How Do I Find a Sober Coach?

A sober coach is a person who is hired to help ensure the success of a recovering alcoholic or addict. Sometimes the addict hires the coach herself. Often a parent or other loved one hires the coach. Most coaches are themselves in recovery from addiction, and they are familiar with 12-step groups and other support in their community. Services sober coaches may provide include face-to-face support, phone support, introductions to people in the community and transportation. A sober coach is different from an AA sponsor because it is a paid position.

Instructions

• 1

  Assess what level of help you need. Some people might need a few meetings a week to keep on track. Others might need 24-hour help, at least initially. Someone providing this level of care is sometimes called a sober companion, rather than a sober coach.

• 2

  Assess your budget. The more intense the level of help, the more it will probably cost. Some sober coaches charge up to $1,800 a day for 24/7 service, in 2010.

• 3

  Peruse sober coach websites, and consider various factors such as a coach's location and how far she will travel to work with you. Read about individual coaches. According to the company Hired Power, choosing a coach of your own gender is essential. Look at their pictures and the description of their interests and consider who you might relate well to.

• 4

  Investigate their credentials. Once you find some promising individuals, determine whether they have formal counseling education, or if they are relying solely on personal experience. Consider how long they have been sober and find out what proof they have of their sobriety. Find out if they are trained in CPR and other basic medical procedures.

• 5

  Ask for references, and call these people. As with hiring any professional, it's a good idea to check out a few former clients. You need to know if these former clients are still sober and if they consider their coaching money well spent.

• 6

  Choose your coach. Pay attention and learn everything you can about how to live sober. Ultimately you will have to wean yourself off your coach and stand soberly on your own two feet.