A recovery coach provides practical, person-centred support to help someone establish or strengthen recovery from alcohol or other drug problems. Coaching commonly focuses on goals, routines, accountability, problem-solving, connection and navigating recovery resources in everyday life.

The title is used in different ways. Some recovery coaches work from lived experience as trained peer workers. Others work in private practice using professional coaching training. Before choosing someone, ask what their title means, what training they have and where their role ends.

What a recovery coach may help with

Depending on the person, setting and agreed scope, coaching may include:

  • Turning broad recovery goals into realistic weekly actions.
  • Building routines around sleep, work, exercise, meals and connection.
  • Finding meetings, peer support and other recovery resources.
  • Preparing for triggers, travel, social situations or a return home after treatment.
  • Identifying early warning signs and deciding who to contact.
  • Practising communication, boundaries and practical problem-solving.
  • Reviewing progress without shame and adjusting the plan.

Good coaching is collaborative. The person receiving support should retain choice and control over their goals.

What recovery coaching is not

A recovery coach is not automatically a doctor, psychologist, counsellor or addiction clinician. Coaching should not be used to diagnose a condition, manage medication, supervise withdrawal or replace treatment that requires clinical expertise.

Recovery coaching is also different from emergency support. If there is overdose, severe withdrawal, loss of consciousness, seizure, immediate danger or risk of harm, seek emergency or medical care.

Recovery coach, therapist and sponsor: the difference

A therapist provides clinical assessment and treatment within their professional qualifications. A recovery coach generally works on present-day goals, practical support and connection rather than diagnosis or psychotherapy.

A Twelve-Step sponsor shares experience with the Steps and fellowship as part of a mutual-aid relationship. Sponsorship is not a paid clinical or coaching service. A person may choose to work with a coach, therapist and sponsor at the same time because the roles serve different purposes.

When coaching may be useful

Coaching may be worth considering when someone is medically stable and wants more structure between appointments, after treatment, during early recovery or while rebuilding everyday life. It can also help a person put a recovery plan into practice while travelling or moving to Bali.

Coaching may not be the right first step when someone needs withdrawal management, psychiatric care, an assessment of treatment needs or a higher level of clinical support. Read Do I need rehab? for a broader explanation of treatment levels.

Questions to ask a recovery coach

  • What training, certification, supervision and relevant experience do you have?
  • Is your role peer support, professional coaching or something else?
  • What can you help with, and what is outside your scope?
  • How do you respond if a client relapses or becomes medically or psychologically unsafe?
  • How do you work alongside treatment providers, therapists, doctors or sponsors?
  • What contact is included between sessions?
  • How do you protect privacy and store notes?
  • What are the fees, cancellation terms and arrangements for ending coaching?

Clear boundaries are a sign of professionalism. Be cautious when someone presents coaching as a cure, guarantees sobriety or advises against appropriate medical or psychological care.

Recovery coaching in Bali

Bali can offer community, meetings, movement and a change of environment, but location does not remove the need for appropriate care. Coaching in Bali should connect practical island knowledge with a wider recovery plan rather than rely on the setting itself.

Someone coming out of treatment should clarify how coaching will coordinate with continuing care at home. A sober traveller should build support before arrival and know how to access recovery meetings in Bali.

A useful next step

Write down the part of recovery that currently feels hardest to put into practice. Then ask a prospective coach how they would work on that problem, how progress would be reviewed and what would cause them to refer you to another professional.

Sources and verification

Last reviewed 17 July 2026. This is general information and does not establish that every person using the title “recovery coach” has the same training or scope.