No, because sober coaches do not provide formal substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment, their services are generally not covered by health insurance companies.
Substance use disorder also referred to as addiction, is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic, relapsing brain disorder. It is characterized by compulsively engaging in rewarding stimuli (e.g., abusing drugs and/ or alcohol) without regard for consequence. The development of substance use disorder does not occur immediately, nor will recovering from addiction be achieved instantaneously. The path of recovery from substance abuse and/ or addiction is not necessarily linear, nor will it be the same for every person. A sober coach is essentially a mentor that is employed after completing a substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program.
Sober coaches are not required to hold any certifications or complete any specialized training, as there are no federal or state licensing standards for sober coaches. There is a plethora of research on the benefits of support, motivation building, and companionship in the treatment of addiction. However, no formal standardized sober coaching platform has been evaluated by any type of clinical research trial. Unless a sober coach has a graduate degree and state licensure as a therapist, counselor, or physician they cannot provide commensurate services. Further, sober coaches are not intended to be used as substitutes for any part of an empirically validated substance use disorder treatment program.
Sober coaches can be extremely valuable in providing support and accountability to those struggling to remain sober during the first few weeks or even months of recovery. They help clients identify and address potential challenges in early recovery and set short- and long-term recovery goals to support sustainable success. Sober coaches can facilitate sessions via phone, online or onsite. The frequency of sessions will vary depending on the individual’s nuanced needs. The cost of sober coaching services is variable, as it depends on the coach’s level of expertise, experience, services, location, duration, and needs of the client. Sober coaches work individually with clients to co-create customized recovery care plans designed to help individuals adjust to a healthy lifestyle that is free of addiction.
Further Information and Support
Navigating the challenges that arise from living with mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, and/ or addiction can not only be all-consuming but are often impossible to effectively handle without proper support. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you do not have to be on this journey alone. At Upwell Advisors, we offer unique, customized concierge therapeutic services to provide our clients with unparalleled support throughout every step of the recovery process.
Feel free to reach to contact us anytime via email at [email protected]. We look forward to supporting you on your journey.
