How Much Does a Sober Coach Cost? [2023 Guide]

How much does a sober coach cost? 

If you’re considering working with a sober coach, you may be wondering how much it will cost you and whether it’s worth the investment.

This guide will provide you with all the information you need to decide whether a sober coach is right for you. (And you’ll also learn why the actual cost of recovery coaching might be much lower than it seems.)

What is sober coaching?

Professional sober coaching is a specialized form of one-on-one support that helps people overcome addiction challenges. 

Unlike traditional addiction treatment programs that focus on deficits and problems, sober coaching takes a strengths-based approach that emphasizes one’s existing resources and abilities.

A sober coach works alongside you, providing practical and emotional tools to help you navigate the challenges of recovery. 

The ultimate goal is not only to help you achieve long-term sobriety but also to help you create a life that is deeply fulfilling and meaningful to you.

Note that a sober coach isn’t the same as a sober companion or a therapist. Sober companions live with their client for a designated period of time, whereas therapists work more with treating underlying mental health issues. (Therapists also have specific education.)

There are other options, too, like Alcoholics Anonymous. However, AA sponsors are strictly focused on the 12-step program. An independent coach works with you based on your unique circumstances. 

For more information on what sober coaching is, check out this article on recovery coaching.

What does a sober coach cost? 

So, how much does a sober coach cost? And what are some typical recovery coaching fees or rates? Well, this can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

• The coach’s experience and qualifications
• The length of the coaching program

Sober coaches charge anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars per month to several thousand per week, depending on the level of care and expertise. 

The average is approximately $200 per hour or $1,000 a day for 24-hour services. 

For example, a coach with extensive experience and certifications may charge more for their services than someone who is just starting out. 

Similarly, a coach who checks in with you several times a day will cost more than someone who you meet every other week.

Getting a sober coach can sound like a pricey endeavor. But in the end, it may actually end up saving you money by mitigating the risk of relapse and avoiding the added cost and time of a treatment center.

To put things in perspective, the amount that I spent to take my life back from addiction was just over $40,000 back in 2015. This included rehab to get clean and a sober living house plus mentors who helped me navigate my new life.

Sure, that’s a lot of money. But you know what? Not once have I regretted spending it in that way. 

Every single day, I am reminded of the value of my investment in my recovery. 

I never look back and think, “I should have spent that on a car or a house.” 

Because I know all too well that if I hadn’t used that money for my sobriety, it would have only gone towards fueling my drug addiction even further – ultimately destroying me entirely.

Good to know about coaching costs vs. rehab costs! The cost of sober coaching should not be directly compared to that of other addiction recovery services, such as inpatient or outpatient rehab programs. Sober coaching is not meant to replace these services, but rather to complement them and provide personalized support and guidance to those in recovery.

But is a sober coach ultimately worth it? Let’s find out.

Is a sober coach worth the money?

The first days, weeks, and months of recovery can be some of the most trying times, and it’s not uncommon to feel alone, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to move forward.

As someone who has gotten sober, I know this all too well.

My journey to recovery began when I suffered a severe brain injury at the age of 14, which left me feeling extremely isolated during a long recovery process. This led me down a destructive path of addiction that quickly spiraled out of control.

Eventually, I was able to conquer my addiction and overcome my traumas, but it was not an easy feat. 

Through my own experiences, I know firsthand how important it is to have the right support and guidance, especially during the early stages of recovery. 

Is your sobriety worth the money?

For many people in recovery, the cost of sober coaching can seem like an expense that is difficult to justify. 

Rationally, we may know that it will be worth it, but making the decision to spend money on self-care can be hard. 

Sober coaching is an investment in ourselves, and the time and money should always be considered in the context of its overall benefits.

In that sense, it might be better to ask ourselves how much our addiction has taken from us and whether our sobriety is worth the money.

Addiction can feel like a never-ending cycle of pain, isolation, and desperation. The price we pay is high, and it’s not just measured in financial terms; it can cost us our health, relationships, and even our lives.

Benefits of a sober coach (or how a sober coach can help you)

So why is sober coaching worth the money? 

The answer lies in the unique support and guidance that sober coaches offer. Sober coaching is a personalized, one-on-one experience that focuses specifically on your needs and goals.

