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Clear Path to Sober Living & Recovery

Relapse is one of the major challenges people face while recovering from substance use disorder. They need to overcome triggers and cravings almost daily. Medical detox and inpatient treatment are effective, but they are part of the recovery system. You will need outpatient services and programs to help you gain full recovery.  Moving directly from the inpatient routine to your normal routine is a huge challenge, and many individuals will relapse. 

Sober Living

You will need to understand a sober living house and how it works to be able to comprehend sober living itself. A sober living house/home is a facility that acts as a bridge inpatient treatment and normal life. Thus, sober living is a transitioning phase and place that individuals use to adjust to normal life.  Most sober living facilities are not run by licensed medical professionals like doctors or therapists. It makes it a simple but highly useful and effective form of treatment.  Some sober living facilities are operated by medical professionals, which makes it an added advantage. Most individuals in recovery need the help of sober living. closeup photo of smiling woman,co ed sober living near me, coed sober living near me, sober living housing near me

Rehab Vs. Sober Living

Rehab or inpatient treatment is quite different from a sober living house in terms of structure. Some of the major differences between rehabs and sober living homes include:
  • Cost: Rehab centers are more costly.
  • Rules: Rehab facilities have more rules than sober living homes. For example, one cannot leave a rehab facility during treatment, but a sober living house allows such movements.
  • Duration: Rehab centers limit the patients’ stay to 30-day or 90-day periods. 
  • Professionals: You will surely find professionals in mental health, medication, and addiction. 

Sober Living Houses Vs. Halfway Houses

People also often confuse sober living houses and halfway houses. Halfway houses are intended to help rehabilitate people who have committed crimes. The differences between the two include:
  • Operator. Halfway houses are funded by the government. Sober living homes are operated by individuals or organizations. 
  • Physical structure: sober living houses are private residences while halfway houses resemble dorms. 
  • Attendance: People go to sober living houses willingly while the court orders force individuals to go to halfway houses. 
  • Cost: Halfway houses are funded by the government, which makes them cheaper. However, they have fewer amenities than sober living houses. 

What To Expect In A Sober Living Home

You should expect a combination of support, structure, and freedom in sober living homes. In structure, there are some rules you need to adhere to. Some of these rules include curfew rules and compulsory group meetings. The regulations of sober living houses vary with the sober living institution.    Sober living houses also offer freedom. You will use this freedom to ease back into your normal duties. They also offer support, which is very important. Some individuals go into isolation after rehab, and this easily triggers relapse.  You will get to interact with other members of the sober homes, and in 12-step support meetings like Narcotics Anonymous. You will make new friends and also mend your relationships with your family. 

How Long Should I Stay In Sober Living?

Your needs will influence the time you spend in sober living. These needs can be summarized into factors like:
  • Your recovery stability. To be stable, you will need to appropriately manage your cravings, coping skills, and co-occurring disorders. You will need cognitive skills from cognitive therapy to achieve this. 
  • Your level of comfort. How comfortable are you with resuming back to your normal life?
  • Your safety at home. Is your home a fully safe environment? Are you prone to triggers, cravings, and eventually relapse?

How To Recover While In Sober Living

Apart from the support, structure, and freedom in sober living, you can use other approaches to ensure a full recovery. They include:
  • Stay busy. 
  • Get housing after sober living
  • Find a job
  • Make amends with friends and family. 
  • Carry the sober living principles back to your normal life. 

Sober Living and Addiction treatment at Riviera Recovery. 

You can access sober living in Los Angeles at Riviera Recovery Sober Living Homes. Riviera Recovery is a wellness community. We help men and women to overcome substance use disorder, mental health issues, and co-occurring disorders.  Unlike other sober living homes, our residents are under the care of trained and registered nurses. Our team of professionals offers personalized attention to ensure comfort for you and your loved ones. We also have on-call doctors who will provide the necessary help during your recovery process.  man and woman playing by the beach, sober living communities near me, female sober living near me, couples sober living near Our services are based on support empowerment and safety. Some of the services we offer include transport to and from support group meetings, nutritionist support, random drug test & breathalyzers, case management, and more.  We have facilities in two locations. One facility offers coed residence, and the other is men-only residence. The coed residence is called the Pacific Palisades House. It has separate bathrooms for each gender. You can access the beach after a short walk. The facility offers a beautiful view of the beach and the Santa Monica mountains. You can access 12-step meetings in Santa Monica, Malibu, and the Pacific Palisades.  The Barrington House offers men sober living. You can access multiple parks after a short walk. Moreover, you can get to Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and LAX after a short drive. Residents can also access yoga & meditation studios, museums, and gyms.  Contact us now to book sober living for you or your loved ones. 

Final Thoughts

Anyone who moves directly from rehab to normal life has a very high risk of relapse. In rehab, you will have only discussed the triggers and cravings. However, you will get to experience all these in real life, and you need to get support when dealing with them. Furthermore, most individuals need time to readjust to their normal lives.  Sober living offers addicts the chance to readjust. Individuals will reside in sober living homes during these periods. Sober living homes are quite different from rehab. In rehab, there are medical & health professionals, the rules are stricter, the cost is higher, and the duration shorter. People also often confuse halfway houses with sober living houses. Halfway houses are usually funded by the government, and people use them under court orders. Moreover, the amenities in halfway houses are not as good as those in sober living. They are meant for reformed convicts.  The duration you spend in sober living will depend on your needs. It depends on how comfortable you are, how stable your recovery is, and how safe home is for you. To make the best out of sober living, we advise that you find a job as you readjust, make amends with friends and family, and live by the sober living principles.  Get sober living help from a facility with professionals such as Riviera Recovery. 
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The Halfway House

The quest for sobriety can be a lifelong journey for most individuals undergoing recovery. It begins from seeking help from detox or rehabilitation facilities, depending on your addiction or disorder type. The facilities aim to help you recover and overcome your problem and attain sobriety as an individual. After your stay in a detox or rehab center, you may long to have your freedom from the restricted environment, but it may not be a smart move for you. You may be afraid to go back to the environment and friends whom they engaged in addictive behavior together as it may trigger relapsing. This can be a stressing factor, and since your care providers are concerned about your recovery, they may suggest going into a halfway house.

What Is a Halfway House?

A halfway house is a transitional living facility that grants you the freedom to start living your life after recovery, and it holds you accountable during your stay. It gives support to individuals committed to living after addiction and is new to the recovery phase. The term ‘halfway house’ is because the residents are living independently, and at the same time, they are also restricted in the behavior by the care providers at the facility. girl in pink shirt using a tab, couples sober living, sober living facilities near me, sober housing near me A halfway house enables the residents to familiarize themselves with each other and synchronize around their neighborhood. Some people go to halfway houses after leaving prison, after court orders or due to homelessness. In most halfway houses, individuals take drug screening tests since they need to ensure the safety of the other residents, and also, they are rarely equipped to handle withdrawal symptoms.

Duration Taken While Living in a Halfway House

The time taken by each individual’s stay depends on several factors since people are different, but the majority of the residents stay between three months to a year. This duration allows an individual to get back on track, get a good job, and gain control of their life again. Halfway houses decrease the chances of individuals relapsing back to alcohol and substance use. Some halfway houses encourage residents to get a steady job and pay rental arrears at the facility to enable an individual to acquire a balance between recovery and work and be responsible. Other halfway houses may have a 12 step mandatory meeting schedules, a set of chores or curfews for the residents. Mandatory meeting schedules can be specified according to an individual’s former addiction. For instance, an individual whose former addiction is alcohol is required to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and one whose former addiction is drugs to attend Narcotics Anonymous ones. This is because they can easily associate with those with similar recoveries and thereby makes them feel motivated to achieve recovery.

Is a Halfway House Different from a Sober Living House?

