If you are struggling with substance abuse, you are not alone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.7 million people suffered from a substance use disorder in 2022.[1]
While completing an addiction treatment program is a huge accomplishment, recovery does not end there. Because addiction is chronic and progressive, you have to continue working on bettering yourself to stay sober long-term. Thankfully, there are sober living homes that can help you maintain your sobriety after you complete drug and alcohol rehab.
Sober living facilities are living environments that support you during early recovery. They have rules and guidelines that help you transition from being in a treatment facility to living an independent life. If you are considering joining a sober living house, you might want to consider choosing one in Los Angeles, California.
Los Angeles is a good place to go for sober living because it offers a large recovery community, an understanding that everyone’s recovery is different, plenty of local activities that are sober-friendly, and options for job opportunities nearby. This area of California is a great place to put down roots when you are new to sobriety.
In this article, you will learn:
- What a sober living house is
- Why sober living and halfway houses are beneficial for sobriety
- Why LA is a good place to attend sober living
What is a Sober Living Program?
Sober living programs are designed to ease the transition from treatment to independent living. They are housing opportunities that allow you to live with peers who are also recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. The purpose of sober homes is to help you learn how to stay sober while navigating triggers, new jobs, and plenty of other “firsts” in sobriety.
Living in a sober home allows you to make connections with other people, learn how to build a recovery community, and receive support during new life events like starting a job or going back to school.
They often have rules and guidelines to help you stay sober and accountable, including:
- Randomized drug and alcohol testing
- Daily and weekly chores
- Nightly curfews
- Requirements for attending a certain number of sober support meetings each week
- Rules on searching for and obtaining a job or going back to school
- Regular meetings and check-ins with the house manager and other residents
- Safety rules and expectations to remain respectful of other residents
- Paying weekly or monthly rent on time to teach you how to manage money
Why Should You Attend Sober Living in Los Angeles?
There are sober houses all across the country. Whether you currently live in Los Angeles or plan to travel to the area for sober living, it is a great place to begin your recovery journey.
The main reasons you should choose a sober living home in Los Angeles include:
A Booming Recovery Community
Los Angeles is a prime destination for addiction treatment and sober living and there are extensive options for building a community. The best way to create a recovery community is by attending and participating in sober support groups.
While many people choose sober support groups like 12-step meetings, there are other options as well. In Los Angeles, some of the most popular alternatives to AA and NA include SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, and The Phoenix. There are also groups specific to LGBTQ+ individuals, young people, and men or women.
Inclusive for All Types of Recovery
In Los Angeles, sober living homes like Patrick’s Purpose understand that everyone recovering from addiction is different. While complete abstinence from all substances is often regarded as the best way to recover from addiction, it is not the best route for everyone.
For example, some people need to continue taking medication-assisted treatment (MAT) medications like Suboxone or methadone. We also understand that medical cannabis is sometimes a part of the recovery process, which means we support any type of recovery you are engaging in.
Proximity to Job Opportunities
During sober living, you will be asked to return to work or attend school. While going back to work and starting a job search can be difficult, living in a big city like Los Angeles makes the process easier. Whether you are looking for an entry-level position or have experience in a field already, you’ll be able to find whatever type of job you need.
Local Activities
When you think of Los Angeles, you probably imagine celebrities and nightclubs. While this is a huge part of the culture in LA, there is another side to the city that you might not be aware of. Los Angeles is also known for its amazing outdoor recreation, which includes hiking, sightseeing, wildlife watching, and water sports.
There are also other sober-friendly activities to find in LA. You can join a class to learn art or cooking, go to one of the many local museums, or even hang out with your friends at an alcohol-free/sober-friendly bar!
Access to many fun activities is incredibly beneficial for your sobriety. During a sober living program, you have to learn how to have fun and feel fulfilled in your life without drugs and alcohol. Choosing Los Angeles allows you to do this with ease.
Get Connected to a Los Angeles Sober Living Home
If you or a loved one has recently completed an addiction treatment center, you might want to consider attending sober living. At Patrick’s Purpose, we understand the importance of having support during the transition from rehab to independent living.
Welcome to Patrick’s Purpose, a supportive and compassionate halfway house for individuals seeking recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. We recognize that the journey toward recovery is unique for each individual, and we aim to provide a safe and non-judgmental space that fosters growth and healing.
Contact us today for more information on our sober living program in LA.
References:
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): HHS, SAMHSA Release 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data