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5 Tips to Communicate with Assertiveness

Do you often find it hard to say no and have the fear of letting others down? Or have you ever found yourself in a situation where you’ve lost all control when trying to get your point across?  If so, you’re not alone. Perhaps even in the past, you’ve either relied on alcohol or other drugs to give you the courage to say what was necessary, or it was a state of intoxication that prevented you from truly effective communication. In fact, many people struggle to communicate their wants and needs clearly, and it can be difficult to walk that line between passive and aggressive communication. Aggressive communication involves a win-lose type situation, where the aggressor is solely focused on their own needs. This communication uses power and bullying to bulldoze over the interests of another. An aggressive stance can lead to dismissive acts, yelling, verbal abuse, and escalate any conversation to a heated argument. Passive communication is classically thought of as someone not standing up for themselves, and being walked over like a ‘doormat’. You may find yourself in a passive state when you are constantly saying yes or agreeing to things you don’t want to do, or “walking on eggshells” around someone else. Your wants and needs remain unexpressed which can turn into pent up frustration and pain. At times, this can turn into passive-aggressive communication when using manipulation, dropping hints, or relying on sarcasm to express unmet needs. Assertive communication attempts to find a middle ground by both acknowledging your own needs and the needs of others. Communicating with assertiveness can open up ways to be honest with others through means that are not meant to lead to conflict. This communication style is rooted in respect and boundaries and can take time to practice and implement.
  1. State the facts by explaining the situation that is frustrating you clearly without using stigmatized words. This allows the other person to hear what the problem is, and becomes the foundation for the conversation at hand.
Instead of: “There are dirty dishes everywhere and you’re just sitting there being lazy”. Try: “We had agreed last night that you would wash the dishes and I’ve noticed they are not done yet”.
  1. Use “I” statements to hold back judgement and avoid placing the responsibility for your feelings onto others. This helps lessen blaming so the other person does not feel attacked and instead shifting to sharing your feelings.
The general formula for success is “I feel _____ when ____ happened”, although as this becomes incorporated into your skill set, it begins to feel more natural. Instead of: “You don’t even care about me, all you do is play your video games”. Try: “I feel hurt and like I’m not a priority to you when I have to ask for your attention”.
  1. Collaborate together in order to problem solve with the other person. This shows that you are not wanting to fight, but instead work towards a mutual solution.
Instead of: “I keep trying to tell you this isn’t going to work”. Try: “How can we work together to make sure this doesn’t happen again?”
  1. Acknowledge the feelings of others by reflecting what the other person is saying or experiencing. This does not mean that you need to agree with them or change your point of view, but it can increase understanding and connection.  
Instead of: “You’re being a jerk”. Try: “I see that you have been stressed at work, and I know how difficult things have been with the new boss lately”.
  1. Set clear boundaries that reflect your values and determine what behavior is acceptable and what is not. Be willing to stand up for yourself and say “no” when needed. This teaches the other person what is appropriate around you.
Instead of: Listening to someone yell at you over the phone or in person. Try: “I do not think that this conversation is helpful right now, let’s come back to it when we’re both calm”. Practicing assertiveness can help you feel empowered to share your experience, build self-esteem, and strengthen relationships. It is important to be mindful of tone, posture, and gestures so you are communicating from a place of calm. This is a skill that is essential to master in recovery, and can be a part of getting your life back on track after relapse. Note* Assertive communication does not guarantee positive results as some people may not respond well to you being assertive. It is essential to consider your safety when talking to others, especially in abusive situations.  It can help to learn and practice these skills with an experienced therapist within a safe therapeutic space. Learn about how we’ve structured our sober living to help you structure your life after addiction.  
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Transitional Living Malibu

5 Important Things to Look For in Transitional Living in Malibu

One of the most important steps an individual who has completed an inpatient addiction treatment program can take is to spend a period in sober living, also referred to as transitional living.  Taking up residence in a home that is drug and alcohol free, where new healthy habits and lifestyle choices can be practiced and reinforced, is one of the most effective aspects of aftercare in recovery.   In the early days of newfound sobriety an individual is still vulnerable to triggers that could spark a relapse.  Even the most iron clad relapse prevention plan can wither if one is promptly replanted into a trigger-infested environment that could tempt someone to use again.  The time spent in transitional living Malibu allows an opportunity to fortify recovery by making new sober friends, becoming involved in a recovery community, learning new life skills, and learning how to be accountable and responsible again. That said, there is a wide spectrum of quality among transitional living housing.  Pick the wrong one and not only is your money wasted, but the house itself could trigger a relapse if not sufficiently managed and monitored.  Knowing what features to seek in transitional living Malibu is key to shoring up sobriety and launching a new, fulfilling life.

