A sober companion will provide vital support and assistance to those in recovery.

A sober companion, also known as a sober living companion, is an experienced mental health clinician who provides one-on-one recovery services. Occasionally, mental health and compulsion treatment are unavailable due to qualified treatment centers' lack of beds (in-patient) or program availability (IOP). Additionally, entering a treatment facility may not be the best treatment option.

Atlas Novus, LLC will provide a sober companion with ten years of sobriety, involved in sobriety since 1997, and holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Therapy and Psychological Services and an Compulsion Studies Graduate Certificate from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.

Our companion services are designed for those in recovery needing additional support. For example, if a client needs to travel for business, a sober companion will stay with them to assist in their recovery without taking them out of their day-to-day lives. Atlas Novus, LLC will confidentially guide and support substance abuse clients in recovery, working to help them maintain their sobriety and lead meaningful lives.

What exactly does a sober companion do?
A sober companion will provide vital support and assistance to those in recovery during that crucial period when they leave their recovery program and begin the often-difficult transition back to daily life. Recovery is challenging regardless of time, and a sober companion will provide many different types of assistance, including companionship, preventing relapses, and managing the basics of life.

Companionship
Simple companionship can be vital to those who live alone or need to talk with someone who “gets it”, especially those who have “burned bridges” in the past and are estranged from both family and friends. We know that isolation is one of the primary causes of relapse, and having a companion to talk clients through cravings, triggers, and difficult times can be the key to successful recovery and a return to a regular daily routine.

Preventing relapse
Substance relapse can be seen as both a process and an event. Unfortunately, relapse rates for individuals who enter recovery from a drug or alcohol compulsion are quite high.  Studies reflect that 40-60% of individuals relapse within 30 days of leaving an inpatient drug and alcohol treatment center, and up to 85% relapse within the first year.  It is essential for individuals who struggle with alcohol dependence or other substance dependence to acknowledge the high risk for relapse, be aware of their triggers, and learn to cope with their triggers and emotions healthily.  Through an understanding of common risks for compulsion relapse, individuals can be better equipped and better able to maintain their recovery. In other words, a sober companion is a friend who works with the client and provides needed emotional support.

Managing the basics of life
In addition to helping shield the client from daily or even hourly temptations, a sober companion may help them with certain basics they may have neglected. Many fall prey to compulsion when young, which may have continued for years. If this is the client's situation, they may never have learned certain basics such as grocery shopping, food preparation, the importance of exercise, opening and maintaining a checking account, and paying bills on time, to name only a few. A sober companion can help clients learn the basics of living a successful and rewarding life, free from compulsion.

How long is a sober companion needed?
There is no precise timetable for this kind of assistance. For some, perhaps only a few weeks of aid will be needed, while for others, help may be needed for months or even years. The time required for this kind of support depends on the needs of the client recovering from compulsion and is 100% customizable.

In-house, sober living companion
This type of sober companion visits the client's home daily. As stated, they might work to remove tempting items and accompany the client when they leave home. Depending on the particular situation, they may do other things such as cooking and cleaning, help with proper nutrition, and possibly help get the client into a regular exercise program.

On-call
In this situation, the sober companion does not live with the client but is on-call 24/7 to provide support and assistance. This arrangement is perfect when the client needs help with cravings and triggers but does not necessarily want to share the client's living space with someone else.

Travel escort
A travel escort, or sober travel companion, is a specialist who travels with a client who has “out of town” substance use concerns. They ensure the client arrives at their destination on time and home again safely and sober. This service can also be provided locally when the client goes to and from work, attends recovery meetings and therapy sessions, or goes out for social gatherings. This arrangement is helpful when an individual feels they need only occasional support beyond that provided by family, friends, and their therapist.

What other options are available?
Atlas Novus sober companions provide one-on-one support, motivation, coping skills, accountability, and responsibility to assist in long-term recovery.

Our sober companion program is designed to assist in the following scenarios:

• Any circumstance requiring a high level of personal recovery support
• Any professional travel (work, personal, game day)
• Entertainment professionals with a high level of public visibility
• Individuals waiting for treatment center beds to become available
• Politicians and government officials
• Professional athletes and corporate executives
• Those making travel arrangements for treatment

Getting started
If the client needs a sober companion, we urge the client (or their people) to contact Wade Bergquist at 949.290.8364. For confidentiality purposes, we keep email and texting communication to an absolute minimum.

Medical Disclaimer
Atlas Novus, LLC aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorders with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options, and their related outcomes. We publish material researched, cited, edited, and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. Our information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Atlas Novus, LLC sober companion services are not intended to replace residential treatment or be considered outpatient treatment. Our services are to be utilized by anyone who needs assistance in their substance recovery.