Meet Alex Libre
I help people change their relationship with substances — whether you're leaving treatment or finally ready to make a change on your own terms.
My Story
I know what it's like to feel stuck. For years, I struggled with cannabis addiction and bipolar disorder, trying to figure out how to manage both without the shame-based approaches that never worked for me.
The 12-step model didn't fit. The religious language felt foreign. The idea that I was “powerless” over my addiction felt disempowering rather than liberating. I needed something different — something evidence-based, secular, and focused on building skills rather than accepting limitations.
That's when I found SMART Recovery. The approach clicked immediately: practical tools, no shame, no dogma. I could focus on understanding what was driving the behavior and building real coping skills — without having to adopt a specific identity or belief system.
Five years ago, I started facilitating my own SMART Recovery meeting. Since then, I've led over 250 sessions and built a community of 100+ people who support each other between meetings. What started as my own recovery journey became a calling to help others find their path.
“I kind of gave up on the idea of flipping the switch and being fixed, and I've embraced the idea of small incremental change.”
This is the philosophy I bring to every coaching session.
Why I Became a Recovery Coach
The recovery industry has a gap
People spend $30K-$100K+ on residential treatment, make real progress in that protected environment, and then get discharged back into the same situations that triggered their addiction — with minimal follow-up support.
“You've changed in here and you feel better, but when you leave here, it didn't change out there.” That gap is where so many people relapse.
Expert aftercare support that bridges the gap between treatment and real life. Practical coaching that helps you apply what you learned — and develop new skills for the challenges your program couldn't anticipate.
And for people who don't need (or can't afford) residential treatment: evidence-based guidance that meets you where you are.
Experience & Approach
5+ Years Facilitating
Leading weekly SMART Recovery meetings since 2019, developing a deep understanding of what actually works in recovery.
250+ Sessions
Hundreds of hours of recovery conversations, seeing what works, what doesn't, and why different approaches work for different people.
100+ Community
Built and maintain an active WhatsApp community where people support each other between meetings and coaching sessions.
Work With Anyone, Anywhere
As a recovery coach (not a licensed therapist), I can work with clients anywhere in the world. This means you get support that isn't limited by state licensing requirements — whether you're in San Francisco, New York, or abroad.
Personal Experience + Professional Skills
I bring both lived experience with recovery and professional facilitation skills. This isn't just textbook knowledge — it's practical wisdom from my own journey and hundreds of conversations with others.
What Sets Me Apart
Your Experience First, Not Dogma
Recovery is personal and idiosyncratic. I listen to what's actually working for you instead of prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach. I use evidence-based techniques from CBT, REBT, and motivational interviewing — no religious language, no 'higher power,' no shame.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
I don't expect you to be perfect. I expect you to show up, try things, and make small improvements. A slip doesn't erase your progress — it's just information.
Practical Tools You Can Use Today
Every session gives you something concrete to work with: the Low Bar Commitment, the DEAD technique for cravings, the ABCs for understanding what's driving the behavior. These aren't abstract concepts — they're practical skills for building emotional awareness and real coping strategies.
Warm, Direct, and Real
I'll be honest with you, but never judgmental. I'll push you when you need pushing and support you when you need support. This is a judgment-free zone, but not a challenge-free zone.
Community Connection
Recovery works better with connection. Whether through group coaching, the free weekly meeting, or the WhatsApp community, you'll have access to others who understand.
What People Say About Alex
Real feedback from recovery coaching clients and meeting attendees
“Alex is a deeply empathic listener. He knows when to make space for someone to share, when to question or challenge, when to commiserate, and when to offer a personal connection. In a group setting, this builds community and brings out the same qualities in others.”
“Alex is a true coach. He holds space to listen; asks the right questions — a balance of encouraging and challenging, depending on what the need is; shares personal connections from his own recovery journey; and most importantly, makes coachees feel seen and heard.”
“For me, it is important that someone has gone through the struggles of recovery themselves so they truly know how that feels. Alex is incredibly open about his own daily struggles and that makes me feel like we are doing this together. Recovery is so much easier when you are not alone in the battle.”
“I could write a book about my experience! Alex not only helped me get back to doing something that I love, but his SMART group is something that I truly look forward to being at every week. People gravitate to him because of his personality and because he is one of us — not someone above us.”
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Occasional insights, recovery strategies, and community updates straight to your inbox.
Ready to Work Together?
Let's start with a conversation. A free 20-minute call to understand where you are, where you want to be, and whether I can help you get there.