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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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Halfway Houses Vs. Sober Living Houses. What Is the Difference?

Aftercare is a very important aspect of drug use disorder treatment. The very first days or weeks are especially hard for patients who have just completed an inpatient detox program. Recovering addicts will experience multiple triggers and cravings, which will eventually lead to relapse. Most patients will take some time to get back into their lives. They usually choose to live in either living halfway houses or sober living houses. People often confuse the two because both are facilities used to help people ease from use disorder inpatient treatment to fully independent living. You should opt for either of these if you feel you need a little more time to stabilize before you can resume your healthy life. Halfway houses and sober living houses still have differences you need to consider before you select which facility you will spend your time in. 

What is a Halfway House?

woman in a yellow sweater sitting on a couch in a sober living home, sober living los angeles, couples sober living A halfway house is a residential facility that serves multiple groups of people who need rehab. Some are meant for people transitioning from prison life or jail other use for individuals who have a chronic mental illness, and others are house individuals aim towards sober living. In some cases, halfway houses are used to shelter the homeless. The Federal Government usually funds halfway, which eliminates all costs or maintains it at a low cost to the patients. There are public facilities and government agencies that operate them. The court orders most of the individuals to halfway houses. These residences normally offer a room and board facilities. There are a few of them that offer some therapeutic treatment and support, but in most cases, it is not available. However, they do offer group meetings that promote sober living and reinforce recovery.

The History of Halfway Houses

Halfway houses were introduced in the 18th century in England. Initially, they were meant to house and rehabilitate juveniles who had committed crimes. The United States adopted these residences to house individuals who had just left prison. Over time these houses have been used to shelter the homeless and, in recent times, two house individuals who have left an inpatient rehab facility.

What is a Sober Living House?

A sober living house is a residence owned by a private organization or individual for profit. Individuals sign up for a space in such residences voluntarily. These facilities vary from low cost and low amenity accommodations to luxurious accommodations. They are also available in diverse styles, for example, faith-based accommodations, 12-step accommodation, holistic residences, and more. The diversity makes it possible to offer a large number of people the appropriate help to transition from patient treatment to their healthy lifestyle. Sober living residences have strict rules and a zero-tolerance policy for substance possession and abuse. You do not necessarily have to start with an addiction treatment program before you join any sober living house. However, you will need to participate in their applications and weekly house meetings.

The Difference Between Sober Living and Halfway Houses

The right residence is necessary for practical sobriety skills. Differences between sober living and halfway houses will help you determine which residence is suitable for your sobriety skills and long-term recovery and abstinence. Some of the major differences include:
  1. A sober living house is usually run by an addiction treatment center or an individual. Halfway houses are funded by the government and operated by its agencies.
  2. Individuals go to sober living houses voluntarily. On the other hand, individuals will go to Halfway houses under Court orders.
  3. Halfway houses are built like dorms, while sober living houses are structured like private residences. As a result, sober living houses offer more privacy and comfort.
  4. These residences have a major cost difference. Halfway houses are cheaper because they get their funding from taxpayer’s money. However, the low price comes with fewer amenities. Sober living houses cost more, but insurance companies can help with the bill. The higher costs mean better services and facilities.

What Happens at a Sober Living Home?

Sober living houses host individuals suffering from various types of addictions, but behavioral addictions such as sexual compulsion or gambling are less common. Individuals who have a hard use disorder for the following substances have responded positively to a sober living environment—cocaine heroin alcohol methamphetamine. There are expectations and rules of living in a sober living home. two women having a conversation in a sober living house, sober living los angeles, couples sober living, sober living Sober living homes have staff members who are responsible for enforcing these rules to ensure that the environment is free of drugs and the individuals you are not tempted to relapse. As a resident in a Sober Living Home, you are expected to maintain sobriety, find work or go to job interviews, observe the curfew laws, complete the delegated choice in time and some facilities have mandatory 12 steps and recovery programs. You get to choose the period or the days to leave, but usually, the length of stay is between 3 to 12 months, which offers ample time to regain your security in terms of employment and sobriety. There are random drug tests in sober living Homes to ensure you the Residence is free of drugs. You can leave the sober living home after the agreed period, or you can leave freely if the court has not ordered you to be at the residence.

