What is a Recovery Coach?
Strict medical treatment of mental illness in the form of medication has proven to be insufficient in dealing with the rising mental health crisis. In particular, the severe stress that COVID isolation and lockdown inflicted on people has shown the weakness of mental health programs. The need for additional treatment that tackles the structural source of the issues has been made apparent. Enter recovery coaching.
The term recovery coach may sound similar to life coach, and they aren’t far apart. However, recovery coaches are more
specific. A recovery coach is someone who helps individuals during the recovery process from a range of debilitating
lifestyle occurrences, from substance abuse to divorce. For this reason, they are often called sober coaches as well.
While recovery coaches help people through these difficult times, they are not medical personnel and do not provide
treatment or therapy. These professionals focus on lifestyle changes, accountability, and mental health. An individual
in support can pay for a recovery coach to serve as a peer to help on the path. The coach is always available, within
reason, to support the individual and help them through difficult struggles, often ones that go beyond the specific
recovery. They do this because many recovery coaches believe that recovery is holistic and all aspects of life are
involved.
How does Recovery Coaching Work
Recovery coaching is a unique and recently emerging profession and field of study. It is a subbranch of life coaching
and peer support groups, which have proven results in helping those who struggle with mental health and lifestyle
issues. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is likely the most famous among these groups. However, there are many more than that
for all manner of difficulties.
Recovery coaching takes the idea of peer support groups and personalizes it the way a life coach personalizes a system
for lifestyle improvement and changes. Because of this, many recovery coaches are former addicts or individuals who
struggled with mental health and lifestyle difficulties. Thus, they come from a place of understanding.
Recovery coaches work one-on-one with those in recovery and develop unique strategies to help. While they are not
medical professionals, they pull from various proven techniques to tackle each area of difficulty. It might start with
simply removing all substances from the house. Then, a recovery coach may have someone begin throwing out things
associated with the illness, like photos, phone numbers, or clothes. Finally, things like dietary change and financial
management might be on the list.
The profession is deeply rooted in non-judgement, support, and care for the individual.
How to Become a Recovery Coach in Georgia
As with most states, Georgia does not regulate this industry since recovery coaches do not work as medical or clinical
personnel. Instead, they often work as a complementary system to clinical treatment and practices. Working as a recovery
coach generally requires prior experience working or volunteering with or as recovery support. So, Georgia allows
third-party organizations to set the standards of practice for the industry.
Many professions of this nature are competitive. Coaches will find it difficult to get hired unless they can stand out
from the crowd. However, there are many organizations concerned with the well-being of the public. Thus there are many
opportunities to receive various certifications that will allow one to excel as a recovery coach and expand their skill
range.
Certifications in Georgia
Alcohol & Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia
The Alcohol & Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia (ADACBGA) is a board determined to protect the public by
offering competency-based certifications. ADACBGA is dedicated to the accountability and responsibility of
professionals, training them to a gold standard. They have a range of certifications, from alcohol and drug counselors
to peer recovery coaches.
Certification is great for those who want to become recovery coaches for a few reasons. One reason is that ADACBGA is a
reputable source of knowledge, and its certification will give a high level of credibility to practicing professionals.
It also proves you have the knowledge and expertise required to perform competently.
To become certified with ADACBGA, you must complete an examination. The questions on the exam are developed by subject
matter experts who are guided by writing experts to create the testing items. These items are subjected to rigorous
analysis before being accepted. Once you have successfully passed an exam, you can submit an application with the
required $180 application fee for consideration. Because each situation is different, You should contact them to gather
further information.
Georgia Council on Substance Abuse
The Georgia Council on Substance Abuse is a collective of individuals in life-long recovery. Based in the Atlanta area,
they provide peer recovery services to those in need and education to those who want to help. They have a motto touting
the idea of not pushing lived experiences on others but instead bringing each person’s unique situation into the
narrative.
The Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialists (CARES) Academy is held in the metro Atlanta area four times a
year. The training consists of pre-Academy assignments to be completed, 40 hours of training for one week with classes
going from 8:30 to 5:00 on Monday through Friday, and assignments for the week of training. After completing the
Academy, graduates will receive a CARES certification.
Application for CARES is competitive despite having only two requirements. One must have two years of abstinent recovery
and a high school diploma or equivalent. However, the process for application is where people get weeded out. CARES has
applicants submit a writing sample displaying their competency and experience with recovery, as well as covering some
biographical information. They also require two letters of reference from people who were part of the applicant’s
recovery experience and can attest to their journey.
After submitting these, CARES will contact the references by phone no more than ten business days after submission.
CARES team members will score this whole process, and those with the highest score will be contacted for a group
interview. This is the final part of the process.
Addictions Training Institute
The Addictions Training Institute (ATI) is approved by the Georgia Certification Board to provide the certifications for
recovery coaching. ATI offers a Peer Recovery Specialist certification to those looking to work in the field. This
certification is slightly broader than just recovery coaching, but it qualifies you to work as one, too. The course is
completely online to help you avoid the hassle of classes and tedious commute.
The online course allows students to take as much time as they need to complete the 100 hours of education offered.
Courses in the package range from one to eight hours, and each package comes with educational materials and an exam.
There is no additional cost for the exam, and passing with a 75% or higher will award students a certification of
completion. The package costs $497.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
The Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) offers a traditional route for students to obtain competency and
certification in the field. Their program focuses on the importance of joyful connections and how addiction and joy can
affect the brain’s neurons. In the course, you learn the science behind brain function, the details about the recovery
coaching profession, and the ethics professionals follow.
Their program is comprehensive and taught by a Ph.D. instructor. Though the course is online, it offers a wide range of
information related to the profession, with instructor assistance available. The professor will help all students build
confidence when working with clients. The program uses proven methods with scientific evidence.
Note that the program does not provide certification as a recovery coach. Instead, it returns graduates with a
certificate of completion, showing competence in the subject and completion of relevant education.
Career Options for Recovery Coaches
Because this is an emerging field and evidence shows that peer support and recovery coaching is one of the most
effective methods of treating mental illness struggles and substance abuse, there are many job options available for
recovery coaches.
Many non-profit organizations that set up groups, such as AA, offer options and positions for recovery coaches for
individuals looking for more personalized, individual help. These organizations often work in tandem with clinics for
people who are struggling.
Another option is working for the government. There are many avenues of approach for this one. Military personnel often
have substance abuse problems, and recovery coaching is a great way to help veterans or active-duty people. Prisons are
another location where recovery coaching can see a lot of use. A notable position is working with parents suffering from
addiction and/or substance abuse. They are more resistant to group programs; thus, social workers will recommend
recovery coaching as an alternative.
Lastly, private practices for those struggling on their own or with a loved one struggling are growing rapidly. Much
like life coaches, anyone suffering from addiction or a destructive lifestyle can use the services of a recovery coach.