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Originally Posted On: Sober Living in Orange County CA: What to Look for When Seeking Help | (tasterecovery.com)

 

About 23.5 million Americans are addicted to alcohol and drugs. Unfortunately, only 11% of those seek treatment. In other words, about 20 million Americans lack the help and care they need. Without proper treatment, you or your loved one could overdose. It’s not enough to seek treatment, though. You also need to consider long-term care. By finding sober living in Orange County CA, you can reduce the chances of a relapse.

Not sure how to start your search? Here are the seven factors you should keep in mind. With this guide, you can find the best Orange County sober living options available.

You can reduce your risk of relapsing and maintain your sobriety!

Start your search with these easy tips today.

Location

Start your search by Googling “Sober living in Orange County CA.” A few dozen options will likely pop up. You can start narrowing down your options by determining each sober home’s location.

The sober living home you choose will become your home for some time. It’s important to find a place you feel safe in. You’ll also want to make sure you have easy access to nearby necessities.

To narrow down your options, ask yourself:

• Is the sober living home close to my school or work?
• Is the home in a safe location that’s conducive to my recovery?
• Can I access a grocery store by public transport, a car, or walking?
• Can I get to a healthcare provider easily?
• Are there recovery meetings nearby?
• Will I have access to a laundromat if there’s not a washer or dryer on-site?
• Are there fun, sober activities available nearby?
• What is the local job market and economy like?
• Is the area projected to grow, or is the population decreasing?

You’ll want to avoid any areas that are in dangerous neighbors or near bars. After all, you’ll want to avoid any triggers.

If you’re relocating to Orange County to find a sober living home, explore the area. Make sure you feel safe. Relocating can help you start fresh in a new place.

You might find it motivating to explore the sober living homes Orange County can offer.

Licensing

Don’t rush to choose the first Huntington Beach sober living option you find. Instead, do your due diligence. The more research you complete, the more confident you’ll feel in your decision.

It’s important to choose Costa Mesa sober living homes that will provide you with the support services you need. Otherwise, you’ll struggle to accomplish your recovery goals.

Many sober living houses aren’t regulated by local, state, or national agencies. You can narrow down your options by looking for accreditation and licensing.

A licensed, accredited sober living home is committed to proper management. They’ll provide the best programs in the area. Their commitment to excellence can give you peace of mind.

Make sure the sober living home maintains a high standard of care. You can look for locations that are backed by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR).

Once you find an accredited, licensed location, consider their policies. Do they have a strict, no-tolerance policy for alcohol and drugs? They should want their residents to avoid all temptations and triggers during their recovery.

Take a Tour

Take the time to visit the Anaheim sober living home’s Google My Business listing. Check online for client reviews and testimonials, too. Reading reviews will help you learn more about the sober living home from residents.

Were they comfortable? Did they find the help they needed? Were they satisfied with the experience?

You can narrow down your options for sober living in Orange County CA by scheduling a tour. Visit at least three locations.

While you’re there, ask yourself:

• Would I feel comfortable here?
• Would I feel happy?
• Can they provide the help and care I need?
• Do the current residents look happy and comfortable?
• What’s the atmosphere like?

Talk to a few of the residents. Ask them any questions you have on your mind.

During your tour, ask a staff member more about the following areas.

Aesthetics

You’re going to live in this sober living home for some time. Make sure the aesthetics suit your needs.

For example, do you feel comfortable leaving your belongings there? Where will you eat and sleep? Is there a comfortable place where you can spend your time?

If you’re not comfortable, you might struggle to focus on your sobriety.

You might want to consider a sober living home that offers luxury amenities. Otherwise, look for a sober living home with low crime nearby.

Occupancy

How many people are currently living in the sober living home? If it’s too packed, you might not feel comfortable. If occupancy is low, there’s possibly something wrong with that location.

Speak with a few of the residents there. Do they feel safe? Why did they decide to choose that sober living home?

