A sober companion provides 24/7 support for someone in early recovery. It's intensive, it's expensive, and for some families, it's absolutely necessary.
Here's how to know if your teen needs this level of support.
What is a Sober Companion?
A sober companion (also called a sober escort or recovery coach) lives with or accompanies your teen full-time, providing:
- 24/7 accountability and monitoring
- Real-time intervention during cravings or triggers
- Structure and routine throughout the day
- Transportation to meetings, appointments, activities
- Skill-building for sober living
- Bridge from treatment to independence
Think of it as intensive, around-the-clock coaching during the most vulnerable period of recovery.
When is a Sober Companion Necessary?
1. Immediately After Treatment
Your teen just completed inpatient treatment and is returning home. The transition from 24/7 structure to independent living is when most relapses happen. A sober companion bridges that gap.
2. After Multiple Relapses
If your teen has tried outpatient support, therapy, and 12-step meetings but keeps relapsing, they may need more intensive accountability.
3. High-Risk Situations
- Returning to college where substance use is prevalent
- Living in an environment with easy access to substances
- Facing major life transitions (graduation, moving, job starting)
- Dealing with co-occurring mental health issues
4. When Family Dynamics Are Part of the Problem
Sometimes the home environment—even a loving one—triggers old patterns. A sober companion provides neutral, professional support that family members can't.
5. When Your Teen Lacks Internal Motivation
They're sober because you made them go to treatment, not because they chose it. They need external structure until internal motivation develops.
What Does a Day Look Like?
A typical day with a sober companion might include:
- Morning: Wake-up routine, breakfast, planning the day
- Daytime: Attending meetings, therapy, job searching, skill-building activities
- Afternoon: Exercise, hobbies, sober social connections
- Evening: Dinner, reflection, planning for tomorrow
- Night: Sleep routine, check-in
The companion is there for all of it—not as a babysitter, but as a guide and accountability partner.
How Long Does It Last?
Sober companion services typically range from:
- 1-2 weeks: Transition support after treatment
- 30-90 days: Intensive early recovery support
- 6+ months: Long-term support for complex cases
The goal is always to gradually reduce support as your teen builds skills and internal motivation.
What It Costs
Sober companions typically cost $350-$1,500+ per day, depending on:
- Level of care needed (24/7 vs. daytime only)
- Companion's experience and credentials
- Location and travel requirements
- Duration of engagement
Some insurance plans cover a portion of sober companion services. It's worth checking.
Is It Worth It?
For families who've watched their teen cycle through treatment and relapse repeatedly, a sober companion can be the difference between life and death—literally.
It's expensive, yes. But compare it to:
- Another round of inpatient treatment ($30,000-$100,000)
- Legal fees from substance-related charges
- Medical bills from overdose or accidents
- The emotional and financial toll of ongoing addiction
When you frame it that way, intensive support during the most critical window of recovery often makes sense.
How Off The Couch Approaches Sober Companionship
We offer flexible sober companion services tailored to your teen's needs:
- 24/7 live-in support for high-risk situations
- Daytime coaching with evening check-ins
- Transition support after treatment
- Sober escort for travel, events, or specific situations
Our goal is always to build independence, not dependence. We gradually step back as your teen develops their own recovery skills.
Wondering if your teen needs a sober companion? Let's talk about your specific situation and what level of support makes sense. Schedule a free consultation today.
