What is a recovery coach? This blog post explains the role of a Denver recovery coach, how a recovery coach is different from a therapist, and how recovery coaches help clients recovering from addiction and/or alcohol dependence.In some states, such as New York, recovery coaching is a recognized therapeutic modality and is regulated by the state. In New York, the New York Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) defines the role of the recovery coach:
“Recovery Coaching is a peer-based recovery service that is non-clinical and designed to engage others beyond recovery initiation through stabilization and into recovery maintenance. Similar peer interventions in clinical settings have been shown to improve engagement and retention of people seeking services. It is also known that long-term treatment outcomes are improved by assertive linkages to community-based recovery supports such as Recovery Coaching.”
As more research and information comes out in the emerging field of substance abuse treatment, recovery coaching is proving to be an extremely effective strength-based approach to improving long-term outcomes of people attempting a life in recovery. It is well known and documented that the longer someone stays in treatment, the better the outcome. Typically 9-12 months of substance abuse treatment, usually made up of 1-3 months of inpatient substance abuse treatment followed by 3-9 months of aftercare, leads to the best outcomes. Depending on the individual needs and motivation of the client, recovery coaching may be the most effective aftercare option available because of the highly individual nature of recovery coaching.So, what do Denver recovery coaches do? Here are some examples of what happens in a recovery coaching relationship:1. Focus on practically implementing skills and techniques learned in treatment such as: attending 12-step meetings, getting a sponsor, getting a home group, developing a new support network of people in recovery, linking up with a therapist etc.2. Focus on finding employment including resume help, cover letter help, job search techniques, interview skills, proper interview attire etc.3. Focus on proper self care including getting adequate physical exercise and proper nutrition4. Focus on time management and financial management skills5. Focus on building healthy family relationships6. Focus on building healthy intimate relationships7. Help client to build and or follow new passions such as art, music, a new career etc.8. Help client through cognitive skill building and positive pro-social modeling (i.e. get client in habit of working out three times per week and model how to interact with others at a 12-step meeting).9. Provide clients with a clear plan for their recovery and hold them accountable to that plan.These are just some of the many examples of what recovery coaches do. Recovery coaching is dynamic, all-encompassing and client-centered. Recovery coaching should be individually tailored to each client but will have some commonality across clients.At NorthStar Transitions, much of what our Life Skills Counselors do overlaps with what Denver recovery coaches do. NorthStar Life Skills Counselors are like “recovery coach plus” because they not only have the knowledge of recovery and what makes individuals successful in their recovery but also often hold masters degrees in counseling, psychology or social work and therefore also have extensive knowledge of therapeutic intervention techniques and co-occurring mental health issues.If you are in need of a Denver recovery coach or Boulder recovery coach contact NorthStar Transitions for a free initial consultation. NorthStar recovery coaches work with young adults, business executives, high profile indivduals and anyone wanting a discreet personalized recovery coaching service. NorthStar Transitions recovery coaches can be contacted at 1-866-407-2240 or admissions@nstprogram.com. Call today to hire a NorthStar recovery coach!
