helping you determine if you might benefit from things like inpatient treatment, community-based meetings and/or mental health services. In this way, they serve as a great homebase as your recovery takes shape & evolves over time.
- Recovery coaching is self-directed.
Self-directed paths of recovery empower you to advocate for your own individual needs, and this fosters an “internal locus of control”, making you feel more in control over your own destination.
When we feel involved in creating our own pathway to recovery, we are more motivated to put in the hard work. This feeling of control can be especially supportive because life tends to feel chaotic when recovering from substance use problems.
- Recovery coaching is accessible.
Recovery coaching is accessible in that it carries less stigma than traditional treatment programs, and can be done privately from the comfort of your own home.
It’s also more accessible from a cost perspective, when compared to expensive inpatient and outpatient programs. Most coaches allow you to pay-as-you-go for weekly or bi-weekly sessions, as opposed to having to pay expensive program fees upfront which is common at many treatment facilities.
Ready to take the next step in your sobriety journey?
We’re Real People, With Real Stories.
At HBR, each of us has our own personal story of recovery, along with a deep understanding of addiction, and we’ve come together to create a program that addresses the shortcomings of conventional treatment.
We’re a team of addiction practitioners & specialists who are genuinely passionate about making top-tier recovery resources more accessible to people (just like you!).
Our signature online recovery program is revolutionizing care by combining clinical expertise with some of the best recovery coaches in the industry for a truly personalized experience.
We’d love to support you in your journey toward lasting sobriety.
Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26882891/
- https://wpthistory.org/2010/06/the_washingtoni/
- https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/religious/the-temperance-movement/
We would be happy to speak with you confidentially to see if HBR is the right fit for you. Please feel free to connect with us by calling 1-778-700-2830 or by emailing admin@homebasedrecovery.ca.
