Do you remember what it is like to live sober? To wake up each and every day with clarity and focus? To handle responsibilities and daily life with ease? Or maybe that does not sound like you at all. Perhaps life before your addiction was plagued with frustrations, sorrows, and struggles. And that may be what led to your substance abuse in the first place. Amidst an addiction, when alcohol or drugs have a firm grip on your life, the thought of a sober life can be enticing. Getting sober is within reach, one step at a time, with the guidance of a life skills training program.
If you are ready to take your addiction treatment to the next level, you need the support of continued therapy and sober housing. Westwind Recovery® has got you covered with the most desirable sober living houses in the Los Angeles area, along with top-rated holistic and behavioral therapy programs. Give us a call today at 855.340.8832 to learn more about how we can help you enjoy a healthy, sober future.
Taking the First Step to Sober Living
You probably already know this but taking the first step toward sobriety is extremely hard. You want to be free and end the cycle of addiction. Yet, you know that doing so means an uphill battle and a change of life as you know it. Remember that fear is no match for your sober self. When you feel empowered enough to take that first step, you are already on your way. It may be scary and possibly even downright terrifying. But ultimately, you will survive. The most important thing is to keep going.
Sober Living Involves Making Changes
As you begin acting upon your decision to get sober, you realize that you have to make some changes and tough decisions. Most importantly, you have to decide whether to seek treatment or try to do it on your own. Getting sober is hard work, and it can be easier with professional help. No matter how you choose to face it, change is inevitable, and you will have to:
- Find new friends.
- Change your routine.
- Find different places to hang out.
- Learn to be more honest.
- Own your mistakes.
These changes are vital to your success in recovery.
Struggles You May Encounter in Sober Living
Getting sober is a long journey with ups and downs, and you may encounter struggles that you feel ill-equipped to handle. Here are some tips:
- Being around others who still use drugs or alcohol can be difficult and possibly damaging to you. You may feel a sense of loneliness until you find a new crowd of sober folks.
- You might get bored. You have spent much of your time chasing a fix, and when that activity is gone, what will you do to replace it? This can lead to a sense of restlessness and boredom until you find healthier activities to fill your time.
- Your emotions may intensify early in recovery, and you may feel as though you cannot get a grip on your feelings.
- While getting sober, you will need to keep your stress at bay. You are already dealing with an incredible task, so try to keep everything else as simple as possible.
Letting go of your guilt and forgiving yourself for your past mistakes are perhaps the biggest struggles you encounter while getting sober. It is common to want to beat yourself up for the hurt caused, the choices made, and the actions taken, but the good news is that sobriety gets better with time.
The Top Benefits of Sober Living
Living a sober life may not get easier, but it does get better. In fact, there are many benefits to being sober, including:
- Feeling better about yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically
- Having more money in your pocket
- Meeting new people on a similar recovery path
- Starting life with a fresh beginning
- Finding time to explore your passions
- Increasing your self-worth
The list can keep going with overflowing blessings that come with the hard work and determination of sobriety.
Sober Living Homes in Los Angeles Can Support Lasting Recovery
Not everyone has a healthy home environment for getting sober, and even those who do may not feel strong enough to live there. Too much freedom and not enough sober strength can lead to a relapse. Try sober living houses in Los Angeles to gain strength and avoid relapsing. Some advantages of sober living homes in Los Angeles include:
- Giving you guidance in all things related to your future: help with job searches, resume prep, interview tips, and educational goals
- Holding group sessions with other residents to offer ongoing support.
- Requiring mandatory chores and setting schedules for when you will be coming and going, which builds responsibility and trust
- Teaching daily living skills that are necessary to maintain a healthy, stable life outside of the facility
Sober living residences offer you a place to live while reintegrating back into the world as your new and improved sober self. They provide you room and board and give you a safe, structured environment where you can learn how to remain sober for the long term.
Taking Care of Yourself in Sober Living
Good self-care can help you get sober, stay sober, and live sober. Try these tips and watch your new, sober life transform:
- Embrace the change you are going through.
- Learn coping skills, breathing techniques, and meditation.
- Keep a gratitude journal.
- Discover some new hobbies.
- Begin a fitness program.
- Volunteer your time. You might be surprised at how much doing good for others can make you feel good too.
The best thing you can do to get and live sober is focus on today. Do not worry about tomorrow or remain stuck in the past. Live now and live free.
Westwind Recovery®: Sober Living Houses in Los Angeles to Support Your Recovery
Westwind Recovery® is dedicated to your lifelong recovery, so we provide the best sober living houses in Los Angeles. We can help you transition from inpatient treatment to your new sober life. Call us today at 855.340.8832 to find out how our sober living homes can benefit your recovery.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
