According to the journal Preventative Medicine, recovering adolescents often benefit from having specific phrases and scripts to lean on in times of temptation. Young minds tend to cling to powerful words of inspiration – so strongly, in fact, that teens with role models tend experiment with drugs at a later age. That’s a big deal, since early experimentation is tied to addiction in adulthood. Teens can’t stay in rehab forever, but they can’t just be left to themselves once it’s over. In addition to outpatient services like group therapy, many families benefit from hiring a sober companion to keep their loved one on track with swift, wise guidance.
More Than a Friend
First and foremost, sober companions encourage teens to connect with other sober peers. There are many sober-minded groups and activities out there specifically for recovering people. Still, it’s not always easy for a teen to understand, let alone immerse themselves in, this new sober world. They may feel like they have no “real” friends or family anymore. Further, they may still be harboring resentments towards school, work, peers, authority, etc.
A sober companion isn’t a friend, per say, but a trained professional. However, he or she acts as a friend when needed by listening to a teen’s concerns, providing companionship, formulating sober-minded plans, and providing feedback on the teen’s progress. They don’t simply tell clients and their families whatever they want to hear. In fact, they can hold teens accountable for the mistakes they’ve made or are about to make.
Other Options
A sober companion isn’t the only way to connect with a sober peer. Those who participate in 12-step support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, for example, can find many of the same benefits in a sponsor. Most people who pursue sobriety develop a larger support group as well. Sometimes it just isn’t enough, though, and it’s important to catch that as quickly as possible. Remember: You’re dealing with an adolescent. You can’t expect anyone to conquer addiction on their own, let alone an adolescent.
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