5 Things to Look For in a Sober Living Environment

  1. Commitment to enforcing substance-free house.  A sober living home that isn’t sober is of no value to anyone.  To ensure the drug and alcohol-free living space, the transitional home must have on-site management.  The active presence of a house manager is a powerful deterrent to using, selling, or purchasing drugs or alcohol, as the majority of sober living homes feature a zero tolerance policy for substance use or possession.  Regular or random alcohol and drug testing adds another layer to maintaining the sober environment, and must be administered consistently.  
  2. Structure.  The transitional house needs to have clearly posted and articulated house rules. A clear set of rules and expectations helps keep the sober home from devolving into chaos, filth, or becoming unsafe.  Rules and responsibilities should include provisions regarding personal safety, such as prohibiting any violence, threats of physical harm, weapons, and physical or sexual harassment.  House rules are an important element in recovery, as it helps foster accountability to the group, as well as integrate normalcy back into the daily obligations of life.
  3. Enforcement of house rules.  Choose a sober living home that is committed to having its residents actually follow the house rules, that the rules have teeth. The residents must be expected to abide by the house rules or face probation or expulsion from the house. Enforcing house rules will protect the safety, cleanliness, and integrity of the sober home for all the residents.  
  4. Attendance in house meetings and activities.  Transitional housing works best when the housemates have a sense of ownership in operations and policies.  A quality sober living home will hold mandatory weekly house meetings where the residents are free to share grievances in a safe space, and also suggest improvements to the operations of the house.  The meetings also allow for planning and organizing group activities and events for the residents.  Group activities are an intrinsic social element that helps promote a sober lifestyle.
  5. Participation in recovery group.  It is important for sober living residents to continue to actively participate in their recovery, both during treatment and in aftercare sober living.  For this reason, quality sober living homes require attendance in a 12-step program like A.A. or N.A. or a non 12-step program such as SMART Recovery.  The house must provide transportation to and from the meetings for those with no access to a car.

Riviera Recovery Offers Quality Transitional Living Malibu

Riviera Recovery provides sober living accommodations in Malibu, California for individuals in treatment and those having completed a treatment program.  Riviera Recovery provides a unique sober living community where residents can explore their new sober lifestyle in a safe, supportive environment. Riviera Recovery offers a wide assortment of activities, including team sports, hikes, surfing, paddle boarding, and group trips.  For more information about the best in transitional living Malibu, please contact Riviera Recovery today at (866) 478-8799.
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Sober Living Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and Malibu

Location, Location, Location!

After completing an addiction treatment program for a substance use disorder, some may mistakenly believe they are good to go.  However, because this early phase of recovery is fragile, returning to normal life too soon can trip up even the most committed person.  To give oneself the best chance of succeeding in achieving sustained sobriety, spending a few months in a sober living environment is a critical next step in the recovery journey. When deciding on the location for sober housing there are many factors to consider that can help influence the final sober living destination.  Location is an important deciding factor when contemplating the type of surroundings and services available during a stint in sober living.  Why not maximize the experience by healing and recovering in the beautiful Los Angeles region.  Sober living in Malibu, near Santa Monica and L.A. offers abundant natural and recreational assets, as well as job opportunities and recovery support resources to compliment this important step in building a sober lifestyle.

