Recovery from addiction is a challenging journey that often requires ongoing support and guidance. While support groups can be a great source of support and guidance, it is not the only way to access support in recovery.
In fact, many people also enlist the services of a sober mentor to help guide them in their recovery process. What exactly is a sober mentor though you may ask? Discover valuable insights about sober mentors, including what they entail, where to find support, and how Crestview Recovery can assist in sustaining your recovery journey post-rehab.
What Is a Sober Mentor?
A sober mentor, also known as a sober coach or sober companion, is an experienced professional who provides guidance and support to individuals in recovery from addiction. These mentors have often overcome addiction themselves and are living a sober, healthy lifestyle. They serve as a positive influence and a source of motivation for their mentee, helping them maintain abstinence from drugs or alcohol and navigate the challenges of a sober life.
It’s important to note that sober mentors are different from addiction therapists or counselors. Whereas therapists and counselors provide clinical treatment and therapy, sober mentors primarily offer practical assistance, encouragement, and accountability, acting as a bridge between formal treatment and the challenges of everyday life.
What Does a Sober Mentor Do?
The responsibilities and tasks of a sober mentor can vary depending on the needs of the mentee.
That being said, some of the more common tasks that a sober mentor will perform include:
Support and Accountability
A sober mentor provides unwavering support and holds the mentee accountable for their recovery goals. They help create and maintain a structured daily routine and assist in setting and achieving short-term and long-term sobriety objectives.
Encouragement and Motivation
Sober mentors offer consistent encouragement and motivation to help their mentees stay focused on their recovery journey. They inspire self-confidence and self-esteem, enhancing the mentee’s belief in their ability to overcome addiction.
Lifestyle Management
A sober mentor will also help you build and maintain a more fulfilling, healthier lifestyle. This includes addressing any relationship or employment issues and also finding new, healthy recreational activities to enjoy, all while avoiding situations that may lead to a relapse.
Relapse Prevention
Speaking of relapse, your sober mentor can help with that too! In fact, relapse prevention is a key aspect of the mentor/mentee relationship. Your sober mentor will help identify triggers and warning signs and teach coping strategies based on their findings.
Skill Development
Developing crucial life skills is a key component of sobriety. Sober mentors often teach many of these practical, important life skills such as communication, stress management, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Access to Recovery Resources
Part of being a sober mentor is being connected with the local sober community. As a result, sober mentors can help their mentees out with things such as community resources and services, and even provide a list of local support groups in the area.
24/7 Availability
One of the unique aspects of sober mentoring is the 24/7 availability of mentors. In moments of crisis or vulnerability, you can reach out to your mentor for immediate assistance and guidance no matter the time of day.
What Is a Sober Mentor Called?
A sober mentor can be referred to by various names, depending on the context and the specific services they offer.
Some common terms used to describe a sober mentor or companion include:
- Sober Mentor
- Sober Coach
- Sober Companion
- Sober Guide
- Recovery Mentor
- Sobriety Coach
- Sober Support Specialist
While they may go by different names at times, their main purpose does not change. No matter the name, a sober mentor is there to provide support, encouragement, and guidance to their mentee, all in the name of sobriety and recovery.
How Can I Find a Sober Mentor?
When picking a sober mentor it is important to do your due diligence. You don’t want to just pick a random name out of a hat, you want to make sure you choose someone who can truly help you and someone you feel comfortable going on your sobriety journey with.
So, how does one go about finding and choosing a sober mentor? Here are some things to consider when looking for a sober mentor:
Ask For Recommendations
Many treatment professionals have a network of sober mentors that they trust and will refer out to their patients. So, if you aren’t sure where to find a sober mentor, ask your therapist or counselor if they recommend anyone.
Look Online
Like everything else these days, you can often find a sober mentor online. Many sober mentors have an online presence and often you can even find testimonials and reviews from others who have used that sober mentor.
Attend Support Group Meetings
Often, sober mentors are present at support group meetings, either accompanying one of their mentees or being available for new prospective mentees. Additionally, much like therapists and counselors, many support groups have a list of trusted sober mentors that their participants have used that they can recommend.
Personality and Fit
A crucial aspect of choosing a sober mentor is ensuring that your personalities and communication styles align. Before beginning a relationship with a sober mentor make sure you properly vet them so you know that you both will be able to establish the connection needed for a successful relationship.
Discuss Expectations and Boundaries
Before entering into a relationship with a sober mentor make sure to be open, honest, and transparent about both your expectations as well as any boundaries you may not want to cross. The more upfront you are in the beginning, the less likely awkward and uncomfortable situations arise during the relationship.
What Can I Do with a Sober Companion?
A sober companion (sober mentor) can provide various forms of assistance, depending on your unique needs and goals in recovery. They can also accompany you on various activities as well.
Some of the specific tasks and activities you can engage in with a sober companion include:
- Travel – Sober companions can accompany you during trips or vacations, ensuring you stay on track with your recovery goals and avoid high-risk situations.
- Events and Activities – Your companion can help you identify and engage in sober social activities, ensuring you have a fulfilling and enjoyable life in recovery.
- Crisis Intervention – In times of crisis or emotional distress, sober companions are available to provide immediate support and guidance.
- Emotional Support – A sober companion offers a listening ear and emotional support, helping you navigate the challenges of recovery with confidence.
- Assistance with Life Skills – Sober companions can assist in developing life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and organization, which are essential for independent living.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Sober Mentor in Recovery?
Sober mentors are incredibly important and beneficial to the overall recovery journey. Just how important though? Here are some of the biggest benefits of having a sober mentor in recovery:
- Increased Accountability – A mentor holds you accountable for your recovery goals, reducing the likelihood of relapse.
- Improved Life Skills – Sober mentors assist in developing practical life skills, essential for living a sober life.
- Structured Routine – Your mentor will help you establish a daily routine, providing stability and purpose.
- Emotional Support – Mentors provide emotional support, helping you overcome daily challenges and build resilience.
- Healthy Lifestyle – Sober mentors help encourage a healthy, fulfilling, and most importantly sober lifestyle.
- Support System – A sober mentor can be a reliable source of support and encouragement.
- Relapse Prevention – Sober mentors teach strategies to help deal with triggers and cravings.
How Can Crestview Recovery Help During Recovery?
Crestview Recovery is a comprehensive addiction treatment facility in Portland, Oregon that offers various programs and services to support individuals in their recovery journey.
Here’s how Crestview Recovery can assist you during recovery:
- Individualized Treatment – Crestview provides personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
- Multiple Levels of Care – Crestview understands that not every treatment option works for everyone. That’s why we offer inpatient, outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, dual-diagnosis, and even telehealth treatment programs.
- Holistic Approach – In addition to our more traditional therapies we also offer holistic and alternative treatments to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of recovery.
- Family Involvement – Crestview recognizes the importance of involving family in the recovery process and offers family therapy and education programs.
Will Crestview Offer Support After Rehab?
At Crestview, we are not only there for you during treatment, but we also want to see you succeed once you have successfully completed rehab as well. That’s why we offer the following:
- Sober Living Program
- Aftercare Program
- Alumni Support
Find the Right Sober Mentor For You Today
Recovery from addiction is a transformative journey, and having the right support can make all the difference. A sober mentor can provide the guidance, encouragement, and accountability needed to maintain sobriety and build a fulfilling, sober life.
Whether you are looking to start your recovery journey or you are looking for help finding a sober mentor, contact us today.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