Most individuals in a halfway house are addicts seeking transition while undergoing recovery, and it is sometimes referred to as a sober house. However, there is a difference between a sober house and a halfway house. Some of the halfway houses in the United States may offer treatment alongside rehabilitation, which mostly happens during the day, and it involves individual and group counseling among residents. The costs at the halfway house are halfway catered for by the federal government. On the other hand, in a sober living house, residents are expected to provide for their expenses during their stay. This is because they are owned by an individual or a private entity. Sober living houses have strict rules and regulations, and they don’t tolerate drug and substance abuse or possession. Residents can also have some privacy since the rooms are private and individualized, unlike halfway houses, which are dorms mostly. close up photo of a woman sunbathing, sober living transitional housing, men's sober living near me, sober living communities

Recover Residence Levels

A halfway house may have monitoring levels which are as follows;
  • The first level monitoring whereby the residents keep an eye on each other’s well being. There are also no services offered, and there is no paid staff at this level.  It lasts from three months to a few years.
  • The second level involves a community-based approach. This level also has close supervision from a member of staff or a senior resident who keeps an eye on the residents and makes sure the guidelines are followed.
  • The third level involves a set of life-skills provided to the residents and is best suitable for residents who need higher support levels.
  • The fourth level entails clinical programs alongside life skills. The program is conducted by a licensed professional, and it’s majorly preparing a resident for the next step, like living as a person. At times, care plans may cater to this stage if they don’t cater to other phases.

Riviera Sober Living

Riviera Sober Living is a facility for health and wellness that offers services to people seeking recovery from drug and substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, and mental health disorders. Riviera’s sober living has locations in Pacific Palisades, Southern California, and West Los Angeles. The Pacific Palisades house is coed with separate bathrooms for each gender while the Barrington house is an all-male house. We also offer couples sober living services and upscale sober living facilities in Southern California and West Los Angeles. The Pacific Palisades has oceanic views by the Santa Monica Mountains while the Barrington house is close to parks, shops and has a BBQ at the outdoor patio and a cozy lounge area. Being centrally located in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and LAX, residents can go to yoga classes, meditation classes, and museums. a group of friends cycling by the sea shore, sober living transitional housing, men's sober living near me Our team of experienced hospice professionals will make sure that your loved one receives personalized care and is comfortable throughout the recovery journey. We have well trained and registered nurses who ensure and guide an individual through the emotional turmoil that may be encountered during the period of recovery. The nurses have access to on-call doctors whenever required to facilitate a smooth recovery for you.

Conclusion

Addiction is a disease, but the good news is that it’s treatable and manageable. Once you are ready to go back into society, you may require a set of guidelines to maintain your sobriety. This can be through the help of your house care providers who will avail an after-care plan suitable for you.  After leaving the facility, it’s important to keep track of your network of support to boost each other’s morale and remind each other of recovery by engaging in activities that keep you from addictive substances. Ensure that you have proper nutrition daily and have some rest too to aid your inappropriate decision-making ability. Regular exercising is essential also, as it enables the brain to release endorphins that give a ‘feel good’ state in a person’s body.
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The Best Sober Living for Women in Los Angeles, California

Many women go back to their normal lives after addiction treatment. However, the risk of relapse is still high. This is because they are vulnerable to triggers, emotional imbalances, cravings, and they may take time to cope. Medical professionals advise both men and women to go through sober living before they resume their normal healthy lives. 

What is Sober Living?

Sober Living or sober houses are a bridge between inpatient addiction treatment and normal healthy lives. There are various types of sober living houses. The best sober living houses for women in Los Angeles like Riviera Sober Living feature staff available 24/7, conduct drug tests, and enforce house rules.  We also encourage our residents to engage in further treatment, such as intensive outpatient programs, support groups, recovery meetings, therapy, and more. The sober living will offer appropriate structure and support to facilitate long-term addiction recovery. For example, they let you go to work, attend school, and visit with family, as you receive treatment. 

What It’s Like to Be in Sober Living 

Sober living and sober houses are all about support. They focus on community living, which provides the support and skills necessary to ease back into your normal life. You will be able to build relationships with your housemates. There will be listening and sharing valuable insights, experiences, and the chance to build your self-esteem.  You will be able to learn that a supportive environment is necessary for ongoing and long term addiction recovery. Moreover, you will acquire skills like understanding, tolerance, and patience when dealing with yourself and others.  happy young woman standing by the door, sober living for women, sober living homes for women, sober living homes for women near me

Gender-Specific Sober Living

Gender-specific sober houses are premises that facilitate sober living for one given gender. This means that there are those sober houses for women and those for men. Such sober houses help individuals to avoid distractions, feel comfortable, and tackle issues unique either to men or women.  The rules of sober living will depend on sober houses. Some allow visits from opposite genders and those that do not. Some allow full weekend or overnight visits for spouses and family.  photo of women talking, sober living for women, sober living homes for women, sober living homes for women near me

Sober Living vs. Halfway Houses 

Many people often confuse sober houses with halfway houses. They similarly do function but are not entirely similar. Halfway houses are used by the criminal justice system to help individuals transition from prison life to normal life. Individuals who go to halfway houses are under court orders as they are either on probation or parole.  On the other hand, sober living in Malibu is voluntary and meant for individuals undergoing addiction recovery. They provide a safe environment, structure, and support for addiction recovery.  

Rules of Sober Living

Some rules govern sober living in sober houses. The most basic rule is that the premises are alcohol-free and drug-free zones. These rules ensure the safety of all the residents from relapse. There are measures to enforce this rule. They include the presence of breathalyzers, random & mandatory drug tests, and the right to search your premises for alcohol, drugs, and paraphernalia.  Curfew is another major rule. The availability of curfew and curfew time varies with the facility. Some require you to have a support group or appointments with licensed therapists, psychiatrists, or counselors.  Other rules in sober houses include dress code, in-house conduct, tidiness requirements, visitors, household chores, noise levels, and more. 

Get Help at Riviera Sober Living – West Los Angeles Sober Living Homes

Riviera Recovery is a health and wellness community in Los Angeles. We focus on getting men and women help to recover from substance use disorder, co-occurring disorders, and mental health. Riviera Recovery tries to maintain its admissions at a possible minimum to enable our team to offer individual treatment, mentoring, counseling, and more. Our women’s sober living residence offers services and comforts that are uniquely essential to women in addiction recovery.  We also have other sober living facilities for men and coed. Our Pacific Palisades facility is a coed facility at the foot of Santa Monica mountains with excellent ocean views. It has separate bathrooms to support coed residents. The Barrington House facility offers sober living for men only. You can take a short drive from Beverly Hills, LAX, and Santa Monica to arrive at the facility.  We offer numerous other services to promote safety, empowerment, and support for recovery. Examples of these services include nutritionist meetings, weekly mentor meetings, sponsor contacts, weekly social activities, referrals to outpatient programs, and more.  woman in black swimsuit playing with water, sober living for women, sober living homes for women, sober living homes for women near me Our services are more effective with the help of our staff and available amenities. Such amenities include housekeeping, private suites, semi-private suites, weekly family updates, recovery compass book, meditation area, library, and more.  Our locations make it possible to engage in healthy activities such as hiking, surfing, rock climbing, horse riding, and more. 

Conclusion

Sober Living offers a chance for a smooth transition from inpatient addiction treatment to your healthy life. In sober living, you will reside in sober houses with other residents. These facilities have rules to ensure the safety of the residents. The rules regulate, visit, curfew, restrict substance abuse, and more.  Sober living is mainly about support and community that will help you gain long term recovery. You will build relationships with your housemates, friends, and family to create a strong support system that prevents relapse. Individuals in sober living pick up skills such as listening, sharing, understanding, patience, and tolerance.  While living in a sober house, you will take part in an intensive outpatient program, support groups, therapy, counseling, and mentorship. Most individuals begin to transition back to their work and school activities.  Gender differences call for unique needs when it comes to addiction recovery. There are sober houses uniquely for men, women, and coed. Some people confuse halfway houses and sober houses.  A halfway house is mandatory for its residents as they are referred by the department of justice. Their main goal is to help ex-prisoners to transition back to their lives. Sober houses are voluntary for its residents. They go to these facilities to get a safe space to ease back to their lives after rehab.  Riviera Recovery offers sober living houses for men and women in Los Angeles. There are facilities uniquely set for men, women, and coed. We offer services such as nutritionist meetings, weekly mentor meetings, sponsor contacts, weekly social activities, and more. Contact us to book a residency. 
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What Is Narcotic Anonymous

Relapse prevention is an ongoing activity for anyone who is recovering or has recovered from substance use disorder. There are various approaches to help individuals sustain their sobriety. Examples include continued family therapy, individual therapy, and group therapy.  Group therapy entails meetings with your peers or individuals facing similar struggles. It is a place where you can motivate one another towards long-term sobriety. Furthermore, you will find activities to engage in here to keep your mind of substances.  People over time have come together and formed various groups with various goals and to help various individuals. One of them is Narcotics Anonymous.

