People who struggle with addiction and complete a rehab program are at risk of future relapses. Aftercare and support are important aspects of recovery and maintaining sobriety. While someone might feel strong and committed to sobriety immediately after completing a treatment program, staying sober for good can be difficult. It’s hard to avoid friends and situations that might tempt them to use again. About half of the people who complete a treatment program use it again within two weeks.
Often, people in recovery may rely on friends or family for ongoing support. This puts a lot of pressure on their loved ones to guide them through times of temptation or to intervene if they see risky behavior. Therapists and treatment program staff are available for support but can’t be available at all times. People struggling with substance abuse may require immediate advice or intervention in some situations. In this case, they may benefit from recovery coaching. A recovery coach will help them identify and plan for situations that may lead to relapse.
At Northern Illinois Recovery Center, we understand the importance of having a proper support system and what it means to a person seeking long-term sobriety. If you or a loved one struggles with addiction and want to learn more about how recovery coaching can benefit you, reach out to one of our knowledgeable staff members today at 855.786.1978.
Jump to Section
Do Recovery Coaches Help With Addiction?
Recovery coaches are trained to support people’s ongoing sobriety. They have specific training in helping people to identify their goals and work towards them. Unlike therapists, they are not trained to focus on the past or identify trauma that may have contributed to their substance use. Instead, they work with their clients to make plans to avoid use, identify triggers, and increase their motivation. In short, recovery coaching asks people why they want to maintain their sobriety and identifies practical ways to make it happen.
Recovery coaching is often more flexible than individual therapy as well. It can be done virtually, making it a good option for people who are busy with work or family obligations or enrolled in other support programs. Coaching is more private and individualized than group therapy or AA meetings and is a good option for people who need additional support once they complete a rehab program.
Can Recovery Coaching Help With Relapse Prevention?
Recovery coaching addresses some of the most common issues that lead to relapses, such as:
- Cravings
- Triggers
- Financial insecurity
- Relationship issues
- Professional challenges
- Overall lack of motivation
Often, once someone has taken steps to address their addiction, they realize the depth of the issues still there. It’s especially important to identify someone’s triggers and plan on how to avoid them, as well as what strategies they can use when cravings hit.
Coaching helps the person identify the barriers they face and plan to deal with them without using substances. Recovery coaches are trained to address common issues and work with the person to build more structure and security into their daily lives, leading to less chance of relapsing.
Are Individual Therapy and Recovery Coaching The Same Thing?
Individual therapy
is an important part of recovery. After medical detox, therapy is a critical aspect of addressing and treating addiction and substance use. It is important to understand the emotional or social factors that contributed to their addiction. Understanding these issues can lead to long-lasting recovery and sobriety.
Recovery coaching is different than individual therapy because instead of focusing on what happened in the past, it helps people plan for their future. Coaching requires people to look at their current lives, identify the situations that might lead to relapse, and plan how to manage these situations. Instead of focusing on patterns of thinking and behavior, people work with their coaches to address immediate financial, social, and relational barriers that may lead to relapse.
Find out More About Recovery Coaching at Northern Illinois Recovery Center
Recovery coaching helps clients to plan for their future in recovery and sobriety. At Northern Illinois Recovery Center, we take a holistic approach to addiction treatment and relapse prevention. Our experienced staff has developed comprehensive programs and services to meet each client’s individuals needs, including:
- Partial hospitalization
- Intensive outpatient and outpatient drug rehab
- Extended care (90-day program)
- Telehealth options available
- Sober living program
Find out how recovery coaching may benefit you or a loved one seeking support for a substance use disorder by reaching out at 855.786.1978 or use the online form to schedule an appointment.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
© 2023 Northern Illinois Recovery.