Sober Living Malibu

Located 30 miles west of downtown L.A., Malibu is a stunning 21-mile long strip of California coastline and rugged hillsides with a community of 12,000 residents.  Famed beaches such as Surfrider Beach, Zuma Beach and Malibu Beach offer ample opportunities to enjoy surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.  The local bluffs feature a large network of hiking trails featuring beautiful vistas of the coastline. Sober Living in Malibu offers a unique opportunity to convene with nature while moving forward in recovery.  Local parks, sports parks, and nature conservancy offer plenty of outdoor recreation to enhance and restore health and fitness.  As an added interest, the nearby Getty Villa provides a museum dedicated to arts and culture.  Malibu offers SMART Recovery and 12-step meetings, as well as intensive outpatient programs (IOP) to support the local recovery community.

Sober Living Near Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a beach enclave of 90,000 residents located west of Los Angeles.  The spectacular beaches, including famed Venice Beach to the south, draw visitors from all around.  The Santa Monica pier is the centerpiece of the town, constructed in 1909, and features a roller coaster, ferris wheel, and historic carousel.  The charming Third Street Promenade offers an eclectic mix of shopping and restaurants, and a continuous social vibe in the pedestrian-only 3 block zone.  The Santa Monica civic auditorium offers concerts and sporting events, and Santa Monica has assorted art galleries, including the Santa Monica Museum of Art as well. Imagine how residing in a sober living near Santa Monica is enhanced by the natural healing properties of the sea, sun, and fresh air of this beautiful beach community.  Outdoor activities to promote physical and emotional wellness are abundant, such as cycling, surfing, fishing, stand-up paddle boarding, and just walking or jogging the boardwalk.  Abundant addiction treatment resources are available to individuals in sober living Santa Monica, including outpatient programs and 12-step meetings.

Sober Living Los Angeles

Some may prefer a more urban environment for a sober living destination, so Los Angeles is a perfect fit for people seeking the busy city vibe.  With nearly 4 million people, the sprawling city offers abundant employment opportunities to those in the large L.A. recovery community.  Los Angeles features a multicultural population, with segments of the city dedicated to various ethnicities where interesting cuisines, arts and music representing the locals add rich layers to the city. Sober Living in Los Angeles offers a multitude of activities, landmarks, and recreational opportunities to provide an endless array of interesting outings that enhance this phase of recovery.  This populated city also offers respites to local mountains, lakes, and beaches within an hour’s drive.  An extensive network of meetings and IOPs are available to provide continual support and fellowship in the ongoing recovery journey.

Riviera Recovery Offers Quality Sober Living Community in Los Angeles Region

With the expansive backdrop of Malibu as its canvas, the sober community housing at Riviera Recovery offers the perfect setting for restoring health and well-being in recovery.  Offering two luxury residences, high quality amenities, and organic foods, Riviera Recovery creates an environment that promotes a desire to live a new, healthy lifestyle.  Its focus on intensive, personalized counseling and monitoring offers the high level of support its residents need to succeed in achieving a sustained recovery.  Group activities and local trips help the residents bond, reinforcing a mutual commitment to sobriety.  For more information about our sober living community, please contact us today at (866) 478-8799.
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Options to Pay for Malibu Beach Sober Living

With detox and an inpatient rehab stint under your belt, the time has now come to plan your aftercare.  

One of the most important aspects of the recovery process is selecting a sober living community.  When beginning the task of searching through the various sober living options available in Los Angeles, CA, it becomes abundantly clear that there is a wide range of sober living housing out there. The next phase of this step is to narrow down the selections based on the type of location you feel would best enhance your recovery experience and solidify the new sober lifestyle choices.  Where some may seek an urban environment in L.A., others will gravitate toward the beach communities where the healing ocean air beckons.  There is no argument that a sober living home located in urban L.A. costs far less that a sober living residence in the beach area.  But for those who are determined to make the sober living experience the best it can be, a community like Malibu, CA is the top choice.

Malibu Beach Sober Living Costs

While it is true that the cost of sober living in Malibu Beach will be substantial, why not consider the high cost of opting out of the important sober living step. When you take into account the likelihood of relapse due to skipping the sober living phase of recovery it becomes clear that, whatever the cost, finding a strong sober living community in an environment that touches your soul is key to sustained sobriety. Malibu Beach sober living costs will vary depending on whether you elect to have a private room or share a room.  This makes a substantial difference in the overall costs of sober living, however many newly sober individuals consider it imperative to have their own private space and will pay a premium for it.  On average, Malibu Beach sober living costs range from $3,000-$8,000 per month, depending on the type of accommodations and range of amenities offered.