What is Narcotic Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous, better known as N.A., is a non-profit organization where men and women recovering or have recovered from substance use disorder meet and motivate one another to stay sober.  You need to meet only one requirement for you to join Narcotics Anonymous. This requirement is simply the desire to quit substance use. There are no upfront fees, pledges, promises, or affiliations to anyone or organization. Furthermore, they are not interested in your past, but how they can offer help to help you overcome substance use disorder.  man sitting in front of his laptop working, recovery homes in santa monica, halfway house los angeles

A little History on Narcotic Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous is a spinoff of Alcoholics Anonymous. It was created to try and mirror the success of Alcoholics Anonymous. It was officially founded in 1953 in Los Angeles, California. Currently, Narcotics Anonymous is available in more than 129 countries.

Narcotic Anonymous Meetings

Meetings facilitate giving and receiving help. They offer a place to learn coping skills and to get help regularly. There will be meetings with your peer’s counselor sponsor or even a guest speaker.  The meetings usually take place in a rented facility in most cases owned by churches, NGOs, the government, and more. Moreover, you can have fun while keeping your sobriety as you can engage in activities to help you maintainer light mode and avoid stress or depression. These meetings are free.  There are two types of Narcotics Anonymous meetings. You need to identify which meeting works for you best. You should try out a few meetings and groups to identify one that is best for your needs in terms of aspects like personality disorder problem schedule and more.  The NA meetings can either be open or closed. 
  • Open meetings are the ones that are accessible to anyone. The main purpose of public meetings is to include interested parties such as families and even future Narcotics Anonymous members.
  • Closed meetings are NA meetings, which are only accessible individuals recovering from use disorder.

What to Expect from a Narcotics Anonymous Meeting?

1. 12 Step Meetings

Twelve steps meetings are borrowed from Alcoholics Anonymous. They are set of guidelines or principles but help you overcome substance use disorder. Narcotics Anonymous uses these steps to help individuals struggling with various types of substance use disorder. However, Alcoholics Anonymous only used it to help individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder.

2. Non-Judgemental Meetings

Narcotics Anonymous meetings are non-judgemental. This helps to create an environment that is safe for members to share their personal experiences with addiction. Members of NA are welcoming and caring to each other and two new members. You will feel comfortable to share and also get to learn from what others share.

3. Anonymity

Some individuals failed to attend as the hair social with legal repercussions. However, Narcotics Anonymous has high regard for anonymity. The anonymity not only protects each individual but also creates an atmosphere that promotes equality. In case you join the organization is new to uphold the anonymity. This includes:
  •  You should not acknowledge our members by name or through photos to show they are NA members. 
  • You should not describe the details of any member’s circumstances that could reveal his or her identity.

4. Non-religious 

Some meetings may take place in buildings owned by churches, but this does not mean Narcotics Anonymous belongs to that religion. However, they do focus on grounded spirituality, which involves reference to a good orderly Direction or higher power. This ‘Higher Power’ is simply a guide of strength and morality rather than an acknowledgment of any religion. This encourages you to focus on individual understanding.

5. Meeting Terminology

You need to familiarize yourself with some of the terminologies as you attend these meetings. Some of the common Narcotics Anonymous terminologies used and their meanings include:
  • Sponsor. This refers to an individual with experience in the 12-step programs and helps others advance through them.
  • Sharing. This means offering other members your personal experience with substance use disorder.
  • New Comers. Refers to new members.
  • Basic Text. This is the Narcotics Anonymous book that covers their core ideas. 
  • IPs. These are Information Pamphlets that cover more on NA.
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Get Help at Riviera Sober Living

Riviera Sober Living is a wellness center that has two locations one in Pacific palisades and the other in West LA. We offer various services to help you overcome substance use and co-occurring disorders. Examples of these services include:
  • Transportation to 12 step meetings and back 
  • Weekly mentor meetings 
  • Random drug testing 
  • Weekly social activities 
  • Sponsor contacts 
  • Referrals to outpatient programs 
  • Nutritionist meetings and more. 
carefree concept of a woman doing a jump shot, recovery homes in santa monica Our facilities have amenities that make us one of the best addiction treatment centers in Century City, Los Angeles. Examples include private and semi-private suites, a self-help library, a grocery card, weekly family meetings, and more. We offer all levels of treatment which include:
  • Recovery homes in Santa Monica 
  • Affordable sober living in Los Angeles 
  • Alcohol rehabilitation in Hollywood Hills Los Angeles and; 
  • Addiction rehab in LA 90067.
Our treatment centers and programs are also pet friendly, which lets you bring your pets, which could be useful for a stable recovery.

Conclusion

Narcotics Anonymous can be part of aftercare treatment for individuals on the recovery path or those struggling with substance use disorder. It is a non-profit organization which was founded in 1953 in Los Angeles. This organization was formed after the success of Alcoholics Anonymous. However, unlike Alcoholics Anonymous that helps individuals with alcohol use disorder Narcotics Anonymous allows individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders. It is absolutely free to join Narcotics Anonymous, just like with Alcoholics Anonymous. You only need to bring one requirement, which is your desire to stop using it. Narcotic anonymous helps individuals through various meetings. It can be an individual meeting with a counselor, group meetings, or meetings with a speaker. These meetings can either be open or closed. An open meeting is where the Narcotics Anonymous meeting is accessible to interested parties like family members. A closed meeting is a Narcotics Anonymous meeting, or that is only accessible to individuals struggling with or recovering from substance use disorder.  There are various aspects of these meetings you should know or anticipate before you attend. They include:
  • There are 12-step meetings 
  • The meetings will be non-judgmental 
  • Members are Anonymous 
  • Narcotics Anonymous does not favor any religion 
  • There are some meeting terminologies you should know, for example, sponsor, which refers to an individual who helps others advance through 12 step programs.
    • Narcotic Anonymous meetings are accessible for you during your treatment. You can get help from Riviera Recovery, which is one of the top recovery homes in Santa Monica and Los Angeles. We offer various treatment programs and services, for example, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and sober living.
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Addiction Treatment and COVID-19: Sobriety in Isolation

The COVID-19 disease has resulted in turmoil all over the world. The economy has dipped and continues to decline each day; industrialization has drastically come to a halt, and it’s no longer normal to be outside in some parts of the world. It’s easy to look at the effects of the virus on major aspects of human life like the economy and forget about the small extra battles that people have to face as a result of COVID-19. It’s easy to assume that ‘Everyone is fine as long as we’re all at home’ or that ‘It’s nice that everyone finally gets a break from the daily hustles of life.’ One of the main directives from the World Health Organization (WHO) is that people should maintain social distancing at all times, wash their hands frequently and practice self-isolation as much as possible to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  a man washing his hands as a coronavirus preventive measure, recovery homes in santa monica, halfway house los angeles While directives from the WHO are in everyone’s best interests, people suffering or recovering from addiction have to deal with a whole new set of problems. Addiction treatment has been proven to be most successful when conducted together with other members of the community battling the same addiction.

How to Stay Sober During Self-isolation 

1. Talk to People 

A lot of people are going through the same harrowing experience just like you. Call your loved ones and tell them exactly what you’re going through, and you’ll feel better by the end of the phone call. Most addiction treatment centers also have on-call professionals who are available 24 hours a day, every day, for over the phone counseling services.  People on social media platforms have even formed forums for people recovering from addiction where they talk just like they would during the support group meetings. It may not compare to face to face interactions, but it’s a great place to start.

