One of my favorite gurus, Robin Sharma, has talked about his Forced Optimization Strategy (FOS), forcing ourselves into doing the things we need to do in the beginning of forming a new habit (when it is most difficult) instead of relying on willpower.  As an example he suggests hiring a personal trainer 3 times a week to come knock on your door and get you working out.  There is no way to fail here.  I believe recovery coaching and sober companions are exactly the same.  When you commit and invest in having someone who has battled and overcome addictive behaviors hold you accountable and help get you where you need to be, it is far more difficult to fail.  I don’t care if you think you aren’t exhibiting the signs of alcoholism according to a survey you saw online.  If there is something in your life that you feel is holding you back from reaching your highest potential, its time to get in recovery mode. I say it time and time again; everyone needs a therapist and a coach if they really want to live life to its fullest…one to deal with the past and the other to get you where you want to go. What are you waiting for!?!

This warning about the Recovery Coaching industry is not far from the truth. Sadly, unqualified people are capitalizing on addiction every day. When hiring a Recovery Coach it is absolutely critical to ensure that he or she is fully certified through the National Association for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC). Anyone can call themselves a "Life Coach" or a "Recovery Coach." Actually being one is a different story. What you need is to understand their credentials and experiences. Does the coach you are considering have the type of life that they are proclaiming they can help you to achieve? Do they truly understand different types of addiction, how to overcome addiction, and how to live an amazing life while recovering from addiction? 

What do Recovery Coaches and Sober Companions Do? (And Why Should You be Wary of Them)