Is Alcohol Recovery Coaching Right For You?

Last week, I spoke about how alcohol recovery coaching transformed my life. This week I want to help you figure out if coaching might be right for you.

Why Consider Recovery Coaching?

Everyone’s support system and goals for their substance use will look different. But the only way to truly know what coaching might unlock for you is to try it yourself, when you feel ready.

You might consider alcohol recovery coaching if:

• You find it difficult to open up with clinicians or other professionals
• You benefit from the structure and boundaries of a working relationship, but the more personal experience of someone who’s been there
• Your clinical team is helpful, but you don’t get to talk about all the things you need to
• You’re curious about how you might benefit from additional, action-oriented support

Questions To Ask When Choosing A Coach

What Helps Me Feel Safe Or More Willing To Open Up? 

For example, do you find it easier to open up when someone shares their own experience, or do you need someone who maintains stronger boundaries? Is a sense of humor and blunt communication a plus for you, or do you need someone more serious and sensitive? Reflect on what styles of connecting put you at ease.

What Guardrails Are Important To Me? 

The truth is, not all recovery coaches are certified or trained. That doesn’t mean by default that they won’t be helpful — plenty of certified coaches can be harmful, and plenty of peers with lived experience can be amazing coaches and mentors, so it isn’t always black and white.

However, it’s completely valid if you only feel safe working with coaches who have certain credentials or training. For example, at Oar Health, all coaches are National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches.

You might make a list of what your coaching “green flags” are, to ensure that the recovery coach you work with aligns with your needs and expectations.

Do I Have Other Support In Place? 

We all ideally need a support system, not just a support person. And depending on where you are in your alcohol recovery journey, you may require more support than just a coach. 

Research backs this up, noting that recovery coaching for substance use is most effective when it’s integrated into a broader support system.

While a coach can help you build out a support system more intentionally if you don’t have one, it helps to be aware of your starting place. If it’s needed, be sure to have this as an explicit goal from the outset of your work together.

What If I Don’t Connect With My Coach? 

Every recovery coach has their own pricing model and related terms and conditions. Some coaches require that you purchase a package, meaning you sign on for multiple sessions upfront. 

It’s important before signing anything that you understand what policies, if any, are in place should you decide to end the coaching relationship prematurely. Some coaches will offer full refunds, others may offer partial refunds, and others may not offer refunds at all.

Don’t hesitate to ask your potential coach about their refund policy, and what to expect if the relationship doesn’t end up going as expected.

At Oar Health, access to an alcohol recovery coach is included in all subscription memberships, so you don’t need to worry about incremental costs.

Do I Trust This Coach To Make Things Right? 

Personally, I think this is a question we should ask of any healing professional, not just recovery coaches.

Ask your potential coach how they plan to navigate rupture or conflict when it arises with clients. (For example, if a coach accidentally says something hurtful, or if they offer guidance that is insensitive or unhelpful.)

If they say they’ve never had any problems and not to worry, that may be a red flag. Any experienced coach, even if they’ve never experienced tension with a client, should still be able to explain their process for repair should that scenario ever arise.

You might also consider ahead of time who else, outside the recovery coaching relationship, you might speak with if you start to have doubts or concerns.

Finding Your Alcohol Recovery Coach 

In my experience, Oar Health makes the process of finding an alcohol recovery coach easier than ever. 

Their coaches provide evidence-based, empathetic care. They’re supportive of sobriety and moderation as legitimate goals. 

They are experts in providing education about the medications prescribed by medical providers to help people drink less or quit and working with clients to find ways of using the medication that work for them. They understand the questions that need to be referred back to a medical professional, so that everyone stays in their appropriate lanes. 

And they are all National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches, the field’s leading credential.

Are You Drinking Too Much?

Is drinking affecting your job? Is alcohol harming your health or relationships? Does your drinking worry you? Ever tried to drink less but failed?

If any of this sounds familiar, Oar Health might be right for you. Oar Health offers medication FDA-approved for the treatment of alcohol problems. A daily pill to drink less or quit.

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