2. Seek Help Online 

With everything coming to a halt, organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous have made most of their services available on the internet. Alcoholics Anonymous has made use of applications such as Zoom and Google Hangouts, where you can browse through and find options that are best for you. Narcotics Anonymous also has a similar website. Being able to talk to someone is better than just sending a text as you end up feeling better and stronger from an encouraging and soothing voice rather than just a text with emojis. It’s just like one on one meetings but over the Internet.

3. Try Something New 

It’s easy to get into your head during self-isolation. Boredom is the ultimate breeding ground upon which addicts who have been sober for years, suddenly relapse. Find a new hobby, like reading books or painting. Adopt a pet so that you have someone to take care of and think about other than yourself. Whatever it is, don’t be alone with your thoughts. woman reading a novel, recovery homes in santa monica, halfway house los angeles, sober living homes in los angeles

4. Design a Structured Recovery System 

A recovery system is a set of activities that you take part in to ensure that you remain sober. This focuses more on sobriety as a journey rather than a goal. Everything you do from the point you wake up should be geared towards remaining sober. An efficient system is one where every part of your day is planned, such that you know exactly what you’re going to be doing at 6:59 pm on Tuesday. It also ensures that there is no room for boredom or zero activity.

5. Consider a Sober Living Home 

This is a sure method of ensuring you avoid relapse, especially if you’ve just left rehab recently. It is a residential place where individuals who are in recovery reside and live normal lives but in a more controlled environment. It reduces the chances of coming across triggers, and you have support from people just like you. Living with people going through the same thing as you encourage especially during stressful and tempting times such as these. Most sober living homes have requirements such as you should pay rent just like a normal home, no drugs, support meetings are generally encouraged, and you just do your share of household chores.  Visiting numerous homes is ideal for you to find a place that is exactly like your actual home.

Riviera Recovery Sober Living

Riviera Recovery is not only a sober living facility, but it’s also a community. Our facilities are found all over the coast so that you can practice sober living in Los Angeles and sober living in southern California. They are designed to meet everyone’s preferences with numerous services and programs available for everyone who walks through our doors. We realize that home, or at least an environment like home, is the best place for recovery, and thus we have designed our facilities for the best sort of upscale sober living just like home. Our sober houses in Los Angeles include:

Barrington House

This is a high-end facility for sober living in West Los Angeles. Barrington house was specially made to make patients undergoing drug and alcohol treatment in the Los Angeles area and its environs. It is truly made to suit the home environment with social amenities found within a walking radius of the facility. You are sure to be in a cozy environment where you can relax on the facility’s outdoor patio or play ping pong indoors as you recover. The 12 step community is also found in numerous neighboring areas with meetings taking place both during the day and at night. There are also gyms and schools nearby plus a farmer’s market once a week!

Palisades House:

This facility is a co-ed residential sober living house in Los Angeles found in an affluent neighborhood between the Santa Monica mountains and the Pacific Ocean. There’s nothing quite healing like the sound and feel of the ocean, making it the perfect location. Men and women here have different bathroom facilities and can live normal lives, all the while getting treatment. Activities such as hiking and swimming at the beach will probably make up most of your time here, and what’s not to love about that?  This facility also allows you to take part in 12 step recovery programs found in the Malibu and Santa Monica area. woman doing yoga exercise on a beach, recovery homes in santa monica, halfway house los angeles

Final word 

While the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 are top on the list of priorities in the health sector, addiction treatment isn’t any less important. In any case, you’re more likely to suffer to a greater extent if you keep an addiction problem to yourself.  Reaching out to those who are going through the same thing will always go a long way in encouraging you. Addiction treatment in isolation may not be an easy task, but it can be done with discipline and determination. Things are probably going to change once this virus has passed; don’t let it be the only thing. Protected by Copyscape
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What Does Living in a Sober House Mean?

Life after rehab or inpatient treatment can be a little challenging. Just detoxification of some drugs involves the use of tapering. Getting back to your life needs the same principle. In the late 1800s, prisoners in England transitioned from prison life to civilian life with the help of halfway houses. These houses were later used to serve various purposes, for example, to shelter the homeless or use disorder patients.  If you need help transitioning back to the community and your life, you will need to understand what a sober house is, how it works, and how it benefits you. You may also use sober house living if or you need rehab for a while longer as an outpatient. 

What is a Sober House?

sky blue couch with a pillow, sober living los angeles, couples sober living, sober living house los angeles A Sober house is a residence specially designed to host individuals discharged from use disorder inpatient treatment. People often confuse sober houses with halfway houses. Sober houses belong to individuals or private addiction treatment organizations and centers. Halfway houses, on the other hand, are owned by government agencies. Sober houses do not receive any funding from the government, which means you have to pay rent for your stay. You will have access to various programs to help you maintain sobriety. The sober house will equip you with the skills necessary to function as a sober individual. You will be able to learn skills like responsibility, how to compromise accountability, and cooking and cleaning for yourself. Sober house living is also covered under addiction rehab licenses, which makes it possible to offer various programs to help continue with treatment after treatment in an inpatient rehab clinic.

How Does it Work?

You will begin at the intake process, where you are expected to provide adequate information that will be used to support you during this. We will ask for details on your general health, mental health condition, and addiction history. The medical professionals will want to know the last time you used any substance if you are under the care of a physician or have any existing medical conditions.  Treatment consultants in sober houses are always non-judgemental, so you should be straight forward when they ask standard questions such as your education, occupation, and criminal background. Addiction consultants also take part in the intake to help prescribe the right program for your use disorder.

What Does Living in a Sober House Mean?

Living in a sober house means that you will undertake daily operations with house managers overseas. Sober houses have evolved to try and offer the best care for their residence. For example, residences like Riviera Recovery have an entire staff that is ready to assist the residents at any time. They have overnight staff or resident managers who will support you when you face cravings, and your sponsor is unavailable.  Some of the staff may not be medical professionals; however, they are well trained in addiction and recovery. Other sober houses rely on community fellowship for support counseling sessions and daily therapy.

Types of Support Available 

a smiling chef holding a cup, sober living los angeles, couples sober living, sober living house los angeles Most community based sober living Homes focus on peer recovery and support. They help establish these bonds through wellness classes outdoor excursions group therapy and 12-step meetings to stop sober houses highly recommend 12 step meetings as they have a high recovery success rate.  The use of group therapy helps residents find solutions for anxiety loss stress from addiction to depression and more. Individuals will feel less lonely when they exchange experiences and relate to what the members are going through. It helps to increase a sense of understanding, empathy, patience, support, and more, which will benefit the community as a whole. The availability of support is important in a sober house. It is a criterion you should consider when selecting which sober house to go to.

Day to Day Life in a Sober House

Rules routine and structure will have a significant impact on your sobriety. They will help you reduce seclusion feelings and outside influences that may trigger a relapse. A healthy routine will not only help with addiction treatment, but it is also used to help with mental health illnesses. The routine in a sober house will include choosing house activities or group activities. There are those residences that the residents attend a school or go to work. This is an outpatient treatment program for such facilities.  Typical activities in a sober house routine include 12-step meetings and house activities such as yoga adventure therapy or holistic treatment. Most residences have a strict visitor policy and a curfew which the residents must abide by. All the treatments and activities you partake in have proven to have a positive effect on the body mind and spirit of residents. There is also a significant emphasis on sobriety healing and self-care as they are recurring aspects of your daily life, even outside the sober house. These activities and routines prepare you for believing when you leave.

How Successful Are Sober Houses?

The biological components make it hard to maintain sobriety after a chemical dependency, but Sober Houses have high success rates. The success depends on the period you stay at the Residence. Most people spend 3 to 6 months in the facility. However, you have an increased chance of sobriety if you visit longer, especially if you have been struggling with use disorder for years. This gives your brain ample time to reset itself.  During this time, you will deal with emotional problems and their underlying causes. Time is also necessary for those struggling with mental illnesses such as depression who are chief stability. The strict house rules and peaceful environment help you to stay sober. There will be random drug tests that will discourage you from relapse.