How to Pay for Sober Living

When considering a sober living residence, remember that what may seem like high rent includes not only the room but also the meals, drug testing, housekeeping, transportation, and many of the activities offered.  Keep in mind that no matter where you were living you would be paying for housing and food, regardless.

There are several methods with which to finance sober living.  These include:

  • Private pay.  Financing your sober living expense through your own resources, using cash or credit card.
  • Payment plans.  Most sober living residences offer third-party financing, using addiction financing companies who provide specific plans for sober living as part of aftercare.  Family members can often apply for financing on your behalf.
  • Requesting help.  Oftentimes family members will be willing to help offset the costs of sober living as a gift to the loved one in recovery.
Riviera Recovery Offers an Inspiring and Active Sober Living Community Located in the gorgeous hillsides of Malibu, California, Riviera Recovery has created the ideal environment for adjusting to a new, healthy sober lifestyle.  Promoting wellness and new opportunities for the newly sober, Riviera Recovery, a pet-friendly sober community, provides the best that Malibu has to offer.  The compassionate staff not only will work to ensure your commitment to sobriety through consistent case management, meetings, and drug/alcohol testing, but also offers enjoyable sober activities like baseball games, surfing, hiking, kayaking, concerts, horseback riding, and more.  Call us today to discuss Malibu Beach sober living costs and financing options at (866) 478-8799.
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Difference Between Sober House and Halfway House

One of the biggest challenges that someone new in sobriety faces is finding a living arrangement that will enhance recovery, not derail it.  The early phase of recovery is particularly fraught with potholes that can quickly trigger a relapse, thus the importance of planning for a stay in a drug and alcohol free environment.  Once this wise decision has been made, the next step is to decipher the differences between the various forms of substance-free living. The two most common types of drug and alcohol free residences are the sober house and the halfway house.  While there are certain similarities between the two classifications, there are distinct differences between the sober house and the halfway house.  Similarities include a list of rules of conduct as well as an expectation that the residents will share the chores and duties of the household.  Understanding the unique traits between the two forms of sober housing will help determine which is a good fit for you, so it is important to understand the difference between a sober house and a halfway house.

What is a Halfway House?

While a halfway house can be housing that has been set aside for mandatory transitional housing for individuals recently released from jail or prison, or for the chronically mentally ill, halfway houses can also function as sober living residences.  Generally, a halfway house that has been established for sober housing requires that the residences have completed, or are in the process of, drug or alcohol rehabilitation. Halfway houses are federally funded, so the costs of staying in one can be minimal or none at all.  Based on this, these homes offer the bare essentials for room and board, and usually little or no therapeutic support or treatment.  Because they are federally funded, halfway house boarding can be of a very limited duration and subject to federal or state budget cuts.  Most halfway houses that exist for the purpose of sober living will offer groups and meetings that help reinforce recovery.

What is a Sober House?

A sober house is a privately owned residence or group of homes that are operated for profit, and people who reside in them are there voluntarily.  There is a wide spectrum of options within the sober house category, from Spartan accommodations to luxurious.  Because a sober house is in business to make a profit they can design and market their sober living program in a variety of diverse styles, from 12-step oriented to holistic to faith-based and more in order to attract clients.   A sober house will usually have a zero tolerance policy for drug and alcohol use or possession, as well as regular drug testing.  A client is not required to have been in an addiction treatment program, although most do come to sober living following completion of an inpatient program.  Participation in a 12-step or non 12-step program is usually required, as is participation in weekly house meetings.

