A recovery coach is someone who provides guidance, encouragement, and support to people working to overcome substance use disorder. We are not doctors, counselors, or therapists. Instead, we are mentors and allies who walk alongside an individual in their recovery journey. Many recovery coaches like myself have personal lived experience with addiction, which allows us to connect with others on a deep and understanding level.

There are many benefits that recovery coaching provide. Research is still growing to quantify the benefits coaching can have in the recovery space. However, so far, there is strong evidence to suggest that recovery coaching can provide many benefits, including:

• Reduced substance use

• Reduced relapse rates

• Reduced re-hospitalization rates

• Decreased need for emergency services

• Decreased involvement with the criminal justice system

• Improved treatment retention

• Improved therapeutic relationships with treatment providers

• Improved access to social supports and services

• More stability in housing