Riviera Recovery Sober Living

The Riviera recovery sober house helps you in sobriety general wellness and independence. Our health community offers multiple services, including referrals to other outpatient programs, weekly social activities, nightly check-ins, personal trainers, 12-step meetings, food management, random drug testing, and more.  We are a team of medical professionals and non-medical professionals trained with Addiction and recovery. Our organization has two main facilities; the Palisades house and the Barrington house. They are equipped with amenities such as housekeeping private security suites, self-help library weekly family updates participation in outpatient programs weekly mentoring, and more.  a person lying on a sofa while reading a book, sober living los angeles, couples sober living, sober living house los angeles The Palisades House overlooks the Pacific Ocean from the foot of the Santa Monica mountains. You have access to various activities within the local eating places like Malibu Pacific palisades and Santa Monica. Contact us to start rehab today at this high-end facility for long-term sobriety. The Barrington house residence is an all-male location that has access to a couple of Parks and shops within walking distance. It is located in West La with easy access to Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. We offer a thriving 12-step program with daily meetings.

Final Thoughts

You can get help to help you lead a sober life in Sober houses. A sober house is a residential facility that enables you to transition back into your life after rehab. You will participate in Multiple activities to help you gain sobriety skills. Such activities include outdoor excursions group therapy, individual therapy 12-step meetings, and more. Sober houses have a high success rate, which makes them trust me.  You can start sober living today in a top facility like Riviera recovery, which is run by medical professionals who know how to handle transition. You may expect to stay in this residence for 3 to 6 months. However, the longer you stay, the better chances you have to lead a sober life over a long time.
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Sober Living Houses in Malibu

Once you complete your detox, the tricky phase of staying sober begins. Statistics show that about 40 to 60 percent of recovering addicts falter during this stage and relapse. Without proper care, you are likely to be among this group that goes back to using drugs.  Sober living homes or halfway houses are an excellent place for recovering addicts to sustain their sobriety. Many people that leave inpatient treatment centers struggle to transition into a life free from drugs without rules. Halfway houses provide the environment a recovering addict needs to transition to society. Recovering addicts that start rehab today in sober living homes have a high probability of staying sober.

What Differentiates Sober Living Homes from Inpatient Rehab Facilities 

woman looking at a laptop while talking on her phone, sober living los angeles, couples sober living There are a few differences between sober living homes and inpatient rehab centers. 
  1. Period of stay – you can stay in halfway houses for as long as you need rehab. There are no restrictions on the duration of your stay. In case the agreed period comes to an end, and you still feel that you need rehabilitation, you can extend your stay. Residential facilities offer programs for specific periods, such as 30 or 90 days.  
  2. Care – you do not have full time caregivers in halfway houses. However, addiction consultants and specialists may visit the home frequently for checkups or counseling sessions. For a residential facility, the doctors or caregivers are available full time to assist you in your recovery. 
  3. Freedom of movement – you have the freedom to move in and out of the halfway house to a large extent. This liberty enables you to integrate into a sober life in society slowly. Similarly, your friends and family have more leeway in terms of visitation. However, the facility may impose some restrictions on these movements, such as curfews and designated visiting hours. Residential facilities, on the other hand, prohibit your movement out of a rehab clinic, and they rarely allow visitors into the facility. 
  4. Routine – you follow fewer routines in halfway houses than in residential centers. Sober living homes may have a few mandatory programs, such as therapy with an addiction treatment consultant. However, you may have to occasionally perform some chores and be in bed by a given time. This routine is for helping you be responsible as you transition to society. Residential centers have daily routines. 

What Defines a Sober Living Home? 

The concept of sober living homes originated in California. It involves recovering addicts staying in a drug-free environment as they transition to society after detox. Halfway houses allow them to follow fewer rules as they integrate into the new life of sobriety. Their programs are often different, with only willing participants taking part. Consequently, they usually do not require addiction rehab licenses that other addiction facilities need to operate.  Almost all halfway houses have these characteristics:
  • They do not allow drugs in their vicinity 
  • They provide no formal treatment  
  • They encourage residents to participate in group programs such as Alcohol Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous 
  • They demand that residents comply with house rules, which provide a conducive environment for the recovery of residents and make them responsible 
  • They share costs such as rent and other expenses among residents 
  • They allow residents to stay for as long as one has the feeling that rehab is right for them.

Typical Rules in Sober Living Homes 

a man looking at a laptop outside, sober living los angeles, couples sober living, sober living house los angeles To provide a conducive environment for you and other residents, and to give you a good chance of staying sober, halfway houses have these regulations. 
  1. Nightly curfew for inhabitants 
  2. Zero drug tolerance policy 
  3. Limits on the number of guests and period of their stay 
  4. Employment requirements 
  5. Expenses and duties contributions by inhabitants 
  6. Attendance of mandatory sober home meetings 
  7. No visitors that are high on drugs
  8. Submission of samples for occasional drug tests 
  9. Attendance at the required number of counseling sessions or 12-Step gatherings 
There are fewer, less stringent regulations to be followed when staying at a sober living home. There are fewer regulations for starting life in halfway houses because they offer different services from one facility to another. Additionally, they provide unique drug rehab programs, and their residents check in willingly. 

Is Sober Living Right for Me? 

A halfway house can be ideal for you under the following circumstances. 
  • You have tried residential treatment unsuccessfully before, and you cannot stay away from drugs while at home 
  • You struggle to maintain a life of sobriety in society once you stay in a residential rehab center comes to an end 
  • It would be best if you had addiction rehab while continuing with aspects of your life, such as school or work 
  • You do not have support from your family and friends, which is often vital for sustaining sobriety in society 
  • Outpatient programs do not satisfy your drug detox treatment requirements 
Sober living may not be ideal in these situations. 
  1. You cannot afford the fees that halfway houses charge 
  2. Your addiction requires a more intensive treatment plan 
  3. You struggle to get along well with people, especially new faces, and you may violently resist their efforts to warm up to you or shut down 

Why Choose a Sober Living House in Malibu 

a group of friends hanging out by the beach, sober living los angeles, couples sober living, sober living house los angeles Choosing a facility to reside in during a sober living program can be challenging. There are many sober homes across Los Angeles, in California and beyond. Malibu is an excellent location for various reasons. 
  • Rest and recreation – getting used to a life free from drugs can be demanding. However, Malibu offers numerous outdoor opportunities to replenish your energy and enjoy your new life. You can surf, swim, hike, bask in the sun, or meditate. The scenic surroundings will make these activities enjoyable and help you through periods of mental exhaustion. 
  • Convenient location – Malibu is in a strategic area, 40 miles away from L.A. and near L.A. International Airport. This locale provides excellent proximity to aspects that can be important during your sober living. You can get away to interact with people, find a job, or travel easily while in a halfway house in Malibu. 
  • Inspiring natural beauty – Malibu has lush canyons, warm beaches, and magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. These sceneries can help you relax during your sober living, which is crucial for ensuring the program works. 
Riviera Recovery provides excellent facilities for sober living in Malibu. We believe in putting our residents’ needs first, and we commit to high-quality standards. Our sober living homes are spacious, luxurious, and comfortable. Many of our previous residents have transitioned into a drug-free life in society successfully.  We have Pacific Palisades House, which is coed and Barrington House, which is an all-male center. We developed our facilities with the help of our rehab licensing consultant, who advised us through how to start the transition towards sober living. Some of the services we offer are weekly social activities, mentor meetings, food management systems, and transportation to and from 12-step meetings. 

Conclusion 

Quitting drugs and living a sober life can be difficult. Sober living is a crucial program for recovering addicts that want to transition into a life free from drugs. Residents in sober homes follow some guidelines as they integrate into society and sobriety.  Halfway houses provide more freedom than residential facilities, and inhabitants can stay in them as long as their recovery needs it. However, it may not be ideal in specific circumstances. Sober living homes in Malibu are located conveniently near various locations, and they have beautiful scenery to help you through sober living. Reach out to Riviera Recovery today to learn how we can help you transition to sobriety.
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Do I Need Sober Living?

Statistics show that more than 770,000 Americans have overdosed on drugs since 1999. Every year, many Americans do not receive the care they need to overcome their substance use disorder (SUD). One challenge this group faces is not getting the help it needs to beat the substance dependence. They struggle to adjust to a life of sobriety.  For a recovering addict, fitting into the real world can be a struggle once you detox. Coping with various emotions, dealing with triggers, and following the rules set to preserve your sobriety can be challenging. The silver lining is that sober living homes provide recovering addicts the support they need to stay on track in their recovery. 