Halfway House Activities

  • Initiate your search for employment. You have access to a support system that schedules time for making applications and attending interviews.
  • Make living and housing arrangements. Some individuals will visit halfway houses and do not own a home. These residences present and time to look for housing. Others fear that their own homes may trigger a relapse. However, towards the end of your stay, you need to make housing arrangements and rules on how you will cope with Temptations and cravings.
  • Adjust to leading a sober life. You may be experiencing withdrawal symptoms and Temptations to relapse. The Residence has rules which will help you adjust two following these rules and leading a sober life.
  • Make amends. Actions of individuals who engage in substance use disorder affect those around them. You should try to reach out and make amends for your efforts. It is a liberating process that helps you rebuild your support network.

Riviera Sober Living – West Los Angeles Sober Living Homes

Riviera is a health and wellness community that sets its goals around wellness, independence, and community. We have a team of experienced local addiction consultants that help you to ease back into the community from a sober living facility. Our services focus on safety, empowerment, and support. We offer multiple services, including weekly mentor meetings, nutrition meetings, 24/7 rehab consulting staff, food management systems, random drug testing, weekly social activities, and more. Our organization offers two main facilities located in West Los Angeles. Palisades house is a coed residence, and the Barrington house only hosts male residents. You can choose between the two based on the convenience of the location and the type of patients admitted in the Residence. We have staff waiting ready to help you start your transition to living a healthy life today. 

Final Word

Sober living homes and halfway houses offer residences to help you back into your life and your community. Their main goal is similar, but they have significant differences, for example, most individuals go to Halfway houses under court order. In contrast, most individuals who visit sober living Homes go voluntarily. You will have access to addiction consultants who are ready to offer assistance at any time. Sober houses are usually more convenient and offer better amenities than halfway houses. Visit a halfway house If you wish to save on cost or are under court instructions. 
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Why Choose Sober Living?

You may have heard that going back home after a sting at rehab is actually not always be a good idea. But why? 

The Difficult Decision

Most people get out of rehab, convinced that they can return to the same negative environment that once fueled their addiction and manage to stay clean for the rest of their lives. However, it’s true what they say that being at an in-patient program is the easiest part of maintaining sobriety.  This is because you are safely tucked away in a setting that safeguards your choices and keeps you in check. In that sober environment, you don’t have the stress of everyday living to worry about or are forced to deal with triggers like particular locations or specific people. This is why most individuals leave rehab feeling very confident in their sobriety only to return home and find that they cannot cope with daily responsibilities, toxic relationships, and everything else that comes with being sober. 

The Right Choice

This is where sober living programs come in handy, and it is, by all means, the right choice for people who are fresh out of treatment. While these programs are a lot less intensive than rehabilitation centers and provide clients the freedom to leave if work or responsibility demands it, and even attend outside meetings and visit loved ones, they have been shown to offer the best defense for long-term sobriety.   No two sober living facilities are alike; however, what the most reputable facilities have in common is that they provide structure while offering support and encouragement through early recovery. They also ensure that the safety of the residents comes first, which means that they aren’t allowed to bring contraband such as drugs and alcohol while additionally being required to submit to random drug and alcohol tests to mitigate unsafe behavior. Sober living homes are designed to be more intensive for a shorter length of time, however, since they are funded primarily by the residents, individuals can typically stay for as long as necessary.   A licensed and fully furnished sober living home like Riviera Recovery offers countless learning experiences, opportunities, therapies, and essential life skills that patients can incorporate into their daily life in order to make the transition back into society much easier. In addition to regular drug testing, such facilities tend to also provide individual therapy, family therapy, animal therapy, group therapy, and so much more.   Anyone who wants to learn to live without the use of alcohol or other drugs needs a structured and safe, reminiscent-of-home type place that is dedicated to creating a supportive, safe, substance-free environment. Therefore, if you or a loved one is thinking about entering a sober living home, ensure the facility you join has the following characteristics to receive the highest quality care possible:
  •   Offer numerous support services
  •   Provide employment or education assistance to help you establish a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle and a new sense of purpose
  •   Provide both off and onsite support staff, while enforcing strict resident rules and regulations
  •   It should be a clean, structurally sound facility that provides comfortable beds, furniture, and fully functional appliances
  •   Provided regular, scheduled interventions including drug and alcohol tests to keep you accountable to your sobriety goals