One of the most vulnerable moments for a person in the early stages of recovery is right after leaving the treatment facility. Many recovery centers operate on a strict schedule. When a person exits that environment, they may feel at a loss or uneasy at the unscheduled nature of the “real world.”
That’s why AM Healthcare and our partners assist clients in locating sober living facilities throughout Southern California, including West Los Angeles. These facilities may be the right solution for individuals who need to bridge between a recovery center’s distinct realities and the outside world.
Sober living facilities work as a place for a person recovering from substance abuse, substance use disorders, or addiction to ease into their new life post-treatment. Clients live in substance-free housing that encourages mental health care and improvement of overall well-being. This supports and encourages lasting recovery by:
Though temporary, sober living facilities act as a supportive gap between exiting a recovery facility and returning home or to family. This gap helps prevent relapse that can follow immediately after treatment and provides an avenue of lasting sober support.
Sober living facilities are temporary housing arrangements composed of people in the early stages of recovery. Clients may choose to move into sober living once they have completed residential or inpatient treatment at a treatment facility or rehab center.
This is because when leaving a recovery center, alcohol and drugs may be readily available for those who immediately return home. Sober living is the perfect situation for people who want to maintain their sobriety but feel that they need more time to reflect on recovery teachings to avoid relapse.
The primary purpose of sober living is to help people in recovery avoid the high chance of relapse immediately after exiting a treatment center. While some people may feel that they have the support and guidance necessary to return home after leaving treatment, most people in the early stages of recovery lack the home stability required to avoid temptation and possible relapse.
It’s easy to confuse a sober living facility with a residential or inpatient treatment program. However, both have distinct differences. Unlike a treatment program, sober living facilities do not provide active treatment or therapy options. They do not provide detox services or 24/7 access to medical supervision like an inpatient treatment facility.
Sober living facilities support individuals as they reintegrate into the real world, while residential/inpatient treatment programs focus on stabilization and early recovery.
Treatment and rehab facilities are more structured with restrictions, while sober living encourages independence and routine building. Clients may also stay in a sober living facility as long as they need to, compared to treatment programs, which have set program lengths.
There are many different facilities that offer sober living in Los Angeles and the surrounding area, but choosing the right one may not be easy. It is vital to find sober living facilities that work geographically and with your personality and needs during some of the most challenging recovery process times.
We can help you find the best possible temporary housing arrangements to aid in your recovery and help support long-term sobriety. At AM Healthcare, we can connect you with various Los Angeles area options and help you decide which one is best for you.
The goal of transitional housing of any type is to provide a supportive environment while the client prepares to transition back into normal, daily life. For many people in the early stages of recovery, avoiding relapse may be nearly impossible without the support provided by sober living facilities. That’s why sober living facilities work to provide all the needed aspects for a supportive environment, such as:
With the community within and support programs provided, people may form bonds within these living arrangements that could prove life-saving.
Part of addiction recovery is learning how to live out in the world and remain sober despite its existing triggers. Residential and inpatient treatment facilities are highly structured and have several restrictions. Clients may be restricted in the technology they can bring or leave the facility without first alerting staff.
Sober living provides structure, but with fewer restrictions and oversight. As long as clients follow the schedule and rules of the house, they have absolute freedom. This returns agency to clients as they are now responsible for making healthy choices, which prepares clients for life after sober living.
Life in a sober living home can differ between facilities, but many share similar aspects that make it perfect for clients ready to begin the next step in their recovery journey.
Though not as structured or restrictive as a residential or inpatient treatment program, each sober living house has rules and responsibilities that clients must follow. House managers oversee the day-to-day operations and help keep the environment safe and orderly. Depending on the facility, other staff members may include caseworkers and mentors who can communicate with external providers.
Typical daily routines and responsibilities can include:
Overall, sober living facilities work to make clients feel safe and at home. Typical good behavior and adherence to the rules are expected from each resident.
A community of support can grow within sober living arrangements due to the number of people with shared experiences. Residents at a sober living facility live beside peers who understand exactly what they are going through. This community helps avoid temptations and can further instill the healthy behavior established within the treatment facilities.
These forged friendships prevent loneliness and isolation, which are some of the main triggers behind relapse. The more engaged an individual becomes with their sober peers, the better the likelihood of lasting sobriety.
All sober living facilities have a strict adherence to accountability and safety. No drugs or alcohol are permitted anywhere on the premises. While staying at a sober living facility, residents may not use drugs or alcohol at any time. To reinforce this, regular drug testing is required. If a relapse is detected, residents will need to return to treatment until they detox and stabilize.
Other safety measures are included, such as resident screening, visitor restrictions, and clear behavioral expectations. Some sober houses may have security measures such as locked entries, security cameras, and locked storage for valuables. Staff are trained in emergency response procedures and de-escalation techniques.