What Is Sober Living? 

We need to know what a sober living home is to understand sober living. A sober living home is an informal treatment facility for substance dependence. Patients in these facilities are rarely catered for by counselors or licensed mental health physicians. Once patients finish inpatient treatment, or they need a place with regulations, they can check into these centers to get the help they need to beat their addiction. The centers provide safe, stable surroundings that prohibit substance use. a family enjoying a meal, sober living near me, sober living america, sober living homes, sober living homes near me Different sober living residences have varying regulations. The individual or organization that owns and operates the facility provides the guidelines that residents should follow. These guidelines are mostly flexible, while few that may impact directly on sobriety may not be modifiable. For example, residents may formulate rules dealing with activities they engage in, but drugs within the premise are forbidden. Sober living entails staying in these facilities to learn to live with sobriety and pick up best practices that will allow you to sustain your new path. 

Rehab Programs Vs. Sober Living Houses 

There are differences between the two facilities in the way they support your path to a life free from drugs. Rehabs differ from a sober living home in the following ways:
  • Rehab programs have many rules and limit your movement in and out of the facility 
  • Rehab mainly treats people new to a drug-free life 
  • They have experts such as medical, addiction, and mental health specialists 
  • Rehabs limit your stay in the facility like in 90-day or 30-day periods 
  • Rehabs are costly

Is Sober Living Right for My Situation? 

There are specific circumstances that can make sober living ideal for you. It can be a viable option if: 
  • Your previous attempts to commit to a rehab facility did not yield the expected outcomes 
  • You are struggling to adjust to life without drugs once your residency in a rehab facility comes to an end
  • Outpatient programs do not cater to your needs 
  • You lack the support from family and friends which is often necessary to achieve and sustain sobriety 
  • You need to continue with some aspects of your life without restrictions, such as employment 
Sober living may not be appropriate for you under these circumstances:
  1. You abuse highly addictive substances or those that have severe withdrawal symptoms 
  2. The fee they charge is too expensive to you 
  3. You struggle too much to get along with new people and may turn to violence or aggression to resist their efforts of warming up to you 

Questions to Ask About Sober Living 

Understand various aspects of sober living before you become a resident of a home. This understanding will help you decide if the program is appropriate for you and prepare you for a successful stay in a home. two women having a talk while looking at each other, sober living near me, sober living america, sober living homes

Questions you should ask include:

  1. Do you conduct mandatory drug screenings? 
  2. How will we know when it is time for me to move on from residing in the home?
  3. What rules do you have regarding visitation, and can visitors spend the night? 
  4. Do you offer counseling or the 12-step program to residents?  
  5. Should any activity I want to continue doing, such as a job or schooling, be closer to the home? 
  6. How long do residents stay in your facility? 
  7. Do you have house meetings, and are they mandatory? 
  8. How do you help residents that leave the facility? 
  9. What strategies do you use to manage conflict between your residents? 
  10. Does each resident get chores? 
  11. Do you have full time practitioners to help residents? 
  12. How many residents do you have at full capacity, and are there enough facilities? 
  13. Do you have any mandatory programs that you put your residents through?  
  14. Is there any other thing that one needs to know before they become a resident in your home?

When to Move Into a Sober Living Home 

Knowing when you need to move to a sober living residential facility can be the difference between staying away from drugs and relapsing. The ideal time to move into a sober living center is once you leave a residential program, and you fear that you may struggle to sustain sobriety in the outside environment.  Once you leave a rehab facility, there will be few rules to help you stay sober on the outside. The absence of a sobriety-friendly structure increases your likelihood of relapsing. In case you find staying away from drugs difficult on the outside, it is time you check into one of the sober living homes near me.

Recommended Length of Stay

The appropriate duration for your stay in a sober living facility depends on your needs. Residents remain in the center for varying periods. While others reside for weeks or a few months, others stay in homes for extended terms. The following factors determine the time you spend in the residential establishment.

1. Your Stability in Recovery

You need to prioritize your overall well being as it is critical to staying sober. Reliable recovery entails incorporating sound coping skills, managing your cravings for drugs, and managing co-occurring disorders, such as cognitive challenges. It also involves having support from those close to you, attending counseling sessions, and using the right medications. You can leave a facility once your recovery is stable in these aspects.

2. Your Safety at Home

Once you detox, you need a safe environment to facilitate your recovery. While a sober living facility will help you adjust to a life of sobriety, it is a bridge between inpatient treatment and living on the outside. You may be ready to leave a sober living once your home environment supports your new life free from drugs. 

3. Your Comfort Level 

A sober living facility prepares you for life outside, free from drugs. It would be best if you did not struggle to transition from a sober living facility to the outside. Consider leaving the facility if you believe your transition will be quick. You should also have a strong mentality towards the rehab, sustain yourself financially, and know the significance of staying sober before leaving the sober living center.

What to Expect in a Sober Living Home 

While a sober living residential resembles life on the outside, there are some few requirements you need to know. Being familiar with these regulations helps you understand what I need to bring to sober living home, and what you will find once you become a resident in them.  a group of five students walking, sober living house, sober living houses near me, what is a sober living house

1. Unlike in Residential Treatment, You Will Enjoy Some Freedom in Sober Living Facilities

You will be able to leave the facility and return as you need. This freedom of movement is crucial as it allows you to ooze your new sober life into your activities slowly. The sober living center may still have rules that you should abide by during your stay. Expect to attend mandatory meetings and a curfew. The rules can be relaxed as you progress during your residence.  

2. Some Activities Can Be Mandatory to Attend

Know these requirements and take part in them. For example, you may have to participate in 12-step programs. These undertakings are crucial in ensuring you stay on track as you integrate into a life of sobriety. Many addicts relapse because they lack the support to get them through the challenging parts of recovery. In sober living homes, you will gain inspiration from other recovering addicts. The combination of structure and freedom also helps you prepare for life on the outside while sober.

3. Drugs Are Illegal Within the Sober Living Home

They can screen presidents to ensure that they are not using illicit substances while in sober living. You may also get some chores that keep you busy, help you bond with other residents, and keep you responsible. The homes may also have some mandatory meetings among residents or with various specialists. Residents have curfews, and visitors are barely allowed to respect everyone’s privacy. Quiet hours can be put in place to provide a conducive environment for people to get adequate sleep. 

Finding the Best Sober Living Program 

Riviera Recovery is one of the best sober living homes that seek to help recovering addicts replace bad habits with sustainable practices. Our skilled personnel are available to walk you through the crucial aspects of your sober living. At Riviera Recovery, we encourage residents to explore and experiment, within specific limits, to learn various virtues that they need to sustain their new life of sobriety. We also offer extra services once patients leave our home to help them sustain their recovery.  Riviera Recovery is famous among recovering addicts because we are clean, offer luxurious services, and we allow pets. We have facilities in West LA and Palisades. We take in a limited number of residents to provide quality services to those that gain entry. Our services include mandatory weekly in-house get together, nightly check-in, attendance at required meetings, food management system, and weekly social gatherings. These programs are to keep you on track during your transition to your life of sobriety on the outside. 

Conclusion 

Different addicts overcome their SUD in varying ways. While others have a seamless transition from an inpatient program, others need help to transition to a life of sobriety on the outside. Sober living can be an excellent way to support sobriety with a structured environment that differs from residential treatment. Preparing for moving into a sober living facility and knowing what to expect helps the program be successful.  Riviera Recovery is one of the leading sober living homes in California. We provide flexible, reliable, and affordable care for the recovering addicts that become part of our sober living program.  Contact us today to learn more about our sober living programs. 
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Best Sober Living Houses in L.A

Statistics show that the relapse rate for recovering drug addicts in America is between 40 to 60 percent. Once you detox from substances, the challenging life of managing the addiction begins. Recovering addicts ought to replace bad habits with good ones that sustain their sobriety. Keeping up with recovery demands on your own can be tough. Sober living homes provide a conducive environment that you need to adjust to a sober life.  Sober living homes, also known as transitional living arrangements, or recovery residences, provide structured surroundings to support your sobriety. Going straight from an inpatient detox program to living in society, free from many addiction treatments rules, can be challenging. Sober living houses provide the structure you need to integrate into society slowly.

