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 brain disorder.
The Mayo Clinic defines substance use disorder as a “disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medication.” Relapse is a known component of the substance abuse and/ or addiction recovery process. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines relapse “as the recurrence of behavioral or other substantive indicators of active disease after a period of remission.” According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 40% to 60% of people relapse after drug treatment. For this reason, there are a variety of helpful resources to aid in relapse prevention, including hiring a sober companion. A sober companion serves as a confidential, discrete guide who provides personalized, one-on-one support to his or her client after the completion of a residential substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program.
Finding A Sober Companion
Sober companions can help with general life issues such as career, education, relationships, spirituality, sleep hygiene, daily structure and routine, and various other life areas, as these are all unequivocally linked to the individual’s inherent ability to maintain sobriety. It is, however, imperative to know what services you need before reaching out to a potential sober companion, as not all sober companions offer the same services. Finding a sober companion can be a relatively easy process. You can choose to work with a free-lance sober companion, or you can go through a sober companion service. If you are not sure where to begin your search for a free-lance sober companion, start with your existing resources. Ask your treatment coordinator, counselor, doctor, 12-step sponsor, or anyone else with experience in the industry to provide you with recommendations. If you elect to find a sober companion through a service, consult your current treatment providers as they can direct you to known sober companion companies in your area. Sober companion services can help with matching clients and companions. They typically provide access to alternatives if the initial match does not work out. The benefit of a service is that you receive an extra layer of consumer protection if you work with a reputable company.
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.
