Sobriety Coaching for sustainable recovery from addiction

What is Addiction ?

Addiction is a highly complex condition which is psychological, social and physiological. It has been studied in many ways for the purpose of healing those who suffer from it. It is important to integrate all the approaches possible for an addict or alcoholic to recover from this fatal condition.

We live in a world where social drinking and recreational drug use are only increasing. People of different socio-economic strata, geographical locations, ages and both genders imbibe with a view to enjoying themselves. It is approximated by WHO that 7% of those above the age of 15 have alcohol use related disorders. Those who go through addictive drinking and drug use start out trying to fit in and end up getting sucked into the black hole of loss of control, blackouts, drunk driving, liver disease, depression, insomnia and a host of other issues.

What about trauma?

Eckhart Tolle observed, “ There is such a thing as old emotional pain living inside you. It is an accumulation of painful life experience that was not fully faced and accepted in the moment it arose. It leaves behind an energy form of emotional pain. It comes together with other energy forms from other instances, and so after some years you have a “painbody,” an energy entity consisting of old emotion.”

An approach to de-addiction which does not integrate trauma healing just cannot work. While the high of drinking or using drugs is its own self-perpetuating loop, it is crucial to look at the core issue of why it becomes so difficult to treat. To choose from multiple therapeutic approaches and apply the one that works to heal the belief that the person cannot do without their drug of choice is vital to any recovery program.

What is Sobriety Coaching?

Sobriety Coaching is a highly specialized coaching program to set your own goals and achieve them. Alcoholics and addicts find that they are able to stay sober in the environment and with the restriction of a rehabilitation centre. The moment they return to their home, they find a program of recovery hard to sustain and stay committed to.

You work with a sobriety coach who provides guidance, motivation, and practical strategies to navigate the challenges of recovering from addiction. It is action-oriented and focuses on setting and achieving specific goals related to your sobriety and overall well-being.

Sober by Choice

Sobriety Coaching begins with choosing sobriety. People suffering from addiction do not want to give up drinking or using drugs. They are pushed by family or problems at work or their health issues. So they come into any recovery program whether rehab, Alcoholics Anonymous, counselling or therapy feeling they are at the end of the road. There is low self-esteem and a feeling of failure. Otherwise functional, they are stuck with the way their bodies and minds drive them quite insane. They are puzzled and lost about how they seem to be fighting a losing battle trying to enjoy their drinks or drugs without causing harm to themselves or others.

The turn around begins when they see sobriety as a choice and not something forced on them like a rule. Once they see choose staying free of drugs and alcohol, they can identify a path of living that supports their choice. Healthy choices about food, work, friends and relationships follow suit naturally.

The important elements of SOBRIETY COACHING

1. PERSONAL SUPPORT AND ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Customized Recovery Plan: Support is made available to create a recovery plan based on one’s unique situation, needs, and goals.
• Accountability Partner: Regular check-ins and ongoing communication at a chosen frequency are provided to stay accountable to sobriety goals. The person themselves sign up to stay motivated and make progress.

2. PRACTICAL STRATEGIES:

• Coping Mechanisms: Practical coping mechanisms are provided to deal with cravings, stress, and triggers. These include managing anxiety, mindfulness, stress management,
• Goal Setting: Coaches assist in setting realistic and achievable short-term and long-term goals. They help clients break down these goals into manageable steps, making the recovery process less overwhelming.

3. EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL SUPPORT:

• Emotional Support: Sobriety coaching provides a non-judgmental and supportive space for clients to express their feelings and challenges. This emotional support is a crucial element in preventing relapse.
• Building Self-Esteem: Coaching works on enhancing the client’s self-esteem and self-worth, which can often be damaged by addiction. The process involves periodically  recognizing their strengths and achievements.

4. LIFESTYLE CHANGES:

• Healthy Habits: Coaching encourages the adoption of healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep, which are essential for overall well-being and recovery.
• Social Support Systems: Support is provided to build and maintain healthy relationships and networks, whether with family, friends, co-workers or acquaintances.

5. RELAPSE PREVENTION:

• Identifying Triggers: Sobriety coaching assists clients in identifying and understanding their triggers and developing strategies to spot them early and cope with them.
• Crisis Management: In the event of a relapse or crisis, sobriety coaches provide immediate support and help clients get back on track without judgment.

Summary

The challenges posed by substance addiction need an approach focussed on choosing rather than forcing sobriety. That is the crux of the program I offer through and as Sober, by Choice. A vital part of recovery is healing core trauma and it is addressed through multiple approaches including NLP, inner child healing and breathwork.