A typical recovery path involves either residential treatment for 30, 60, or 90 days, or an outpatient program. In many cases, the detox facility must be completed first. The newly sober individual then graduates from the program and returns to normal living. They may have been introduced into a 12-step program, Smart recovery or another method of recovery. Then they start to form a support network. A newly sober individual feels wonderful and their loved ones, friends, and employers have high hopes for them. In some cases, it actually does last. It doesn't in the majority of cases that I have witnessed over 25 years as a recovery counselor. Most alcoholics/addicts did not build up their self defeating behaviors in 30, 60 or 90 days of active alcoholism/addiction. Many times, years of abuse of substances have led to self-destructive behaviors among alcoholics/addicts and their family members. Substance abuse is often the addiction's way to cope with life stressors. We need to help the clients and their families find new ways to solve these problems. To ensure that the client's recovery is successful and leads to their highest life, Recovery Coaching focuses on what the client can do today. Everybody, including those who are addicted or alcoholics, despairs when they fall back into a rut after completing treatment. Many go back to their treatment facilities to try again, and they are hopeful that the next time it happens there will be a new chance. Why is it that it takes so long and all the money involved to help most addicts achieve sustained recovery? And yet, many don't make it. Our experience has shown that treatment facilities are safe and provide a place for people to start the process of recovery. They will remove the addict from the environment where the stressors, inability to change the environment or their desire to self-medicate. They are then given basic tools and techniques to manage cravings, and prevent relapse. This is only a start. While it may be effective for the addict/alcoholic in the immediate, safe environment of treatment, the center often doesn't do much to improve their long-term outcome. They are back living normal lives and the risks of addiction. Most clients find that the initial substance abstinence fog in their minds hasn't completely cleared up by the end of the short-term treatment. They then return to the environment where they couldn't stay abstinent. The purpose of Recovery Coaching is to assist people with their normal daily stresses and problems. It involves fostering sustained change, accountability and ensuring that they are able to make the necessary changes before or after outpatient treatment. Many clients cannot attend residential treatment programs due to work commitments, family commitments, or any other reason. A Recovery coach can be a great alternative. To help addicts/alcohols to achieve sustained recovery, a recovery coach works with their families, employers, and health care professionals.