Riviera Recovery Offers High-Quality Sober Living

Once one understands the difference between a sober house and a halfway house they can select the living environment that best fits their needs and their budget.  At the higher end of sober living residences is Riviera Recovery in Malibu, California.  Riviera Recovery is devoted to helping its clients grow to appreciate and enjoy their newfound sobriety by placing an emphasis on healthy, rejuvenating sober activities.  This pet friendly sober housing center places individual attention on each resident, tailoring the recovery experience. Riviera Recovery offers a long list of holistic therapies that foster renewed health and self-awareness, including yoga, Pilates, meditation, infrared sauna, and a diet rich in organic foods.  Surfing, paddle boarding, pool and spa, and road trips round out and enhance the recovery experience.  For more information about the program, please call us today at (866) 478-8799.
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Nutrition Plan for Eating Healthy in Sober Living

An individual who is in active drug or alcohol addiction is very likely to neglect their diet.  Alcoholics will feel full from the liquor they consume, giving them no motivation to eat and winding up seriously malnourished as a result.  Addicts may choose drugs over food for financial reasons, or the drug itself, like methamphetamine, may lead to long periods of consuming little or no food.  Often alcoholics and addicts experience gastrointestinal disorders, suffering from diarrhea, constipation, and digestive disorders that don’t allow nutrients to be absorbed properly. One of the more promising trends in addiction recovery is the importance now being placed on nutrition.  Healthy food choices actually enhance the recovery process, during which the body and brain are healing from the heavy toll of substance abuse.  Not only is good nutrition important to help correct the deficiencies so common in addicts and alcoholics, but it also contributes to improved mood and brain functioning.  While many addiction treatment programs may not provide stellar diets to their clients, someone new in recovery will benefit immensely by eating healthy in sober living. Eating Healthy in Sober Living A healthy diet may not be the most important thing on the list to an individual fresh out of rehab—comfort foods may sound far more appealing during this difficult phase of recovery.  But as research continues to confirm the significant role nutrition plays in healing the brain and body of a recovering addict, more sober living residences are incorporating healthy menus into their programs.  It is a perfect opportunity for the residents to develop new, healthy habits into their daily lives before transitioning back to their regular lives. Eating healthy in sober living nets many benefits, for both the residents and the operator of the sober home.  For the residents, good nutrition can actually help reduce cravings while restoring overall brain health and neurotransmitter functions.  This leads to improved mood, emotional stability, and a more positive state of being.  For the operator of the sober living establishment, costs for healthy foods are generally lower than for high-fat junk foods.  In addition, residents benefiting from more emotional stability as a result of healthy eating in sober living leads to less turmoil in the house. Examples of Healthy Diets in Recovery A sound eating strategy that helps maintain consistent blood sugar levels—helping to stabilize mood—is to eat every two to four hours.  A good plan is three regular meals per day with a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack. The snacks should include proteins and fresh fruit. One of the most important nutrients needed in recovery is protein.  Lean proteins such as fish, turkey, and chicken provide the amino acids that build the neurotransmitters back up.  Some sources for protein should include:
  • Lean meats (such as salmon, chicken, turkey, lean cuts of beef)
  • Greek yogurt
  • Low fat cottage cheese
  • Mozzarella (or any low fat) cheese
  • Quinoa
  • Tofu
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Eggs
  • Lentils
In addition to protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains (such as brown rice and whole grain breads and pasta), and drinking lots of water are key to good nutrition in recovery.  Restricting sugar and caffeine helps with mood stability and sleep quality. Healthy Eating at Riviera Recovery Sober Living Restoring health and wellness in recovery is a key focus at Riviera Recovery, located in the picturesque hills of Malibu, California.  Riviera Recovery is devoted to providing a sober living environment that is centered on rejuvenating, healthful living, providing a diet rich in organic, nutritious foods and an abundance of physical activities that promote overall health and fitness.  For more information about our program, please call us today at (866) 478-8799. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
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Making the Decision to Choose Riviera Recovery

HOW DID I GET HERE?

