Once addiction has taken its toll in a persons’ life, there are many things that can’t just be fixed. Somebody who is struggling with addiction can get sober if they detox, and they can learn how to stay sober if they participate in addiction counseling. (Rehab centers combine a variety of addiction counseling programs to further enhance the training.)

However, after rehab a person will face many challenges. The life and relationships that were once destroyed by addiction will need to be repaired, and this is a very painful process for many. Throughout this stressful situation, an individual must (most importantly) be able to practice the exercises learned in rehab and stay sober.

Since stress is one of the most common and persistent triggers, relapse is especially difficult to avoid throughout the first year of living sober. Sober living is more difficult for some than it is for others, but the longer you stay sober the easier it becomes.

This is why your addiction recovery program should not end at rehab. There are many programs available that offer ongoing support to help ease you into sober living.

Sober coaching is a recovery program where you will check in with your sober coach on a regularly scheduled basis to ensure you are living sober and clean. Support is available to you whenever you need it: if temptation is strong you can call your sober coach for personalized tips and exercises to practice that will help you overcome the urge to relapse.

Sober coaching is a great program for those who are fully willing and confident in their abilities, because you have complete freedom to make your own choices and to practice living sober on your own without too much guidance… yet you are still increasing your chances of successfully staying sober.

Sober companionship is the next highest level of support, and is appropriate for those who are either unwilling to or incapable of living sober without constant guidance. Many infamous celebrities have been known to use sober companionship to begin living sober, and it is a very effective service.

Sober coaching is a great program for anybody who can not continue treatment in a residential setting (for work or family reasons) but who are not ready to live sober without round the clock supervision and above-and-beyond support. A sober companion will be a companion as you travel, or as often as you need, to restrict you from relapsing, and to remind you of the consequences of your actions as well as the positive effects that healthy and sober living will have.

Recovery homes are the best option for those who are able to stay in a residential setting and who are not ready to live sober on their own just yet. A recovery home will extend the full time treatment each patient receives in a rehab, indefinitely, increasing the training given to live sober.

Recovery homes are the highest level of support and they are effective for teaching self sufficiency. While staying in a recovery home, each patient will continue to receive healthy, nutritious meals and to participate in healthy activities that show the benefits of sober living.