Alcohol or drug detox and subsequent treatment are just the beginning of the recovery process. Upon completing inpatient or outpatient treatment, the hard work of re-establishing yourself into your community, and society as a whole, as a sober person begins. For many, especially those who did not have a supportive and healthy environment before treatment, transitioning directly back home following treatment is an overwhelming prospect. For them, sober living programs are ideal. The ultimate goal of sober living programs is to help individuals maintain sobriety in the early stages of recovery.
Westwind Recovery® offers seven world-class sober living houses conveniently located throughout the greater Los Angeles area. If you seek a supportive, comfortable, healthy living environment to help maintain your sobriety, call 855.340.8832 to learn more about our sober living program.
How to Choose a Sober Living Program
Sober living houses have strict rules and requirements designed to provide the structure needed to help keep you on track in your sobriety. Adherence to the rules is a requirement of the program. All residents in the sober living program must submit to random drug testing.
Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs tend to be short-term, leaving many feeling ill-prepared to jump back into regular life with both feet. Sober living programs provide the opportunity to live in a home setting and practice the skills you learned in treatment in a supportive environment with like-minded people. However, not all sober living programs are created equal. Here are some things to look for in a qualified program:
- Certification of the home by a credible agency
- Licensing and certification of all staff
- Program size
- Specialized programs, such as men only, women only, or designed for LGBTQI residents
- Level of support
- Quality of accommodations and amenities
- Phases of restriction
How long you choose to stay in a sober living program will depend upon your personal needs and goals. At Westwind Recovery®, the minimum stay is 30 days. Research indicates that those who participate in programming for nine months or longer have the most success with long-term recovery.
The Many Benefits of Sober Living Programs
In the recovery world, the benefits of sober living programs are well-known, which is why so many medical and clinical professionals recommend this course following inpatient or outpatient rehab. Once you have committed to accepting treatment for your drug or alcohol abuse or addiction, getting sober is a relatively quick process. Staying sober is where the most challenging work and most commitments are necessary. Returning home immediately following treatment often threatens the sobriety of even the most determined individuals. When recovery is so new, the stressors and triggers you might encounter, such as unhealthy relationships, housing insecurity, and unemployment, can significantly increase the risk for relapse.
In a sober living program, you are surrounded by others facing the same challenges and therefore uniquely qualified to provide support. The program’s structure keeps you busy and engaged in ongoing programming like individual counseling, group therapy, and support groups. While you have independence, the rules and regulations of the program keep distractions and temptations at bay.
In addition to providing guidance and support, other significant benefits include:
- Development of meaningful sober relationships
- Rebuilding and reimplementation of life skills
- Creating easier transition to mainstream life
- Learning accountability
- Reducing the risk for relapse
- Housing and food stability
- Access to services and amenities
Each of the Westwind Recovery® sober living houses is unique in its style and activities. However, they all offer the same basic amenities, including food, utilities, WIFI, computer equipment, toiletries, cleaning supplies, laundry facilities, fully outfitted kitchens, pool, and hot tubs. Visit our website to learn more about the specifics of each house.
Learn More About Sober Living at Westwind Recovery®
Sober living programs provide guidance and support to residents in the early stages of recovery and serve as a bridge to independent living. Statistics show that individuals who participate in transitional sober living programs have more success maintaining their sobriety. You don’t have to struggle alone. Find the support you deserve by calling Westwind Recovery® at 855.340.8832 to learn more about our sober living programs.
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.
