Southern California is a
Great Place to Get Sober
Southern California has some of the most advanced rehab facilities in the country, so it has become a hub for people looking to enter a life in recovery. Thousands of rehabs, sober livings, and twelve step meetings have made Southern California a great place to get and stay sober. It also helps to have the support of an expanded network of people who are also similarly motivated to recover.
Getting away from your familiar locations that pull you back into your old habits, and finding rehab facilities in new locations is already a step in the right direction. Plus the sunny climate in Southern California can help make life easier. When the weather is great and you have plenty to do, like surfing, skiing, hiking, kayaking, and more, you have the ideal atmosphere to recover, stay sober and have fun.
Large Networks of Sober Peers
There is a huge population of people in recovery here in Southern California and it’s growing every day. Making new friends who are sober and have gone through the steps of recovery can be your biggest ally when combatting your own addiction. Finding like minded individuals who enjoy the same activities as you can be a huge benefit in early recovery!
Meetings
There are literally thousands of support meetings around the clock in Southern California like: AA, NA, ALANON and many more. Whether it’s the morning or late at night, chances are there is a meeting going on for you to attend.
Employment
With so many people in recovery in Southern California, employers are more understanding. Getting a job right out of rehab isn’t easy, but having a big network of sober people can help you find a job faster.
Sober Living
Southern California has thousands of sober living homes. Finding the right one will be greatly beneficial on your path to sobriety.
What Should I Consider When Picking Sober Living?
Location
Is the sober living close to the places you need, such as outpatient treatment, work, school, 12-step meetings, family etc.?
Rooms
Are the rooms shared? And who will you room with?
Rules
What are the rules of the house? Find out what the rules are and consider whether you will have a hard time following them.
Residents
Who lives there already? Will you be comfortable with them?
Things to consider when choosing a Sober Living
Your Situation
Whether you’re a professional, single parent, or a college student, you’ll want to find a sober living that can meet your needs. For example, a single parent might want to choose a sober living that will allow them to have their child, and a college student might opt for a college-sponsored sober living.
Reputation
The reputation of sober living homes is huge. Have they been in business for long? What has the experience been for other people who have lived there? Ask to talk to current residents and past residents if possible. If the facility will not allow you to talk to existing tenants then be wary of signing up with them.
Location
Location is another important thing to consider when choosing a sober living home. If you don’t have reliable transportation you might want to consider living close to your job, your favorite 12-step meeting, and your outpatient treatment facility, if you’re attending one. You’ll also want to consider if the sober living is located in a safe neighborhood.
Size
Considering the size of the sober living is important. If you’re a social person you might want to consider a larger sober living, and if you aren’t a social person you might want to consider a smaller, more private, sober living.
Staff
What are the staff and owners like? Do they have experience running a sober living? How long have they worked in the recovery field? Do they have any professional certifications, applicable degrees, or licenses that indicate they are knowledgeable in the areas of addiction treatment?
Rules
What are the house rules? How often is drug testing? People serious about getting sober might choose a sober living that does random drug testing and tests when there has been suspicion of drug use. Are meetings required? If so, what kind of meetings are required and how often are they? A lot of sober living homes choose to have a very structured schedule for their residence. The schedule usually involves wake up time, scheduled activities, daily meetings and a curfew. Contact Surfside Recovery today to find out more about getting sober with us in Southern California.
The Importance of Getting Sober
All of these are important questions to ask when selecting a sober living. There is very little regulation regarding sober living facilities, and quality ranges drastically. So be sure to do your due diligence, and find the right sober living to suit your specific needs.