subject: How To Find The Best Sober Living Here Is San Diego. [print this page] Hello, thank you for your interest in the San Diego recovery community! I am a San Diego native that owns two sober livings here in La Jolla, and also a 28 bed facility in East County. I am very passionate about the work we do and would like to offer a free guide for anyone looking for a sober living home. Here are some tips and information I know you will find valuable.
What to expect from a structured sober living home-
Structured sober living homes are the most effective for individuals that fresh out of residential rehab or new in recovery. The important distinction here is that structured sober living homes have a program which requires residents to participate in recovery centered activities throughout the day. These activities may include morning meditation meetings, 12 step book study groups, trips to the gym, community activities such as golfing, hiking, and madatory outside 12 step meetings. Structured sober livings are much better for people that new at living sober. Program structure gives residents productive activities to do together. Having a set daily schedual developes reduces stress and anxiety. When residents know what to expect in their weekly schedual they feel much more comfortable and stable.
Are co-ed sober livings a smart choice?
Co-ed sober living homes are probably the worst place for a person new in recovery to live. Most places which are co-ed are ran by people who are just trying to keep their houses full with paying clients. As the economy has gotten worse, we have seen many homes that were men only, or women only, convert into co-ed homes to stay in business. Short term financial need has caused these homes to spring up left and right. It is important to find a place that has a good reputation and a proven track record of integrity.
Here are 7 ways to avoid choosing a bad sober living home:
ALWAYS...
1. Visit the property and make sure the home is clean.
2. Count the number of beds per room and make sure there is not an overcrowding of residents in the house.
3. Ask to meet the house manager and interview him/her. Be sure to ask the house manager how long he/she has been sober and which meeting they personally attend.
4. Ask how often residents are drug tested. Ask to see a drug test to make sure they have them on the premises.
5. Make sure the home is not co-ed. Homes that house both men and women who are early in recovery create more problems than imaginable.
6. Ask for references from alumni and treatment centers. Most good sober living homes have relationships with local hospitals and doctors.
7. Ask to tour the house while most of the residents are at home so that you can see the type of people you will actually be living with.
Common problems that people experience at sober living homes.
Poor management standards are a typical complaint. By visiting a sober living in person, you can get a fair idea of how tight of a ship is being run by the manager. If you see a messy kitchen or dirty bathrooms, that is a huge warning sign not to choose that house.
People relapse and are not asked to leave. Sober living homes which do not enforce their zero tolerance policy are dangerous and you should move out as soon as possible. There are plenty of good homes that maintain a drug and alcohol free environment.
Lack of structure. Sober living homes which do not require 12 step meetings, curfews, or random drug testing are very ineffective and are not recommended. Find a home that has a solid recovery based structure.