It can be neatly tailored to fit your lifestyle, schedule, and goals, making it an appealing option if you’re looking for a flexible and personalized approach to addiction recovery.

A professional recovery coach will: 

• Introduce you to practical tools
• Help you set and achieve goals
• Offer accountability and support
• Provide a safe space to process difficult emotions and experiences
• Give you a unique perspective on your recovery journey, among many other things

They also help you develop effective coping strategies so that you can navigate common challenges like triggers, cravings, and urges with more ease.

Some of the benefits of working with a professional sober coach include:

• Greatly improved chances of lasting sobriety
• Increased accountability and motivation
• Individual support and guidance
• Personal growth and a renewed sense of self

These recovery coaching benefits are incredibly valuable. In fact, accountability is a key factor for sobriety. Other research shows that recovery coaching is effective for reducing the reoccurrence and severity of substance use disorders. 

But investing in a sober coach means little if you don’t find the right fit for you.

How can I find the right sober coach?

While the value of recovery coaching may be priceless, working with the wrong coach might be worse than having no coach at all.

To help you find the right match, I’ve listed three important things to look out for in your future sober coach.

1. Recovery coach qualifications and experience

Because anyone can call themselves a recovery coach, regardless of their qualifications, skills, or experience, it’s always good to check both the credentials AND the experience of any sober coach you’re considering hiring.

Many certified recovery coaches also have a professional background in addiction recovery, psychology, or another related field. This specialized knowledge and experience can be invaluable in helping you overcome the challenges of addiction.

Ideally, the coach with whom you end up working will be A) certified through an accredited organization and B) have a proven track record of successfully helping different clients stay sober. 

To find this out, you can see whether they are certified and ask them questions about the types of clients they have worked with and how long they have been practicing.

Is someone making bold claims without any evidence to back them up? Then it might be better to keep looking.

Tip! Don’t be afraid to ask for references or testimonials from previous clients!

2. Communication skills

Never settle for a sober coach who lacks the needed communication skills to support you fully! Because without it, even the best strategies and plans can fall short.

A sober coach should be able to listen actively and empathize with you, creating a safe and supportive environment for open dialogue. 

They should be able to articulate their ideas and strategies in a way that you can easily understand and implement. 

And they should be able to provide feedback and guidance in a way that resonates with you and motivates you to continue making progress toward your goals.

When assessing a sober coach’s communication skills, pay attention to their approach during your initial conversations. 

Are they genuinely interested in your story and your goals?

Do they ask thoughtful questions and listen attentively to your responses?

No? Then better keep looking until you find someone who does.

3. Personal compatibility

Working with a sober coach can be a life-changing decision, but it’s not just about the qualifications and experience. Personal compatibility is a crucial but often overlooked factor. It’s essential to find someone who you can connect with and trust on a personal level.

The right sober coach will make you feel comfortable and understood, offering you a safe space for you to share your thoughts and feelings.

When checking your compatibility with a sober coach, pay attention to your gut feelings. Do you feel at ease with them, or do you feel guarded or uneasy?

Also, consider the logistics. 

How often will you meet? 

Will they be available to support you outside of your scheduled sessions? 

Make sure the coach’s availability and approach align with your needs and goals.

Remember, the relationship between you and your sober coach is a partnership that requires mutual trust and respect. By choosing someone who is personally compatible with you, you greatly increase your chances of a successful recovery.

Over to you!

There you have it. Now you understand the average sober coach cost and what goes into that rate. 

While the costs of sober coaching may seem daunting, the benefits are more than worth it. 

The financial costs of addiction can add up quickly. Think of expensive treatments, hospital stays, and even legal fees. 

The emotional and mental costs, however? Those can be even more devastating.

Addiction can cause feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, depression, and shame. It can also lead to a loss of connection with loved ones and may damage relationships beyond repair.

While the price of addiction can at times seem insurmountable, there is always hope for recovery. 

My experience has taught me that no matter how difficult the road to sobriety seems, it is possible to achieve lasting healing and wellness.

I would love to help you become and remain sober. 

Are you ready to take your life into your own hands again? Then book your FREE 60-minute exploratory call to learn more!