Finding freedom from substance use disorder (SUD) is not a solitary process. We simply do not get well alone. Sobriety and freedom from SUD require effort on our part, certainly, but they’re not steps we take alone. Literally, the 12-Step process is to be worked through with a sponsor, and regular attendance at meetings with other people on the journey of discovery is highly recommended. Other people are vital to our sobriety, freedom, and healing. We need these sober companions as we journey on the road of discovery. 

However, the kinds of people we share our journey with can vary greatly. There are many different types of sober companions, so to speak. They could be friends, companions, fellow journeyers, guides, mentors, and every other kind of human support we can imagine on our road toward lasting healing. Some will be with us the entire way; others will come and go. But we will never be alone.

What Are the Different Types of Sober Companions?

Sober companions can be both official and unofficial. There are both professional people and volunteers who will help us on our journey of discovery. It is important to differentiate the two and understand what they mean. Those people who attend 12-Step meetings with us are volunteers. They themselves engage in the 12-Step program of their own free will. These people are not paid to be there, and they will befriend us and help us because their sobriety depends upon it, just as our sobriety depends upon us paying it forward. We must eventually do the same for others who may need our help.

It is from these unpaid participants that we will find trudging buddies. Those people who walk the road of discovery side-by-side with us. From this same pool of people, we will likely find our sponsor. The unpaid sober person who takes us through the 12-Step process. Those who participate in the 12-Step lifestyle are unpaid, sober people who will become companions. They are friends, guides, mentors, and fellow journeyers on the sober road of healing discovery.

There are also professional sober companions. These people may also be called sober coaches. They are not sponsors in the 12-Step sense of the word. Sober companions are professionals who coach, guide and support us as we undertake the sober path of discovery. They provide guidance, support, and accountability. Sober coaches may journey with us and help ensure that our sobriety remains intact. They are like sobriety bodyguards or escorts. These companions are there for us in the professional sense. More readily available than a therapist but not as highly trained. 

We will still need to avail ourselves of therapists and doctors, of course. It is just to say that sober companions are part of the professional team that aids us on our journey. Whereas the people we meet in 12-Step meetings are volunteers, helping of their own free will, sober companions are professionals who have a job to do. Both types of people may be necessary on our particular journey of discovery. It all depends on what we need to safeguard our sobriety.

The People You Will Meet at Bright Mission Recovery

There are many types of people at Bright Mission Recovery, from clinical and therapeutic professionals to professional chefs and health and wellness coaches. Aside from these types of professionals who will serve and aid you during the initial treatment and healing process, there are also professional sober companions available who will literally journey with you when needed. Professional sober companions can help safeguard your sobriety and protect you on your journey of discovery. They provide guidance, assistance, and accountability for those struggling to walk the path of sobriety or who simply need a little extra help. Bright Mission Recovery offers official sober companions for those who may need or want them.

There are other unpaid sober companions who are volunteers on the sober road of healing discovery. These people are often alumni of Bright Mission Recovery, having gone through the program for themselves. They often attend meetings and dinners at our facility. This is in order to stay involved with their sobriety and those newcomers who may need their help or mentorship. These people are typically members of 12-Step Programs in their lives outside of Bright Mission Recovery. They do their best to live by the principles of such programs. These alumni return to Bright Mission Recovery to work with people going through treatment in order to ensure mutual sobriety for all involved in the altruistic 12-Step movement.

Whatever type of sober companions you are looking for or may need at any given time, Bright Mission Recovery can help you connect with them. We both have a robust, involved alumni network and professional sober companions available to you. 

Freedom from substance use disorder (SUD) is not something we achieve on our own. Other people are unavoidably part of the healing process. We simply need the help and guidance of others as we undertake the sober journey of healing discovery. Sober companions come in many forms. Some are volunteers and aid us of their own free will, hoping only that we go on to help others. Some are professionals, paid for their time spent helping to safeguard and ensure our sobriety remains intact. Whatever kind of sober companion you are in need of, Bright Mission Recovery can introduce you to them. We have sober alumni who volunteer their time and professional sober companions available. Call (747) 444-3284.