A home with overcrowding issues might not provide you with the help you need.

Sobriety Assistance

What recovery support services do they offer? How will they help you maintain your sobriety?

If you’re committed to your sobriety long-term, look for:

• Employment assistance
• Drug testing
• Volunteer placement
• Access to IOP
• Educational planning
• Certified peer recovery programs

How does the sober living home promote a sober environment? Do they ask residents to submit to urine screenings? Do they ban substances that contain alcohol?

Do they refuse to admit visitors who are still under the influence?

Find a home with a zero-tolerance policy. Otherwise, someone else’s drug or alcohol use could trigger a relapse.

12-Step Philosophy

About 67,367 people overdosed within a single year. If you want to avoid a relapse and overdose, look for a sober living home that offers the services you need.

For example, some homes adopt 12-step philosophies. Their 12-step model can encourage you to attend meetings and find the help you need. You can maintain your sobriety as a result.

Retention Rates

One study on sober living houses concluded the average lengths of stay surpassed the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s recommendation. Patients reduced or stopped their substance use after six months. They maintained their sobriety as well.

When searching for sober living in Orange County CA, check each sober home’s retention rate.

Have their previous residents maintained their sobriety?

It’s sometimes difficult for homes to determine their retention rates. You can ask:

• What’s the longest period of time someone stayed at this home?
• What was the shortest period of time?
• If people leave, why?
• How does the program encourage people to stay enrolled?
• Do senior members have more responsibilities?

Speaking with someone who has maintained their sobriety for a long period of time could equip you with the tools you need.

Review the Rules

As you explore Santa Ana sober living homes, look into each location’s rules. What requirements and expectations do they have? You don’t want to commit to residency until you have an understanding of their rules.

For example, is random drug testing part of their process? Do they require residents to participate in recovery programming? Does the home offer one-on-one peer accountability?

You could benefit from having a sober coach.

Ask about the visitor policy, too. Remember, you’ll want to avoid anyone who can trigger a relapse.

What’s the home’s policy on romantic relationships? Getting into a relationship with someone who has struggled with addiction could trigger a relapse.

What’s the home’s policy on drugs and alcohol? Do they allow prescription medications?

What activities are planned for residents?

Asking these questions can help you narrow down your options based on your needs.

Consider the Staff

Take the time to ask questions about the San Clemente sober living home’s staff members, too. Trained staff members can play a big role in how residents feel there.

During your tour, ask:

• What qualifications do the staff members have?
• Do they live on-site?
• What’s the staff-to-resident ratio?
• Do they provide peer guidance?
• Are any of the staff members in recovery?
• How long have they worked at that sober living home?
• How do they interact with residents?
• How do they keep residents accountable for their sobriety?

Look for a sober living home that has a disciplined, trained, yet caring staff. These staff members will enforce the rules. They’ll provide consistent help, too.

Financial Requirements

Before choosing among the sober living homes Orange County can offer, make sure you can afford it.

Does the home charge a monthly fee for room and board? You might have to cover your own:

• Transportation
• Food
• Hygiene products

Do you plan on enrolling in an intensive outpatient program? Your health insurance might cover some of the costs. Make sure to ask the sober living home if they accept your insurance beforehand.

Red Flags

To narrow down your options, it’s important to learn how to recognize red flags. Avoid sober living homes that:

• Don’t have a qualified staff
• Are unsafe
• Look rundown or dirty
• Don’t require drug testing
• Don’t have admissions requirements
• Claim they’re free
• Don’t adhere to regulatory inspections
• Don’t have rules for the residents

If any of these red flags sound familiar, cross that location off your list. Keep these FAQs in mind, too.

Sober Living in Orange County CA: 7 Tips for a Successful Search

Want to maintain your sobriety long-term? Look into sober living in Orange County CA. With these tips, you can narrow down your options.

Then, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve chosen the best sober living home in the area.

Want to speed up your search? We can help.

Start your search today!