Introduction
Sober Elite: Connecting Pathways in Recovery
Stephen Wells, MA, CCAC, CBI, PPCC - Principal, Sober Elite
Sober Elite is a private addiction consultancy and recovery systems management group offering assessment, case management, advocacy, navigation, placement, continuing care, and relapse prevention services to individuals and families seeking addiction-related support. In addition to working with individuals and families, Sober Elite collaborates with highly respected law firms, healthcare teams, and wealth management institutions, providing integrated case management support and custom-designed treatment planning, designed to create the conditions for success at the front end of the recovery process.
The Challenge
Sober Elite recognized the need for a flexible solution to support clients seeking harm reduction and Controlled Drinking (CD) as part of their recovery journey. Traditional addiction recovery services often focus on complete abstinence, which is ideal, but may not be viable for everyone. Some individuals find success managing their relationship with alcohol rather than terminating it completely.
One such individual is Stuart, who faced significant challenges in managing his relationship with alcohol. Stuart struggled with the idea of complete abstinence and sought a solution that allowed him to control his drinking while staying accountable. He needed a tool that could help him monitor his alcohol consumption and support his goal of harm reduction. To illustrate this approach, we will focus on Stuart's specific story and how Soberlink played a pivotal role in his journey.
The Solution
Sober Elite introduced the Soberlink Alcohol Monitoring system as a versatile tool for harm reduction and Controlled Drinking (CD). Stephen Wells, Stuart's counselor, always emphasized the supportive nature of the device, saying, “Soberlink is your friend, not a police officer.” This perspective was crucial in helping clients view the device as a helpful companion rather than a punitive measure.
Stuart began using Soberlink early in his recovery process. In 2020, during the initial phase, he would enter very high blood alcohol content (BAC) readings while intoxicated. Even with high BAC levels, the testing behavior was his way of staying connected to caring about himself despite his struggles.
Soberlink’s flexibility makes it suitable for various uses and circumstances, much like a skateboard that can be used for transportation or leisure. Many people do not want to terminate their relationship with alcohol entirely. For some, Controlled Drinking is both achievable and feasible if they are willing to put in the work.
Controlled Drinking (CD) isn’t just about regulating consumption; it’s about adapting to new self-imposed limitations and developing a healthier relationship with alcohol. As Wells puts it, “If you want to drive a Bentley, you have to pay the insurance and drive responsibly.” Controlled Drinking requires a significant commitment, often underestimated by those attempting it.
Sober Elite uses Soberlink to support this “zone of proximal development” (ZPD), providing a safe transitional space for clients to learn how to consume alcohol responsibly while becoming comfortable with their self-imposed limitations. This period is crucial for clients to see these limitations as a gift, a luxury that helps them redefine their relationship with alcohol.
An important aspect of this process is the "Mellow Yellow" BAC range (0.02 - 0.07), which serves as an allowable tolerance measure (ATM) for Controlled Drinking. Combined with data from the Soberlink device, this framework helps guide clients through the adaptation process, including goal setting, monitoring, reflective practice, coaching, and iterative goal adjustment.
Successful Controlled Drinking also requires non-judgmental, client-centered support from healthcare professionals. This support is vital for clients to feel safe and understood as they work through the challenges of establishing a new, sustainable relationship with alcohol. As Wells explains, “The goal is a comfortable adaptation to the new relationship, not just adherence to self-imposed limitations.”
While Controlled Drinking isn’t suitable for everyone, for those who are committed, Soberlink provides a formal, supportive structure to help them achieve their goals. Working with a healthcare professional, this approach has shown promising results and continues to be an exciting development in harm reduction and alcohol recovery strategies.
Results and Impact
The use of Soberlink in harm reduction and Controlled Drinking has led to measurable outcomes for clients. Stuart, for example, experienced significant improvements in his ability to manage his alcohol consumption. The regular use of Soberlink while working with Sober Elite empowered him to make responsible choices and maintain a healthier relationship with alcohol. The real-time data and accountability provided by Soberlink were crucial in this transformation.