Humiliation, shame, defeat, anger, disgust, disbelief and an ounce of relief were just some of the things I felt when I woke up for the second time in a detox unit run by my former rehab facility. On the one hand, I couldn’t believe I drank myself back there. On the other, some part of me knew that this was exactly where I needed to be. Resigned, I got out of bed and started the familiar routines of detox life, the quiet rhythm of shuffling between therapists, acupuncturists, group meetings, the smoking area and back to bed again. Each day, my clarity increased and the seemingly surreal grew more real by the minute. Without the aid of a drink, I had to face the terrifying realization that I had no future—I lost my career, I lost my boyfriend, I lost my friends, I lost my family and, worst of all, I lost me somewhere along the way. Sure, I still had my house, I had money in the bank, I had a car; but these were poor substitutes for all I had lost. On the third day, I talked to another client about his discharge plans. Normally, after detox, clients go into a rehab facility, find sober living or go back home—I had already attempted two of the options before (rehab and home), and clearly failed. I had dismissed sober living before because I had a perfectly fine house, where I lived with my dogs, and the sober living facilities I had seen over the past five years in Connecticut were depressing places, small places, places where drama was as abundant as relapse. Yet, I knew I couldn’t go back home—I would just be inviting the cycle of isolating and drinking back in. Then this client said something that piqued my interest: He was researching sober living in southern California. As he showed me the websites for some of these facilities, I realized that this was an entirely different recovery ballgame. Sure, these places were beautifully appointed and wonderfully situated by the Pacific Ocean, but what whispered to me was the unparalleled recovery community they provided. These sites spoke of 3,500 recovery meetings to choose from in the greater Los Angeles area EACH WEEK. They described community events like surfing, softball and camping. They encouraged participation in recovery programs, in yoga, in gyms. And that’s when it struck me, perhaps this is what I needed all along—a community that bridged the gap between recovery and the “real world;” a safe place to regain myself; a place that would hold me accountable, and encourage me to get out and restart my life. Excited by this prospect, I tasked the guy in charge of after care to find me a place on the West Coast that offered all of the community and programming I needed and, most importantly, allowed dogs. The next day he came running into the detox unit wielding a printout, thoroughly pleased with himself. “I found the perfect place for you and your dogs,” he said. “It’s in Malibu and it’s called Riviera Recovery.” A week later, I climbed into my car, two mutts in the back seat, and headed west. As I write this, almost five months later, I am sitting in a little guesthouse I am renting in Topanga, having moved out of Riviera a week ago. I’m heading back over to the house tonight for dinner and the weekly in-house AA meeting and I’m looking forward to catching up with friends. As I look back on my stay at Riviera, I am certain of one thing: It was, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the right choice for me.
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Stay on Track in a Sober Living Community in Los Angeles

6 Ways Quality Sober Living Strengthens Recovery From Addiction

With your 30, 60, or 90-day stint in drug and alcohol rehab now under your belt, the next step in your recovery journey will be a stay in a sober living community.  Since the objective of addiction treatment is to achieve life-long sobriety, the decision to spend some restorative time in a sober residence is a wise one.  Re-entering normal life before your new sober and healthy habits have become routine will likely set you up for a relapse.  Therefore, sober living provides those new in recovery the opportunity for a safe transition back to regular life.   When considering where you want to spend a few months living in a sober environment why not make the best of it?  You know the saying, “Location, location, location,” right?  So why not enjoy the amazing benefits of a sober living community in Los Angeles—specifically, in the spectacular hills of Malibu, California?  Enjoy the beautiful vistas that rim the Pacific Ocean as part and parcel of your recovery journey. 6 Ways a Quality Sober Living Helps Keep Recovery on Track Yes, getting clean and sober is very hard.  Even more challenging, however, is staying clean and sober.  In early recovery, the brain hasn’t fully healed and old addiction reflexes and responses still threaten to undo all the hard work of getting sober.  This is where a quality sober living community can make a real difference in solidifying your recovery.  
  1. A drug and alcohol-free safety zone.  This is huge.  Although triggers come in all forms and variations, one universal trigger for potential relapse back into addiction is the very presence of drugs or alcohol.  Reduce the risk of this potential landmine and live in a drug and alcohol-free environment for a while.
  2. Replace bad habits with new, healthy ones.  Most addicts and alcoholics acquire increasingly destructive and unproductive habits along the way.  Intrinsic to a full recovery is the healing of the mind, body and spirit following a long period of self-abuse.  Taking up a new sport, daily exercise, and new hobbies enhances recovery by replacing poor former habits with invigorating new ones.
  3. Become part of a supportive community.  Many in recovery have left damaged relationships in their wakes and need to develop some new friendships.  Living in a quality sober living community provides a built-in support system, with both other recovering residents as well as the support staff offering encouragement and friendship.
  4. The benefits of a pet-friendly environment.  Much research confirms the many health benefits of pet ownership, and to the alcoholic or addict in recovery the benefits are many.  Having your dog present makes you feel less alone in an unfamiliar environment, as well as enhances feelings of self-worth, accountability, and reduced anxiety.  This can help prolong the stay in sober living, reinforcing recovery before re-entering the real world.
  5. Holistic therapies enhance recovery.  Without getting to the core issues beneath the addiction and learning new coping techniques, recovery will be short-lived.  Mindfulness training, yoga, meditation, massage, acupuncture, and ongoing psychological therapy all help with self-discovery, living in the moment, and assisting with stress reduction.
  6. Learning how to enjoy the sober lifestyle.  A common hurdle for the newly recovered is viewing life without their substance as empty and boring.  A sober community learns the joy and fulfillment of experiencing cultural events, sports events, and outdoor activities without drugs and alcohol.
Riviera Recovery a Quality Sober Living Community in Los Angeles Riviera Recovery is a high quality, pet-friendly sober living community in Malibu, California that provides an exceptional environment to foster healing and recovery.  By offering a wide array of life-enhancing activities and therapies, its residents are afforded a unique opportunity for embracing a new, healthy lifestyle.  Riviera Recovery provides top-notch amenities and services in addition to trips and local activities that allow this sober living community in Los Angeles to experience the renewed spirit that they deserve.  For more information about our program, please call us today at (866) 478-8799.
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Budgeting your Sober Living Costs

