Robert L. Veeder

Certified Recovery Coach

As Certified Recovery Coach through the New York Certification Board (NYCB), I maintain a limited client roster to ensure I can closely support each individual. My approach is flexible, respecting each client’s unique path to recovery. Whether through 12-step programs, religious or community organizations, or personal passions, I believe the right path is the one that honors your life.

M wife likes to say that I never have a bad day. While that’s not entirely true, I am an incurable optimist. I laugh as often as I can and surround myself with music, aiming to experience as much of it as possible. From opera to bluegrass, jazz to funk, I believe there’s a place for all kinds of music. I'm particularly fond of the Grateful Dead and Phish, and we host a sober jam session at our house every month. It's a time of pure joy and connection, with no pressure to perform—just the pleasure of playing together.

But it wasn’t always like this. I’ve had some of the worst days imaginable, from enduring hunger and homelessness to battling the relentless grip of addiction. The loneliness and despair of addiction are unparalleled, but I’ve learned that true recovery addresses both substance use and mental health. My journey through addiction, treatment, and eventual recovery has shaped my approach as a coach.

My Journey

I've been involved with substance use disorders since 1989, experiencing it from all angles: as someone struggling with addiction, as a patient, and now as a person in recovery. I’ve spent time in jails and institutions and have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings as an addiction therapist. Founding A Better High, LLC, I aimed to provide truly person-centered services, helping clients identify and achieve their goals.