Sober Living Homes in Los Angeles: A Plan to Maintain Your Sobriety
What Are Sober Living Homes in Los Angeles?
Sober living homes in Los Angeles are used to help people transition from active addiction and drug rehab back into society. These living facilities provide safe, supportive, and structured living conditions for people in recovery in a drug and alcohol-free environment. Often, they have structured around 12-step programs and offer therapy for residents. Sober living homes can target specific populations such as women, LGBTQ, or teens. Residents are often required to follow certain guidelines to be able to live there, but the number one rule is you must be sober. In most cases, sober living homes are used as a transition after a rehab program. Some homes will also accept a person who is in recovery but has not been to rehab. Sober living facilities can be used as a place to keep you accountable and safe during outpatient treatment.
Part of successful addiction recovery is a seamless transition from intensive treatment back into the real world. While drug and alcohol rehab will provide a strong foundation by addressing the root causes of addiction and providing tools and skills necessary to manage sobriety, it is up to you to implement everything after the programs. Inpatient treatment is also highly structured and monitored. For many, it can be overwhelming to go from this environment directly back home to their day-to-day lives. Sober living homes provide a safe and sober environment to allow an easier transition from drug and alcohol rehab into society. While there are rules you must follow, you will have much more freedom than in inpatient treatment. Sober living homes are also a great option for those who are leaving rehab and do not have anywhere else to go yet, are not ready to face home life yet, or do have a stable living situation.
Benefits of Sober Living Homes
Sober living homes in Los Angeles are an excellent transitional housing arrangement for those in recovery who want more support as they transition back to their day-to-day lives. This living situation can be especially beneficial for those with severe or prolonged addictions coming out of inpatient treatment. Some of the benefits of sober living homes include the following:
Continued Guidance and Support
You will be surrounded by others who support your recovery and hold you accountable. On-site managers are available to help you with potential issues that may arise related to your recovery including dealing with cravings, managing emotions, or finding a job. House guidelines and rules will also keep you accountable.
Opportunity to Make Sober, Meaningful Relationships
You will meet and live alongside others who are in recovery. This creates an opportunity to make new friends and relationships which can reduce loneliness and be a part of your mutual support network.
Repair Life Skills
Drug and alcohol addiction may cause neglect of certain life skills. Sober living home rules often require you to keep up with chores, cooking, and exercising which can help you create a solid routine and maintain a healthy lifestyle to take care of yourself independently.
Easy Transition to Mainstream Life
You can slowly begin to rebuild your life and gain independence by finding a job, making friends, and figuring out how to live without drugs and alcohol in a safe and supportive environment. Sober living homes serve as a bridge between rehab and living independently.
Reduces Risk of Relapse
The main goal of sober living homes in Los Angeles is to keep you from relapsing. Continuing to separate yourself from your old life and living in an environment that keeps you accountable can prevent a relapse early on when you are most vulnerable. You will also be surrounded by others on the road to recovery, which can keep you motivated in your sobriety.
What You Can Expect During Your Time in a Sober Living Home
Sober living homes will offer a safe, drug and alcohol-free place to live to help you transition back into the community. Usually, these homes are located in residential neighborhoods to help residents feel like they are part of society again. They will have a strict set of rules which can include zero drug and alcohol use, attending house meetings, setting a curfew, signing in and out whenever you come and go, regular drug testing, holding a job, and completing shared chores.
Your morning may start with daily chores and breakfast, followed by a house meeting, 12-step group, or counseling session outside the home. Throughout the day you can look for jobs, do community service, go to school or work, go shopping, see friends, or do whatever it is you need to do. You’ll eat dinner with your housemates in the evening and participate in a group session. You will have free time at night to read, watch TV, or call loved ones.
Just like drug and alcohol rehab, all sober living homes are different and will offer a variety of living situations and amenities. Some may be very simple and will require you to do your part in cleaning and cooking, while others are more luxurious and have private rooms with a chef and cleaning service. When choosing a sober living house in Los Angeles, it may be tempting to go to one with all those services, however, having chores and duties can help you build a healthy lifestyle and routine which are important aspects of your recovery.
Differences Between Sober Living Homes and Halfway Houses
Usually, halfway houses are dedicated to people who have been released from prison, but they may also house individuals who have completed rehab. Halfway-home residents have often been court-ordered to stay there for a set period. On the other hand, sober living homes are meant only for those who have completed drug rehab and for individuals who are set on living a life without using drugs and alcohol. Residents of halfway homes are not always on the road to substance abuse recovery. Sober living homes will also help residents recover through group meetings and resources. Often, halfway homes are sponsored by the state while sober living facilities are privately owned and may have more luxury amenities.
Continue Your Recovery in Sober Living
Sober living homes offer a great opportunity to continue working on your recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. Early recovery, especially the transitional period of time between inpatient treatment and normal life, is challenging. Choosing to go into sober living can help you begin to apply everything you have learned and ease you from a highly structured environment to independent living.
Novo Detox is a drug and alcohol detox and inpatient rehab center in Los Angeles. While our treatment programs can help you easily recover from the effects of addiction, we also implement a strong discharge plan to support recovery and relapse. Part of our aftercare planning can include 12-step programs, Soberlink services, a sober coach, and medically assisted support. We can also help you find the right sober living home in Los Angeles that meets your needs and will provide you with an easy transition back into your normal life. If you want to learn more about our rehab programs, please call us at (844) 834-1777 today.