The Priceless Value in Choosing Sober Living Post Addiction Treatment Budgeting Your Sober Living Costs

We’ve all heard the British saying, “Penny-wise and pound-foolish,” a pithy phrase that points out the tendency to focus keenly on small expenses while ignoring the larger costs of certain things.  When it comes to making the important decision to spend a few months in a sober living environment, some might scoff at the cost to do so, while ignoring the bigger picture.   In reality, planning for a few months stay in a sober residence may be the best investment one can make on the road to long-term recovery.  Without taking this crucial step, and instead re-entering regular life while in a very vulnerable state, relapse is a real possibility.  In that event, another stint in an expensive drug and alcohol rehab will far exceed the sober living costs had that option been chosen in the first place. The Value of Sober Living Spending a few months in a nurturing, safe, and drug/alcohol free zone has benefits that far exceed the sober living cost associated with it.  Yes, there is rent to pay for this transitional housing, but no matter where one lives there would be rental or housing expense.  The same can be said for groceries that would need to be purchased while in sober living—a person has to eat no matter where they live.   Any added expense that sober living costs is far offset by the value of living in a supportive and therapeutic environment that reinforces the new clean and sober lifestyle being embraced.  Being surrounded by people who are dealing from the same daily (hourly!) challenges to newfound sobriety helps to provide the camaraderie so important in the early days of recovery.   In addition to the actual substance-free living space, sober living incorporates the elements needed to enhance recovery, such as 12-step meetings, on-site counselors, peer support, and personalized case management.  Having a supportive staff that makes sure you get to doctor’s appointments, outpatient services, or therapy sessions is something not usually found back at home, but is included in sober living costs.   Riviera Recovery: The Most Bang for your Sober Living Buck Located on a sprawling two-acre parcel of land in the hills of Malibu, California, Riviera Recovery provides an intimate, luxury sober living experience.  The focus at Riviera Recovery is on introducing the newly sober residents to all the invigorating and fulfilling activities of living life free of drugs and alcohol.  With an emphasis on helping its residents reclaim their physical, mental, and spiritual health, the compassionate staff teaches them how to maintain a healthy lifestyle by offering organic foods and encouraging exercise. Riviera Recovery features a holistic approach to supporting sobriety.  Residents are not just housed there, they are embraced.  At Riviera, it is understood that deeply entrenched addiction behaviors must be replaced with new healthy alternative behaviors.  For this reason, a wide array of activities that nourish the mind, body, and spirit are offered to its residents.  Physical activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, Pilates, horseback riding, golf, and tennis are available.  Relaxation is promoted by yoga, acupuncture, sauna and spa, massage, tai chi, and gardening.   Private suites with luxury amenities are provided in this beautiful, spacious residence.  A resort-like backyard offers opportunities for socializing at the pool and barbeque, or for quiet meditation overlooking the serene hillside.  Sober living costs are relative to the benefit they provide, and at Riviera Recovery the benefits to achieving a lifelong recovery from drugs and alcohol far outweigh the cost.  For more information call us today at (866) 478-8799.
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Sober Living Roommates and Recovery Success

