Peer support has been around forever but recently, recovery coaching, mentoring, case management and sober companions have become very popular. Sober livings are offering these services as add-ons as well as to alumni. Let’s see what all these terms mean and how are they different from each other.
Sober Companion
A sober companion is someone who provides 1-on-1 attention to an individual newly in recovery. Usually sober companions live with the individual and help him/her establish daily routines. Sober companions usually report the individual’s progress to the family members who are paying the sober companion to help the individual. Many sober companions work for themselves and take on only a few clients at a time. They are typically on call and may move in with the individual if necessary. Sometimes sober companions are hired for celebrities that refuse to go to rehab but need to stay sober during a period of time while they are recording or shooting a film. No certifications are required to be deemed a sober companion. Sober companions are quite expensive, many charge upwards of $1,000 per day.
Recovery Coach
A recovery coach is someone who is in recovery himself or herself who help individuals find ways to stay abstinent. Recovery coaches help individuals find the resources that they need to stay on the right path, whether those resources are finding a treatment program, online support groups or developing a treatment plan. Some states certify peer support specialists or recovery coaches. There is usually a training course offered to certify you as a recovery coach but not all recovery coaches are certified. Many times recovery coaches work with several clients. Some states offer a hotline where you can call and talk to a recovery coach. However, sometimes a recovery coach can be a bit like a sober companion in that he/she helps you stay accountable, can communicate with family, as well as helps you find resources. Recovery coaching ranges from free (offered by the state) to charging an hourly rate.
Case Manager
A case manager serves as a liaison and advocate for the individual in recovery. A case manager usually sits down with the individual and creates a plan on how the individual will continue to sustain their recovery progress. Case managers can also help coordinate recovery related meetings including IOP and therapy appointments. A case manager can help make sure individuals are managing their medication.
While there are various nuances between the roles, all in all a case manager, sober companion and recovery coach provide 1-on-1 assistance to individuals early in their recovery. They are helpful to individuals new to recovery so that the individual always feels supported by someone knowledgeable about recovery during his/her journey.
Sober livings can incorporate these services as additional revenue streams, and as a way to help residents after they leave the sober living environment. There are various studies that showcase the benefits of peer support and a case manager, recovery coach or sober companion can help decrease the chances of relapse after an individual leaves the peer support environment of a sober living.