The First Year of Sobriety Can Be a Challenging One 

Substance dependence will have helped you deal with stress and some emotions. Once the effects of the drugs go away, coping with these occurrences will be challenging. You will also have to cut ties with friends that you took drugs with. It will be difficult during the first year as you get new acquaintances and learn different coping techniques. Adopting healthy habits will require effort, especially in the first year of being sober. Transitional living arrangements can help you get used to a life free from drugs.

Sober Living 

Sober living is a technique that recovering addicts can use to help them stay on track. It involves staying in facilities with fewer rules than inpatient programs. You can stay in recovery residences for as long as necessary, and you will have some freedom of movement. Sober living allows recovering addicts to use structure to continue with sobriety as they slowly pick up the aspects of their lives that substance dependence might have affected. Residents engage in various programs that keep them on track.

Sober Living Homes 

What is a sober living home? Any recovering addict needs to know the answer to this question. Sober living houses are drug-free living surrounding recovering addicts. These facilities are available throughout the country, and they help former addicts embrace their sobriety.  Residents can stay in these centers until they are ready to continue with their life in society. They provide informal treatment, which makes them fly under the radar of state licensing bodies. Sober living houses have different programs that help recovering addicts. The intensity of these undertakings reduces as you get close to leaving the recovery residence. 

Specifics of Sober Living Arrangements 

Sober living houses belong to individuals, groups, or companies. These owners formulate some regulations that you will need to follow during your residence. The rules may vary from one recovery residence to another. Administrators expect you to comply with their requirements as they seek to provide a conducive sober living environment for you and other recovering addicts.  You can stay in a sober living facility for as long as your recovery needs you to reside in one. Sober living houses allow residents to continue with some aspects of their lives while returning to the facility. Some let their clients sleep away from the center during the weekend during their recovery. There will be some mandatory activities during your stay. Residents often have flexible payment arrangements, and some pay by working jobs the sober living house finds for them.  a group of people standing outside a sober living house, sober living house, sober living houses near me, sober living Some transitional living arrangements have ties with nearby treatment centers. These sober living houses liaise with the addiction treatment programs to provide the best environment for recovery and integration into a sober life. Addiction experts may come in to check on the residents frequently.  Expect some chores and mandatory programs during your stay in the recovery residence. Residents do errands to help them be responsible. Recovery is an ongoing process that will require you to make the right choices. Being accountable enables you to stay on track, and it ensures you deal with obstacles in your path by facing them. Attending group meetings, some counseling sessions, and observing curfews are mandatory. Accept these obligatory programs as they help you stay sober.

Tips for Choosing a Sober Living House  

There are many sober living facilities for you to pick one from them. While the essential services they provide are closely similar, some considerations can help you settle on the appropriate one. Sober living houses will play a vital role in your integration to a drug-free life. You need to pick the best one that will give you the best chance of a comfortable transition.   a cozy lounge room in a sober living house, sober living house, sober living houses near me, sober living transitional house

Here are tips that can help you choose the best sober living homes:

  • Central location: the home you pick should be close to your school or work, therapy, and family. This proximity will allow you to move from one point to another with ease. You can also incorporate your life out of the sober living house, at home, to the recovery. 
  • Be comfortable with the rules: different facilities have their regulations. Ensure you are conversant with them, and you are ready to live with them before checking in with them. Hastily moving in may complicate the recovery. You will be uncomfortable, and the sober living house may impose measures that you may not like. Most of these regulations are there to facilitate your transition and that of other residents to a drug-free life. Ask them to help you understand any that does not seem right with you before making your decision. 
  • Look for referrals or reviews from past and current residents: people who lived or are living in the transitional residence can paint a picture of how life in the facility is. Their referrals can be online, or you can get them by asking friends or other people you know about a sober living house. Filter their feedback to what you think may be relevant as their experience may not necessarily be similar to yours. 
  • Compare the prices: while sober living houses are often affordable compared to inpatient treatment, they charge differently. These differences in pricing could be due to the different services and luxury they provide. Pick a facility that satisfies your requirements and is within your price range. Examine their payment plans to settle on one convenient for you. 

Is a Sober Living Home the Right Choice? 

You can get an answer to this question if you meet these criteria. 
  1. You have tried living on the outside of an inpatient facility, and you struggled to stay sober 
  2. Outpatient treatment does not cater to your needs
  3. You recognize the challenge that is ahead, and you need help to transition into a life free from drugs 
  4. There is no support for your recovery from friends or your family 
  5. You need to get better while continuing with aspects of your life, such as your job or school 
If you meet these criteria, search for sober living homes near me and get into a sober living residence.

Signs That Sober Living May Not Be the Best Choice

While sober living has many benefits to many recovering addicts, it is not always a viable option for everyone. It might be inappropriate for you under these circumstances: 
  • Your addiction requires more considerable care than that provided by sober living houses 
  • You struggle to get acquainted with new faces and new surroundings 
  • Charges of recovery residences are too high such that you cannot afford them 
  • You tend to isolate yourself from people 
  • Rules, such as curfews and mandatory activities, set by others are uncomfortable 
  • You suffer from uncontrollable social anxiety 

How Do I Select the Best Sober Living Program?

a woman in a sober living house kitchen preparing a meal, sober living house, sober living houses near me, sober living Sober living houses offer unique services to residents. These guidelines can help you make the right choice of a transitional living arrangement. 
  1. Conduct your research about a facility before joining it. Know their capacity, services, and charges, among others, to see if it is right for you.
  2. Ask questions. For any vague findings that your research concludes, feel free to seek clarity from the relevant people in the recovery residence. 
  3. Know their rules in advance. Different facilities have regulations that guide their residents. These requirements could be about mandatory meetings, chores, curfews, and what do I need to bring to sober living home, among others. 
  4. Tour the sober living house. Once you have a facility you may like, visit it before seeking entry. This trip can help you confirm what you know and add to your knowledge. It will also help you see whether you can comfortably stay in the transitional living home as you recover.
  5. Talk to your treatment provider about sober living. Doctors have extensive knowledge about programs and facilities in the area. Consult them to get valuable insights that will help you make an informed choice. 

Riviera Sober Living: Best Sober Living Houses in L.A 

Riviera Recovery is among the best sober living homes in California. We believe that your recovery deserves the best care possible. 

We have two different locations:

Our Pacific Palisades sober living house is co-ed with separate washrooms for each gender. The facility has ample parking space with beautiful ocean scenery where you can take long walks. Our Barrington House located in west L.A is an all-male facility. We have a large cozy lounge area within the facility, an outdoor patio with BBQ and a library. Both sober living houses are within walking distance to a gym, yoga studios and museums within the surrounding area. Consequently, we provide a conducive environment and the care you need to safely and satisfactorily replace bad habits with good ones to support your sobriety. We host a specific number of residents at a time to ensure our residents receive quality services. Our staff support residents after their stay to ensure they continue with sobriety.  Riviera Recovery provides clean, luxury, and pet-friendly surroundings to help residents in their recovery. Our facilities in Los Angeles provide services that include some mandatory meetings, nightly check-ins, and food management systems, among others. We prioritize your recovery, and we design our programs to give you the best chance of comfortably getting used to a life free from drugs and bad habits that encouraged substance dependence. 