Congratulations!  You have completed a stint in a drug and alcohol rehab program and are now clean and sober.  Since recovery from addiction is on a lifelong continuum, it is important to take the necessary steps to shore up that sobriety by transitioning next to a sober living environment. Sober living is housing that is drug and alcohol-free and allows for a gradual reentry to regular life following rehab.  This step is crucial for the newly sober, allowing newfound recovery the time to be reinforced within a safe, supportive setting.  Key to the success of this transitional housing is the social aspect, where sober living roommates help each other by encouragement and accountability.

Why is Sober Living Important to Recovery Success?

After discharge from a residential treatment facility the real work begins.  Adjusting to life outside the cocoon of drug or alcohol addiction can be difficult as raw emotions emerge and there is no drugged haze to mute the uncomfortable feelings.  Common are the emotions of guilt, shame, and fear as the newly recovering individual faces an unknown future.  This is where sober living roommates can benefit the most. Just having housemates who “get it,” who are also experiencing the same feelings and anxieties, can be extremely helpful in the early phase of addiction recovery.  Each resident is going through similar challenges to their recovery so they can help each other stay strong and avoid relapse.  Regular meetings allow a safe place for sharing these concerns.  The zero tolerance policy on abstinence that most sober living homes have helps set up a deterrent to using, as no one wants to be kicked out at such a vulnerable time in recovery.  Accountability to sober living roommates is another positive aspect of these living arrangements, where one roommate’s actions will impact the other.

Riviera Recovery Offers the Finest Sober Living Environment

Located among two acres of breathtaking hillside scenery in Malibu, California is Riviera Recovery.  What sets Riviera Recovery apart from most sober living residences are the plentiful amenities and deluxe accommodations they offer to give each resident the most healing and therapeutic sober living experience available in Southern California. Because this is an exclusive sober living environment, only a small number of residents are accepted at any given time.  This intimate level of care provides a strong sense of community among the residents, often resulting in lifelong friendships.  Riviera is a pet-friendly sober residence, allowing for the therapeutic benefits of having your cherished pet on board with you. Riviera Recovery centers their recovery model on the concept that authentic recovery from substance dependency relies on replacing the substance with healthy new behaviors and habits.  By providing its residents with a full array of healthy, rejuvenating activities that combine with superb, personalized case management, recovery from addiction is reinforced.  Sober living roommates find they have the finest services in their bedroom suites, including LCV television and DVD players, wireless Internet, housekeeping, and ultra comfortable furnishings. Among the many therapeutic activities that Riviera Recovery offers are a saltwater pool and spa, infrared sauna, yoga, Pilates, surfing and paddleboarding.  Exercise is encouraged, believed to be an intrinsic aspect of recovering health and emotional stability.  A healthy diet is provided, including organic foods, superfoods, and a LIFE 8000 water alkalizer. Transportation is provided to and from required 12-step meetings, and sober companion services are available if needed.

Let Riviera Recovery be Your Next Stop in Recovery

Now that you are headed into the next phase of your new life of sobriety, why not maximize this step and spend some time transitioning to regular life at Riviera Recovery?  The expert, compassionate staff members will provide you with the utmost in recovery care while also setting important boundaries and expectations that will prepare you for life.  After your stay at Riviera Recovery is complete, staff members will continue to follow up with you on a regular basis to help ensure that your recovery goals are realized.  For more information about the superb sober living accommodations please call us today at (866) 478-8799.