Sober companion

Sober companion is a term used in the addiction recovery field to describe a person who provides one-on-one assistance to newly recovering individuals from addiction to alcohol, drugs, and other addictions. The goal of a sober companion is to help maintain a patient's sobriety by providing support, encouragement, and guidance during the early stages of recovery.

Role and Responsibilities

A sober companion's primary role is to provide a supportive and stable presence for individuals who are in the early stages of recovery from addiction. This can involve a variety of tasks, including:

• Accompanying the individual to 12-step meetings, therapy sessions, and other recovery-related activities.
• Providing emotional support and encouragement.
• Helping the individual develop healthy coping strategies and routines.
• Monitoring the individual's progress and reporting back to treatment providers or family members.

In some cases, a sober companion may live with the individual they are supporting, providing round-the-clock care and support. This is often referred to as a "live-in" or "full-time" sober companion.

Training and Qualifications

There are no specific educational requirements to become a sober companion, but many have personal experience with addiction and recovery. Some sober companions may have professional backgrounds in fields such as social work, counseling, or nursing.

Many sober companions undergo training and certification through organizations such as the Sober Companion Certification Board or the International Association of Professional Sober Companions. These programs typically cover topics such as ethics, confidentiality, crisis intervention, and relapse prevention.

Criticisms and Controversies

While many people find the support of a sober companion helpful in their recovery, the role has also been subject to criticism. Some critics argue that the lack of regulation and oversight in the field can lead to exploitation or abuse. Others express concern that the high cost of hiring a sober companion can create a two-tiered recovery system, where only those with financial resources can afford this level of support.

See Also

• Sober living houses
• Addiction recovery groups
• Substance abuse counselor