What are sober companion services — and do you need them? Anyone broken free from addiction will confirm how difficult it is to deal with a chronic disease that affects both behavior and brain function. Everyone recovering from addiction must manage and treat their condition for the rest of their lives — there’s no cure. Even with many people supporting you, dealing with recovery constantly can make you feel lonely.
Here’s where a sober companion comes in. Of course, you want to stay productive and be the best you can be with the tools provided by professional treatment. But sometimes, you need someone to keep you in line.
After all, going through a relapse is too common for people recovering from addiction. A sober companion can offer that extra layer of support that can make all the difference—searching for sober companion services in Austin, Texas? Contact Harmony Haus Sober Living today by calling 877.349.1544 or reaching out to our team online.
What Is the Point of Having a Sober Companion?
Who doesn’t want to have a sober buddy around when they feel alone among a crowd that may not know that they are in addiction recovery? Someone, you want to feel like you’re not alone but also don’t want to talk about your addiction. Having a sober companion automatically makes you feel not alone while also not requiring you to share your story.
A sober companion can guide people in their journey to remain or get clean. Most often, they help with the transition from formal treatment to home. They encourage healthy decisions and provide emotional support, especially if someone doesn’t have family members or close friends waiting for them at home.
Beyond support after leaving formal treatment, sober companions may also help get someone to a treatment center safely after a relapse. People can also enlist a sober companion to travel with them for business and any other type of stressful event to keep them grounded and focused on sobriety. Sober companions can also be available for round-the-clock support. They may be trained to remove any addictive substances from your residence and help you structure your day. They may also watch for any troublesome situations or behaviors that may cause a setback.
How Do You Find a Sober Buddy?
Some people are lucky enough to have family members or close friends that care about their health, wellness, and addiction recovery. In cases like this, a sober friend can be anyone close to struggling with addiction recovery. You can work with your sober friend so they know what to do when you’ve been triggered or, worse — relapsing.
Other people may be dealing with breaking free from addiction alone. They can’t always count on their support groups or nearby emergency or crisis care services to bail them out when they need help. In cases like this, it may be helpful to ask your addiction treatment facility or nearby health center to recommend sober companion services.
Many addiction treatment facilities — especially those that provide sober living options — offer services like this. Most people who become sober companions are in addiction recovery themselves but have a long history of sobriety. Because of their experience, they understand the hard road ahead and can offer advice and compassion to those assigned to accompany them.
There are currently no federal or state licensing standards for sober companions. However, they are sometimes essential to the healing process of their clients. While the availability of each may depend on your location or your rehab center, there are three types of sober companions:
- Live-in: These sober companions move into your home or a sober or halfway house with you. Depending on the sober companion, they may offer additional services — including cooking and cleaning. They may also work with you to help build a healthy nutrition and exercise regimen to maintain your physical and mental health.
- On-call: If you prefer to have sober companion support you during your recovery but don’t have the time or means to have a living companion, on-call sober companions may be the best choice. Your sober companion is available on-demand, and you can call them when you need someone to talk to or visit with.
- Escort-based: These sober companions prevent recovering addicts from buying or using addictive substances as they travel to and from work, attend social gatherings, or go to group meetings and therapy sessions. This type of sober companion support is ideal if you don’t trust yourself to manage triggers or not relapse.
Apart from Having a Sober Friend With You, What Else Can You Do To Avoid Relapsing?
The goal for all people who’ve completed formal addiction treatment is long-term recovery. While you can count on your sober companion to do the best that they can, and you may also have an aftercare plan that you’re following, there are other things you can do to avoid relapsing.
- Stay active in your addiction recovery network: Besides having someone to call in case of an emergency, try to attend a support group meeting at least twice a month. If your addiction treatment center provides long-term support or aftercare services, take advantage of them. Staying connected to those who have helped you directly and those in the same stage of your recovery journey.
- Be aware of your triggers: If you know your triggers, it’s much easier to avoid them and not get surprised by how you react to them. While practicing your coping skills is excellent, you never want to use them.
- Peer pressure: Not everyone knows that you’re recovering from addiction, especially new acquaintances. Avoid situations where you know people will be drinking alcohol or using other addictive substances.
- Take good care of your physical health: Strengthening your physical health is among the best ways to reinforce your resolve to stay sober. When you feel better, it shows. Your emotional and mental health also improves, and your sleep habits may even become more regular.
- Practice the art of letting go: Many addictions are born from the desire to control everything or be perfect all the time. Other people self-medicate because they’re always worried or anxious. While letting go is not the only way to feel better, it can help relieve stress and other uncomfortable emotions.
- Find a purpose for living: Believing in something bigger than yourself is an excellent way to avoid feeling like your life is wasted. Find a hobby you can be passionate about or some way to get involved in advancing your favorite cause.
Ready To Learn More About Harmony Haus Sober Living’s Sober Companion Services?
If you’re looking for sober companion services in Austin, Texas, contact Harmony Haus Sober Living. Call 877.349.1544 or reach out to our team online.
