I’ll never forget my first hours, days, and weeks in sobriety. While ultimately filled with hope, they were entirely overrun by fear, emotional highs and lows, and the uncertainty of what comes next. I felt alone, lost, and honestly discouraged by the gravity of the task ahead.
Today’s recovery landscape looks much different. The stigma is slowly lifting. There are now sober-friendly bars, social gatherings, an explosion of new treatment centers, and supportive sober living homes. But one of the most impactful additions, in my opinion, has been the rise of peer recovery coaches in Colorado and beyond.
These are real people with real lived experience, stepping up to help others find stable, lasting recovery. Let's take a look at what a peer recovery coach is and how to find the right one for you.
A peer recovery coach is someone who has walked the path of addiction and is now living a life of recovery. These individuals are certified, trained, and supported by state funding to guide others through the recovery process. In Colorado, peer coaches often carry the Colorado Certified Recovery Coach (CCRC) credential.
Think of a peer coach as a guide, mentor, and accountability partner all in one. They’ve been where you are, and they bring empathy, experience, and expertise to help you move forward.
Your recovery coach is there to support you in the early days of sobriety and help you maintain that progress long-term. That includes:
They get it. They’ve been through the sleepless nights, the anxiety, the doubt. A good peer coach offers consistent emotional support without judgment.
They help you set realistic goals, whether that’s finding a job, reconnecting with family, or simply making it through the week sober, and then walk beside you to help keep you on track.
Need help opening a bank account, applying for a job, or navigating legal trouble? Your coach is there for all of it.
They’ll help you find and attend support groups in Colorado, explore different types of recovery programs, and introduce you to sober communities near you.
With their training and connections, peer coaches can point you to trusted treatment centers, sober living homes, mental health professionals, and more.
Finding the right coach is key. Here’s what to look for:
Make sure they’re a Colorado Certified Recovery Coach (CCRC). To earn this title, a coach must:
Ask questions like:
While a perfect match isn’t necessary, shared experiences or perspectives can help build trust and connection.
Look for peer coaches employed or supported by trusted organizations. Recovery community centers and peer support programs in Colorado often offer vetted, ethical coaches.
Recovery is not a solo journey. One of the biggest lies addiction tells us is that we’re alone. A peer coach in Colorado helps dismantle that illusion. They offer real-world help, but maybe more importantly, they offer hope.
These are people who understand the road. They’ve fallen, gotten back up, and are now reaching out a hand.
If you’re ready to work with someone, check out local resources like:
Each of these offers trained peer recovery coaches across Colorado, including Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, and beyond.
A peer recovery coach in Colorado isn’t just a professional title, they’re someone who will likely see you through some of your hardest moments. In time, they may even become a friend, a supporter, and a trusted presence in your ongoing recovery.
There’s no shame in needing help. In fact, asking for support is one of the most courageous things we do in recovery. If you’re feeling lost or just not sure what to do next, a peer recovery coach might be exactly what you need.
A peer recovery coach isn’t just a professional relationship; they are someone that you will share some of your lowest lows with and highest highs. They will engage in a personal journey with you and ultimately/hopefully become a long-term friend and confidant in your journey. Recovery is not a solo journey; it is not something you accomplish alone, and you never have to struggle in slices. Peer recovery coaches are just one of many support resources that should be considered as a part of your “tool box” of sobriety assets.
