Dr. Cali Estes - The Addictions Academy ®

Recovery Coaches-Why They Can Make a Difference

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Recovery Coaches-Why They Can Make A Difference

It is estimated that approximately 1 in 10 Americans over the age of twelve has a substance addiction. That’s almost 25 million people. Due to the isolating nature of this disease, you may feel all alone in your problem, and not know where to turn. But today, there are many options for recovery. Reaching out for help isn’t always easy, but you are worth it.

For many people, rehab is the best way to get sober and start fresh. It puts you in a safe environment and helps you develop new coping skills and healthier habits. Unfortunately, a large percentage of people leaving treatment will relapse within the first few weeks and months. This is why often an IOP program is recommended after rehab.  This however is not always an option for some and others do not want to attend.  So what are the alternatives.  The  bottom line is that relapse is a very real threat for anyone leaving treatment.  So what are some viable ways that  relapse can be prevented?

The Importance Of Ongoing Support

The reality is that most treatment centers fail to address the underlying causes of addiction. Not only that, but your average 28 day program is simply not long enough to undo the damage of years of habitual drug or alcohol use. Defense and coping mechanisms are powerful forces that can take months of intensive therapy to address, and cravings may persist for a long time. External and internal stressors can contribute to relapse. Once you are done with treatment, you are on your own.

For some people, 12 step programs offer the support needed to maintain sobriety, but they don’t work for everyone. What is often needed in early sobriety is an added level of support to help you work through the challenges as they come up, helping you to master the tools and strategies needed to live a life free from addiction.

How Recovery Coaching Can Help

Perhaps you have heard of recovery coaches, and perhaps not. Contrary to popular belief, they aren’t just for the rich and famous. A recovery coach is someone who helps you navigate the early recovery period so that you can stay sober. They can also be useful in times of stress when you are feeling shaky and uncertain about your ability to stay sober.

Dr. Cali Estes is a recovery coach with years of experience helping people maintain their sobriety and thrive in their recovery.

“Recovery Coaches are vital in supplementing the poor aftercare that most treatment centers offer to clients. They offer a client-centered accountability that is based on professional experience.”

Treatment centers often provide “aftercare” programs for those that complete their programs. Generally, they consist of a weekly topical group, but not much more. While these groups offer some level of support and can help keep you connected to peers, they simply aren’t comprehensive enough to be of much help.

The Benefits Of Individualized Recovery Coaching

While there are many similarities among those who are addicted, people are still individuals with individual needs. Treatment programs, support groups and other programs are not geared to the individual. They are often a one-size-fits-all approach that is lacking in many areas. Recovery coaching provides that individual attention, and allows the coach to really get to know their client, and design an approach that is unique to the person.

Dr. Cali Estes combines her professional experience in clinical psychology, addiction treatment, personal coaching and wellness coaching to provide a high level of support. She states “One of the keys to the success of Recovery Coaches is that they offer confidential accountability to anyone in early sobriety. They also offer a viable alternative to anyone who is not interested in 12 step recovery.”

While 12 step meetings are great for some people, they aren’t for everyone. Recovery Coaching provides a viable alternative to other recovery services that may not have worked for you in the past.

One of the major advantages of Recovery Coaches is that they can give you support when you need it. Things come up in real life that you need solutions for in the moment. These are teaching opportunities and coaching allows you to get through these rough spots while at the same time learning  coping skills and techniques that you can draw on in the future.

A Recovery Coach with a background in behavior and cognitive psychology as well as addiction treatment offers you even more. Many programs stop at treating the addiction, but this isn’t enough. Most people have other issues that are keeping them stuck in the same patterns. Underlying issues to addiction may include depression, anxiety, trauma, attachment and self-esteem issues. These are problems that don’t go away on their own. Help is needed to work through these problems so long-term healing can take place.

In addition, a Recovery Coach can help you learn how to build a lifestyle that promotes health and overall well-being. It’s not just about quitting the alcohol or drugs. While that is certainly a good start, it’s not enough. You want to live a life that you love, that feels good and that allows you to grow and thrive. You want to enjoy your life! That is where coaching comes in.

You can find how to become a Recovery Coach at The Addictions Academy or how to hire one at The Addictions Coach 

**Rose Lockinger is a passionate member of the recovery community. A rebel who found her cause, she uses blogging and social media to raise the awareness about the disease of addiction. She has visited all over North and South America. Single mom to two beautiful children she has learned parenting is without a doubt the most rewarding job in the world. Currently the Outreach Director at Stodzy Internet Marketing.

You can find me on LinkedIn, Facebook, & Instagram

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