When inpatient addiction treatment ends, the work of recovery begins. As you step back into the “real world” it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the emergence of triggers and stress. People, places, and things that are out of your control seem to come out of nowhere. It can be difficult to practice coping mechanisms and not fall back into old behaviors. That’s where a sober companion steps in - someone whose entire role is to help you stay steady during those critical early days.
Think of a sober companion as a personal recovery assistant. They’re trained professionals who provide one-on-one support to people fresh out of treatment or still navigating their early recovery journey.
Unlike therapists, who focus on long-term healing and who you might meet with on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, sober companions are more hands-on. They’re right there with you, physically present, during your day-to-day life. They provide accountability, help you avoid triggers, and work with you to build the tools you need to maintain sobriety.
Sober companions can work for a few days, weeks, or even months. It depends on your situation and needs. Some people hire them for 24/7 sober support, while others just need occasional check-ins.
The responsibilities of a peer recovery assistant are as varied as the needs of the person they’re assisting. They often accompany clients during high-risk situations, like social events, work trips, or family gatherings, where triggers are likely to arise.
Your sober companion can help to establish structure by supporting daily routines and checking in on goals. They provide emotional reassurance during the inevitable difficult moments that arise in recovery, offering a calming presence when individuals feel isolated or overwhelmed.
In some cases, a sober companion may even live with their client for a period of time, offering round-the-clock support and accountability during fragile phases, like the first few weeks after leaving treatment.
In short, no. Sober companions and sponsors both play pivotal roles in recovery but they are not the same. A sponsor is a peer in a 12-Step recovery program, like Alcoholics Anonymous, who acts as a spiritual and emotional guide through the 12-Steps. They offer guidance based on their own experience in that program and their expertise is primarily centered around 12-Step work.
A sober companion, on the other hand, is a trained professional hired to provide immediate and practical support. They’re paid for their time and can offer more intensive guidance on a daily basis around a variety of situations. It’s like the difference between a workout buddy and a personal trainer - they’re both great, but one provides more structured, expert help.
Not everyone in recovery will require a sober companion, but for some, this additional level of support can make a world of difference. The rates of relapse for people suffering from substance use disorder are around 40-60%. For those who may have relapsed in the past and need an extra level of accountability and support, a peer recovery assistant can be extremely beneficial.
Other situations where a sober companion can provide assistance is for those who are newly transitioning from inpatient treatment back into their normal lives. People with high-stress jobs, challenging family dynamics, or frequent travel may find that a sober companion provides the stability and structure they need to avoid triggers and maintain recovery progress. Families of individuals in recovery often hire sober companions, finding comfort in knowing their loved ones have professional support during vulnerable periods.
Recovery does not happen in isolation, and a sober companion can serve as the bridge between treatment and real-world challenges. They help individuals rebuild confidence, reestablish routines, and mend relationships, all while providing steady guidance. The role of a sober companion is not to judge or lecture but to walk alongside their clients, reminding them that they are not alone.
If you’d like to learn more about how sober companions could help you or a loved one, call Hired Power today. Sometimes, having someone by your side is exactly what you need to keep moving forward - one step at a time.