As rates of addiction in the United States continue to be problematic, many areas of the country have become well-versed in the treatments necessary for recovery. Why is Southern California the Best Place for Sober Living Treatment?
In the state of California, rehab aftercare is recognized as vitally important for long term recovery. After someone has put in the hard work of battling their addictions and seeking treatment, they need to be in a situation that is conducive to their continued healing.
According to data, California is home to the most addiction treatment centers in the country. The Huffington Post reports that in the state, there are over 1,000 sober living residences and treatment centers.
What Comes After Rehab?
When someone has completed their addiction treatment program, they face a different life than the one they left behind. This can be daunting, and it can greatly impact the chance at lasting recovery.
For recovery to continue, it is almost always necessary to cut ties with the old lifestyle. This includes friends, hangouts, hobbies, and more. Unfortunately, leaving a former addict with no outlets and no one to turn to can lead them straight back to drugs and alcohol.
This is one reason sober living treatment exists. This is not a novel idea in the realm of treatment, in fact, it has been around since the Temperance Movement during the 1830s. During this time, institutions were created to provide a place for people to have shelter as they recovered from their addictions.
Over the years, the ideology behind the need for sober living treatment has changed, but the end goal has remained the same. Providing a stable, drug free environment for addiction treatment can lead to a better outcome for those who are in the treatment.
What Is Sober Living Treatment?
While healing from addiction and getting sober are important – they are only a small portion of the battle.
In sober living treatment, patients are offered a place to live as they continue in their recovery. In sober living treatment homes and facilities, people can benefit from the structure and rules while being free from the distractions of addiction.
Sober living treatment is a continuation of addiction treatment, and it can be beneficial as a sort of “halfway” step for those in recovery.
The Importance of Sober Living Treatment in Recovery From Addiction
As previously stated, sober living facilities are not a new concept. Because of this, we thankfully have over a century of research and date to demonstrate the importance of this type of treatment in the aftercare of addiction rehab.
Plenty of studies have been published that provide data and statistics on the efficacy of sober living treatment. These studies give insight to the services provided by these treatment centers, while also allowing us to see the long term effects of this type of treatment.
The Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment reports that for those who reside in sober living houses, long term recovery is far more likely. When data was studied at an 18 month follow up, researchers found that among those who lived in a sober living facility there was a lower incidence of drug and alcohol use, and a much lower arrest rate.
Another group of researchers studied people who were residing in a different sober living home and concluded that there were many benefits to be had by those living there. People reported that they were more committed to their recovery when allowed to recover among peers and when they were able to engage in mutual accountability.
Even if the person in recovery was pressured to seek the services offered through sober living treatment, the outcome of treatment was still better than if they hadn’t sought any services at all.
Being among peers who are dealing with the same things they are dealing with can be extremely beneficial for someone in recovery. The peers who are also recovering from addictions can understand what they are going through in a way no one else can, and that can make recovery more likely.
Even if someone is highly motivated to beat their addictions, they can still be easily derailed if they don’t have a supportive environment to live in. Sober living treatment can provide a drug and alcohol free environment that is stable and positive.
What To Expect From Sober Living Treatment
So, what exactly is it like to live in a sober treatment facility?
Contrary to popular belief, sober living treatment homes are not full of criminals and miscreants. Sober living treatment is for those who truly want to better themselves and desire to be in an environment that makes that possible.
While rules and expectations will vary from facility to facility, there are some commonalities that can be expected no matter where you seek treatment in a sober living environment. Some of these are:
- Requirements for employment
- Zero-tolerance rule for drugs, alcohol, and other substances
- Curfews for residents
- Mandatory chores and responsibilities
- Requirements to attend 12 step meetings or continue with counseling
- No guests
When staying in a sober living treatment facility, patients are often allowed to stay as long as they need. Some homes and facilities do place a time limit on the duration of stay, but most do not. The majority of sober living treatment homes seem to feel that as long as a patient is meeting financial obligations, staying clean from drugs and alcohol, following house rules, and making good use of recovery treatment and aftercare options, they should be allowed to stay in a safe and stable place of recovery.
Benefits to Sober Living Treatment in Southern California
There are many reasons a person might seek treatment for addiction in southern California.
Some of the most obvious reasons this area being a destination for those in recovery is that it is a highly desirable area. Southern California is absolutely beautiful year round, and there is something for everyone here.
There is plenty of time to explore the area, since sober living treatment homes and facilities are often come-as-you-wish places (until curfew!). From the vibrant music and art to the beaches and the mountains, Southern California can be a beneficial place to relax, recharge, and recover from addiction.
Recovery At The District
As we already shred, there are over 1,000 different sober living treatment options available in the state of California, and at The District Recovery Community, we have plenty of options available to meet your needs as you recover from addiction.
Whether you have gone through rehab treatments at one of our partner facilities or elsewhere, we can help you continue in your recovery here.
We aim to give you the tools necessary to live a healthy lifestyle and remain sober. Through our unique blend of programs, services, and other options we hope to help you build a new life, free from addiction.
Services, Programs, and Amenities Available
When seeking treatment within The District Recovery Community, you can expect fellowship, accountability, and plenty of team building activities.
Some of the things we offer as part of our sober living treatment include:
- 24/7 Quality care via on-site management
- Weekly and monthly activities
- Community building trips and activities
- Academic tutors
- Shared accountability
- Job-seeking assistance
Our sober living treatment uses a whole-person approach. In addition to activities, accountability, and care, we also work on nutrition and exercise. With individualized personal training, yoga sessions, and staff nutritionists – we have a lot to offer.
Ready To Help
If you or a loved one is battling addiction or has finished rehab and are now looking for the next steps to take – we are here for you.
Our staff is experienced and knowledgeable, and they can help you find options that are tailored to you and your recovery needs.
Don’t live one more day under the control of addiction. Contact us now to start your path to sobriety.