Sobriety Companion Terms of Service and Release of Liability

Company: Sobriety Companion LLC ("Company", "we", "us", or "our")
Platform: Sobriety Companion mobile and web application ("App")

1. Introduction & Definitions

Welcome to Sobriety Companion. Sobriety Companion is a technology platform that facilitates non-clinical peer recovery support services and connects users with professional Sober Companions. This document is a binding agreement between you and Sobriety Companion LLC. By accessing the App, you agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

"Platform for Recovery Support": Refers to the App's specialized environment designed to support professional, peer-led, non-clinical recovery services such as sober companionship, 24/7 sober-sitting, sober transport, lifestyle and wellness support, social support and community integration, and education and resource navigation.
"Sober Companion" / "Peer Specialist": An independent contractor providing non-clinical recovery support, accountability, and companionship based on professional training and lived experience.
"Recovery Specialist": An independent contractor providing non-clinical recovery coaching, lifestyle and wellness support, family education, community integration support, and related professional companion services.

2. Emergency Disclaimer: Not a Crisis Service

SOBRIETY COMPANION IS NOT FOR EMERGENCIES. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, a drug overdose, or suicidal ideation, you must immediately call 911 (or your local emergency services) or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. This App does not provide real-time crisis intervention or emergency medical response.

3. Recovery Philosophy & Non-Clinical Limitation

Sobriety Companion supports multiple pathways to recovery and provides a professional, patient-centered environment for peer-led, non-clinical recovery support. To maintain strict compliance with applicable regulations governing addiction support services, you acknowledge and agree to the following limitations:

No Clinical Services: The App does not provide medical care, psychological therapy, diagnosis, or treatment of any condition. Sober Companions and Recovery Specialists provide non-clinical peer recovery support only.
No Prescribing Functionality: The App does not contain, support, or integrate with any electronic prescribing software. No companion or specialist may issue prescriptions of any kind through the Platform.
Adherence Reminders Only: Sober Companions may provide medication-adherence reminders consistent with the client's existing treatment plan, but they do not dispense or administer medication.
External Treatment: Users requiring medical care, psychological therapy, medication management, or Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) must obtain those services from licensed providers external to and unaffiliated with the App.

4. The "Conduit" Clause & Nature of Services

Sobriety Companion operates strictly as a technology conduit, not a direct provider of healthcare, an addiction treatment facility, or a pharmacy. You acknowledge and agree that:

The App facilitates the connection between users and independent Sober Companions but is not a party to that relationship.
All recovery decisions, treatment plans, and clinical advice are between the User and the User's licensed treating providers, who are external to the platform.
Sobriety Companion LLC provides the secure infrastructure for these professional companion interactions but does not practice medicine, psychology, or any other licensed profession.

5. Service Model: Non-Clinical Peer Recovery Support

The App facilitates a continuum of non-clinical recovery support services, including but not limited to sober-sitting, sober companionship, sober transport, recovery coaching, lifestyle and wellness support, social support and community integration, education and resource navigation, and family coaching. It is the User's responsibility to understand that:

Peer Support is Non-Clinical: Sober Companions and Recovery Specialists are not acting as therapists, counselors, or physicians. Their role is limited to professional companionship, mentorship, and recovery accountability.
Companions May Hold Outside Credentials: Some companions may independently hold advanced degrees or active clinical licenses. While operating on this Platform as Peer Specialists, they perform a non-clinical role only.

6. Privacy & Confidentiality

To support a professional recovery environment, we maintain high standards of data security:

Compliance: The App is built to align with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and 42 CFR Part 2 (Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records).
Authorized Coordination: Where you provide written authorization, the App may transmit recovery-related information to specific authorized members of your treatment team or designated family members for the purpose of coordinated recovery support.
Confidentiality: Information shared on the Platform is treated with the same discretion expected of a professional treatment environment and is not re-disclosed except as permitted by law or by your written authorization.

7. Provider Vetting & Trust Standards

Sobriety Companion LLC mandates a high standard of vetting for all Sober Companions and Recovery Specialists to help ensure user safety:

Comprehensive Background Checks: All companions must pass a rigorous criminal history and sex-offender registry background check to operate on the platform.
Vetting Protocols: We perform direct verification of professional credentials, certifications, identity documents, and references.
Drug Testing: All companions are subject to initial and periodic drug screenings.
Disclaimer: While we perform these extensive checks, Sobriety Companion LLC is not liable for the independent actions of contractors outside the technological scope of the Platform.

8. No "Pay-to-Play" Liability

The payment of fees associated with background checks, credential verification, and drug testing is a requirement for the vetting process and does not guarantee approval, onboarding, or access to the Platform. These fees are non-refundable and are utilized strictly to cover the administrative costs of the screening process. Sobriety Companion LLC reserves the right to deny any applicant who submits fraudulent, expired, or otherwise insufficient identification or documentation, or who fails to meet any safety or trust standards.

9. Release of Liability & Indemnification

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Sobriety Companion LLC and its "Released Parties" are not liable for:

The personal conduct of any Sober Companion, Recovery Specialist, or User.
Any decisions made by a User's external licensed treatment providers.
Any relapse, injury, or health outcome resulting from the use of the App.
Any outcome resulting from the platform's non-clinical scope.

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Sobriety Companion LLC from any claims arising from your breach of these Terms or your interactions with other users.

10. Intellectual Property

All App content, design, proprietary "Platform for Recovery Support" workflows, and code are the exclusive property of Sobriety Companion LLC. Unauthorized reproduction or "off-platform" solicitation of companions met through the App is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.

11. Dispute Resolution & Governing Law

Governing Law: This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
Arbitration: Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be settled through binding arbitration, administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA).
Class Action Waiver: You waive the right to participate in class-action lawsuits or jury trials.

12. Entire Agreement

This Terms of Service, along with the Privacy Policy and any future Informed Consent documents, constitutes the entire agreement between you and Sobriety Companion LLC. Continued use of the App following any updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

13. Companion Responsibility for Travel and Operational Expenses

Companions are solely responsible for any and all expenses incurred while providing services through the Platform. This includes, but is not limited to, travel costs (such as mileage, flights, and accommodations) and any other operational or out-of-pocket expenses. Sobriety Companion LLC does not provide separate reimbursements for these costs. Companions must calculate and incorporate all anticipated expenses into their selected hourly rate. Sobriety Companion LLC assumes no liability for any expenses, costs, or financial shortfalls incurred by the Companion.

14. Schedule Adherence and Service Fulfillment

Companions are contractually obligated to fulfill the precise duration of service hours purchased by the Client through the Platform. Companions shall conclude services and vacate the premises promptly upon the expiration of the booked session time. In the event of a delayed arrival by the Companion for any reason, including travel distance or transit delays, the Companion's obligation to render the exact paid duration of service remains absolute, with the full allotted service time commencing upon their actual arrival.

15. Classes and Video Sessions

Live Only: On classes, companions cannot use pre-recorded videos. Classes must be live.
Late Cancellation Fees: Late cancellation fees may apply to clients canceling class 24–48 hours before the start date and time.
Hybrid Classes: For hybrid classes, it is strongly encouraged that the instructor or assistant personally stay within video and audio recording distance, or have a mobile camera person present (be mindful of video session clients).
Class Content: Classes should be educational and/or healthy in nature.

16. Prohibited Conduct

No physical, sexual, or explicit content or interactions are permitted in any in-person or video session through the Platform. Violation of these Terms may result in a ban for the user or companion, along with possible criminal consequences whenever necessary.

By using the Sobriety Companion App, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Service.

Contact

Questions about these Terms? Email support@sobrietycompanion.com.