How to Become a Professional Recovery Coach in Georgia

Recovery coaches play a crucial role in providing non-clinical support to individuals seeking to overcome addiction.

As a recovery coach in Georgia, you provide assistance to folks undergoing addiction treatment, be it in rehabilitation facilities or local communities.

Your responsibility is to offer guidance and motivation, empowering patients to persevere until they achieve freedom from substance dependency.

This article explores the occupation of recovery coaching, highlighting key aspects such as salary information and the steps to becoming a certified recovery coach in Georgia.

Professional Recovery Coach Job Description

Recovery coaches do not diagnose or treat individuals, as they are not therapists.

Their main focus is to provide support and guidance to help clients improve their lives and overcome addiction.

Recovery coaches can work with individuals struggling with substance abuse,  food addiction, sex addiction, alcoholism, shopping addiction, or gambling addiction.

Some of the job duties include:

• Teaching clients essential life skills, such as cooking and cleaning
• Discussing clients’ goals and creating action plans
• Conducting safety and wellness checks
• Monitoring progress and providing accountability
• Providing access to other recovery resources
• Maintaining client confidentiality and adhering to HIPAA guidelines
• Meeting with clients and their family members

Becoming a Professional Recovery Coach in Georgia

This is how you become a professional recovery coach in Georgia.

1. Obtain a High School Diploma

Having a high school diploma is a prerequisite for this occupation.

Alternatively, individuals who have not completed high school can earn a GED, which is also accepted.

A high school diploma or GED demonstrates the foundational skills required for the position.

There are various alternative educational institutions in the state that offer GED programs.

2. Become certified

In Georgia, you only need a certification if you want to become an addiction counselor.

As a future Certified Peer Recovery Coach, you need to spend 51% of your time in Georgia.

Furthermore, you have to provide:

• A personal statement stating they have been in recovery for at least three years
• 500 hours of practical experience specific to CPRC domains
• 50 hours of supervision within the domains
• 100 hours of substance use disorders education
• 3 recovery references
• A passing score on the examination – 75% at least
• Signature on the Code of Professional Ethics Form

When it comes to training, you need to take 100 hours of training:

• 16 hours in ethical responsibility
• 10 hours in education/mentoring
• 10 hours in advocacy
• 10 hours in recovery support
• 54 hours related to competencies of CPRCs

Certification requirements can vary depending on the area of expertise within the field of recovery coaching.

However, you may want to get a certification even if you plan on becoming a recovery coach.

For that, you need to pass a computer-based exam.

Future Certified Addictions Recovery Empowerment Specialists need to pass a written exam.

3. Maintain a state of sobriety

Many people become recovery coaches as a result of their own experiences with addiction.

In Georgia, you need to be sober for a minimum of 3 years.

Even if you haven’t personally experienced addiction, it is important to uphold the same expectations and principles as your clients.

This includes not using any illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

4. Get practical experience

While getting training and a license can enhance your qualifications, you also need to gain practical experience.

One method to gain work experience is by volunteering at a recovery center.

This enables you to directly interact with people in recovery and apply your skills in a real-world environment.

Another way is to become a sponsor for people who are in recovery.

But, this means you will need two recommendations from trusted sources.

Professional Recovery Coach Training Options in Georgia

You may be wondering where you can train as a recovery coach in Georgia.

Georgia Southern University

The course offered at this university by the International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches covers:

• How the brain is affected by addiction
• The role joy plays in recovery
• The skills needed for the job
• Special issues when dealing with families
• Learning how to apply Cognitive Behavior Theory

The course has a duration of 60 hours and ends with a Certificate of Completion.

Addictions Training Institute

The course offered by this institute is called Peer Recovery Coach, and has this structure:

• 100 hours of education (ATI provides this training online)
• 100 hours paid or volunteer experience
• 500 hours of supervised work experience

This program is available online, 24/7, and it lasts for less than a year.

Students can benefit from a full scholarship or from financing options.

Salaries for Professional Recovery Coaches in Georgia

Prior to fulfilling the aforementioned requirements, it is natural to have an interest in the potential earnings as a recovery coach in Georgia.

On average, professionals in this field earn around $34,260 per year in the state.

For insights into cities where salaries may be comparatively higher, please refer to the provided table.

Remember that your earnings depend on a few factors, including your experience in the field.

Regional Salary in Georgia

Professional Recovery Coach by State