Conclusion 

Overcoming a substance use disorder is challenging. Once you are through with detox, the process of staying sober begins. The first year of recovery can be challenging as you adopt new habits and cut ties with people that make you susceptible to relapse. Sober living residences provide recovering addicts with a conducive environment to facilitate their recovery. Choose the best sober living houses and ensure you are ready for sober living to have the best outcomes. Riviera Recovery provides a reliable and comfortable living program for our residents. Our facilities are across California, including Los Angeles. We design our sober living procedures to ensure our clients are happy, and they transition to a drug-free life seamlessly.  Call us today (866) 478-8799 or send us a private message to learn how we can help with your recovery. 
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The Best Pet Friendly Sober Living in California

Drug addicts that get sober struggle to deal with things without the feelings that drugs gave them. Many people who abuse drugs do it to escape their emotions and cope with loneliness. When they get sober, they have to deal with these occurrences without the drugs. This fact presents a significant hurdle on their quest for a drug-free life. Failure to deal with it makes your recovery difficult, which can lead to relapse.  Transitioning from inpatient addiction facilities to live outside these centers can be challenging. Once you are out of these establishments, sustaining sobriety on the outside without the rules and structure to support you is challenging. Sober living homes, halfway houses, recovery residences, or transitional living arrangements are an excellent place to stay as you learn to live a drug-free life in society.  Pets are good companions for recovering addicts. Many recovery residences allow residents to have pets. You can come with your pet, or they have some in the facility. Riviera Recovery halfway house recognizes the importance of recovering addicts having pets. Consequently, Riviera Recovery has been among the leading facilities that leverage pet therapy to help recovering addicts. 

Pet Therapy 

woman in grey sweater carrying a dog, pet friendly sober living, pet friendly sober living los angeles Research shows that pet therapy is a reliable technique for helping recovering addicts. Pet therapy is an excellent approach as recovering addicts connect with animals, which helps them through recovery. It involves the use of animals during recovery. The unconditional love, responsibility, and joy that pets cause are beneficial to recovering addicts. They support recovering addicts and encourage them to be more open with their counselors. 

Pets Bring Joy to the Recovery Process 

Pets can be crucial during recovery from substance dependence. For example, petting a dog or a cat can enhance the dopamine and serotonin levels in your body. This increase causes a calm, relaxing effect. Recovering from addiction can be challenging. The impact that pets create brings joy and helps you through the complicated parts of recovery. Having a pet that cares for you unconditionally and does not judge you, despite your struggles, can also bring you joy. 

Pet-Assisted Sober Living 

Some transitional living arrangements allow residents to have pets in their facility. You can have a pet, such as a dog or a cat, in your room during your stay. These facilities have different regulations considering the duration of having the pet, areas you can go with them, and the activities you can engage in with them. Consult the administrators of each halfway house to know their rules concerning having pets during your sober living.  Your pet can help you during your sober living in these ways: 
  • Exercise with pets
  • Socialization 
  • Emotional support 
  • Long term, in-room stay 
  • Pet walks and relaxation 

Benefits of Pets in Sober Living 

The best sober living homes recognize the advantages of allowing their residents to have pets. After your detox, the challenge of staying sober begins. Having a pet as you transition to a life of sobriety can be beneficial. Pets offer the following benefits of the human-animal relationship. 

1. Pets Give Unconditional Love

close up image showing a man hugging a dog, pet friendly sober living, pet friendly sober living los angeles, pet friendly Addiction can make you do many things that affect your relationship with those close to you. This bad blood between you can make them struggle to support you unconditionally during your recovery. You do not have to worry about such occurrences with pets. They will be there for you throughout, and they will not criticize you as you work on getting better. This full support helps you get back on your feet and enhances your self-esteem, which is essential during recovery. 

2. Pets Can Teach You Some Things About Yourself

Animals portray complete emotional honesty. Their cues will always tell you when they are angry, happy, relaxed, or in fear. This comprehensive openness can be a vital lesson for recovering addicts. Addiction is likely to have made you numb to emotions or helped you mask them. Additionally, the animals can mirror your emotions, which can help you know your emotional state. Being truthful about your feelings can help you deal with them better. 

3. Dog Owners Are Likely to Exercise More Than People That Do Not Have Dogs 

Studies show that having a dog can make you work out more than you would without one. As you learn to live without the effects of drugs, physical activity can be helpful. Exercising keeps your body in shape to help you recover. It also makes your body release more endorphins, which trigger a positive feeling in your body. Working out also boosts the release of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These chemicals are essential in controlling your mood.

4. Pets Can Make You More Responsible

Looking after pets can be a bit demanding. However, the necessary work should not scare you. Taking up some responsibility as you adjust to life in a transitional living arrangement can be appropriate for you. Looking after a pet can encourage you to see yourself as responsible. Believing in yourself is what you need as you embark on a road of staying away from drugs. You do not have to bring one home. There are many other ways you can get pet therapy.  

5. Pets Can Help You Relate Well With Other People

Once you detox from drugs, you will need to cut off any ties with friends that increase your likelihood of relapse. Building new relationships can be scary for many people. You may struggle for some period as you start relations. Having a pet can ease this transition. Having a pet can be an excellent link to start a connection with other pet owners. Animal-related topics can also be incredible ice breakers. Isolation can make you relapse. Connecting with other people is vital for staying sober. People who are going through a similar ordeal as you often give practical advice that helps you cope.

6. Pets Can Help You Fight the Feeling of Loneliness

As you transition to a drug-free life, necessary changes can make you feel lonely. This feeling is dangerous for your new path. Recovering addicts that do not have support or people in their corners are likely to relapse. Having a pet by your side can reduce the feeling of loneliness. Pets do not endanger your new life and will always be there for you as you work on yourself. They can also help release feel-good hormones that will improve your emotional state.

Strength, Courage, and Optimism 

a woman hugging a siberian husky, pet friendly sober living, pet friendly sober living los angeles, pet friendly sober living california, pet friendly sober living near me   Adjusting to a drug-free life can be challenging. During your addiction, you might have been taking the drugs to deal with stressful situations or your emotions. You will have to learn alternative ways to cope with them during recovery. It may be difficult at first, but having a pet can give you the inspiration you need to remain sober. Look for sober living homes near me that allow residents to have pets to benefit from having one. Many dogs are energetic and playful. Their enthusiastic nature may inspire you to also be proactive in your recovery. Their movements may also make you active, which can be a form of exercise. This physical activity will release hormones that will make you delighted. Happiness can make you more susceptible to adopting the practices you need to remain sober. 

Problems With Pets in Sober Living 

Having pets in halfway houses can present some challenges to the residents. Pets can be dirty. Failure by their owners to clean after them can cause discomfort to the other residents. Pets can also move around a lot. This movement bothers the other recovering addicts or makes the animals get lost. If you fail to look after your pet, the burden often shifts to the more responsible inhabitants of the recovery residence. 

Sober Living and Pet Allergies 

Some residents of halfway houses are allergic to pets. Sober living facilities must ensure that all the inhabitants of the facility get a conducive environment to adjust to a life of sobriety. The common practice is for the recovering addicts to undergo a medical background check before admission. Those that are allergic to pets and gain entry get their pet-free section.   

Finding a Pet-Friendly Sober Living 

Riviera Recovery acknowledges the significance of allowing residents in our sober living homes in California to have pets. We have been at the forefront of leveraging pet therapy to help recovering addicts. Residents get to benefit from pets in our luxurious, spacious, clean, and pet-friendly surroundings.    We have experienced staff on hand to help you when you need them. We take in a specific number of residents to ensure all our inhabitants receive the quality environment they need to adjust to a life of sobriety. Our clients are important to us, and we take an interest in ensuring they stay sober. We provide post-sober living care to help them integrate after they leave our facility.  We have facilities in Malibu and Los Angeles. These centers provide several services. Our services include nightly check-in, food management system, weekly social meetings, attendance at the necessary gatherings, and mandatory weekly in-house get together. You can have your pet through some of these activities while in Riviera Recovery.

Final Word 

While experts agree that pets can be beneficial to recovering addicts, not every halfway house allows residents to have pets. Finding one that permits you to have a pet can make a significant difference in your quest to sustain your sobriety. Pets have many benefits to recovering addicts despite the challenges of having one. They can make you more responsible, keep you company, support you unconditionally, and help you exercise.  Riviera Recovery knows that pets can help people in sober living facilities. Therefore, we allow our residents to have pets. We have a few regulations to help get the best of pets without inconveniencing other inhabitants of the halfway house.  Check what you need to bring to a sober living home to know if you can bring a pet. Our clean, luxurious, pet-friendly environment is the right place for you to learn how you will sustain your sobriety.  Reach out to us via (866) 478-8799 or send us a confidential message to know how we can help you adjust to recovery.
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