All facilities will have a zero-tolerance policy for violence, theft, drug/alcohol use, and other disruptive and unsafe behaviors. The goal is to maintain a home-like environment while ensuring residents are safe.
We at AM Healthcare and our partners are committed to providing a full continuum of care approach to addiction treatment and recovery. As such, our program highlights include the following.
Our recovery community spans across Los Angeles and Southern California, providing support and understanding to anyone wishing to embrace sobriety. Made up of our alumni, these communities function as a place of companionship with plenty of exciting sober activities and events. With support groups and programs available at the community level, each client will always have access to continued assistance.
Part of a person’s recovery journey is undergoing personal growth. It’s not just getting sober; it’s improving your life and wellness in general. Clients learn essential life skills in treatment, which they can practice while in sober housing. This offers real-world practice, which prepares residents for future independent living. The skills learned in treatment range from healthy coping skills to self-care, relapse prevention, and more.
Part of our full continuum of care approach involves helping clients transition into the level of treatment with minimal stress or interruptions. We make it easy for clients to move between treatment centers to get the care they need. Clients needing referrals to outside providers can receive them with the assistance of our dedicated staff. This takes away the anxiety of the transition process, allowing clients to focus on recovery.
Part of our continuum of care approach includes assistance with step-down transitions, such as transitioning from a residential treatment program to sober living. While in sober living, we help our clients integrate with outpatient care, such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or outpatient therapy. This helps clients make the outpatient program of their choice work with their sober living, allowing them to go to work or school while also getting the continued care they need.
Access to continued recovery programs is essential for long-term sobriety. As such, we help clients stay connected to continued support programs, such as support groups or 12-Step programs.
AM Healthcare and our partners understand the need for gender-specific and demographic-focused options for our clients. As such, we offer specialized programs for men, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and first responders. No matter who you are, you can be assured that we will help you find a sober living facility in which you or your loved one can thrive.
The goal of any addiction treatment program is to help clients find their personal path to long-term recovery. Sober living and recovery homes make this possible by providing a secure and supportive environment to habitually integrate healthy living skills into daily life. Residents don’t just practice relapse prevention techniques; they also learn how to improve their overall wellness, which improves mental and physical health. This, along with our supportive sober community, promotes lasting and continuous recovery.
Sober living has helped countless people gain the confidence and skills needed to embrace sobriety. However, it’s important to know when you are ready for sober living.
Not everyone will need sober living as part of their recovery journey. However, some aspects of life outside of the structure of residential or inpatient rehab can make sobriety difficult. These signs can indicate that you or a loved one may benefit from sober living. Some of these signs include:
Sober living can help build confidence, provide a support system, and offer a safe environment free from drugs and alcohol. Your mental health care provider will discuss with you during treatment if sober living may be right for you. If so, it will become part of your overall treatment plan.
Family members can play a crucial role in recovery, but sometimes they need help too. AM Healthcare and our partners can provide family support in the form of family therapy and involvement. This helps families become better educated about addiction, establish healthy communication and boundaries, and create a stable home environment.
At AM Healthcare, our founding objective is to find you the best treatment options to support your goals. We understand that geography plays a significant role in which facility you may be most comfortable with enrolling in. Some people may want to be close to home to feel more comfortable, while others may prefer some distance to avoid past behavior and feelings. We can consider all that and find possible options, regardless of where you live.
With sober living facilities available in places like Los Angeles and Santa Monica, you can be sure that no matter where you are, you or your loved one can have access to drug-free, supportive living. Getting started is easy. If you or a loved one is in recovery from addiction and looking for sober living in Los Angeles, please reach out to us at (866) 352-6898 to learn more about possible options.
People can stay in a sober living home as long as they need to. Most people tend to stay in a sober living home between 3 months and 2 years, with an average stay of 6 to 12 months. The length of stay will depend on the individual’s personal needs.
No, the role of a sober living home is to provide a supportive environment for clients. Clients may continue treatment outside a sober living home, such as attending intensive outpatient therapy, outpatient therapy, or 12-Step meetings, but the sober living home itself does not provide on-site treatment.
Yes, drug testing is typically required to ensure accountability and support clients in maintaining sobriety. The frequency of these tests can vary by facility, but they typically occur weekly.
Yes, residents are encouraged to work and attend outpatient programs while staying in a sober living home. Some sober homes will help residents create a schedule that allows them to balance outpatient treatment with new responsibilities, such as a job.
Yes, AM Healthcare partners with facilities that provide gender-specific sober living homes for both men and women.
Private rooms are typically not available in sober living homes. However, one may speak to a house manager in advance if they require a private room for health reasons.
