According to a recent review, addiction continues to impact every segment of American society. In fact, drug use is continuing to rise with 23.5 million Americans now addicted to alcohol and drugs. That’s about one in every 10 Americans above the age of 12.
In order words, the entire population of Texas.
Unfortunately, only 11% of the people suffering from addiction receive treatment. That’s one in 10 people, or 2.6 million Americans.
If you recently completed rehab, it’s important to continue using the skills you acquired throughout your rehabilitation. Finding sober living homes in Los Angeles could help. A sober living facility can help you maintain your sobriety long-term.
Not sure where to start your search? Here are eight tips that can help you find sober living facilities in Los Angeles. With these tips, you can narrow down your options to find the best sober living Southern California can offer.
Start your search and discover how to maintain your sobriety with these easy tips today.
1. Consider the Location
Don’t rush to search for “sober living apartments Los Angeles” just yet. First, consider where in Los Angeles you want to stay. Choosing a specific location can help you narrow down your options from the start of your search.
Some people prefer to find a location that’s close to family, to plan for future visits.
Others look for sober living homes near job opportunities or their current office.
Make a list of amenities you want to find in the area. Then, start researching different neighbors in Southern California. For example, you might want to choose the best sober living apartments Los Angeles can offer based on:
- Nearby healthcare providers you might visit regularly
- Public transportation options available nearby
- Grocery stores and other shopping options
- The area’s current job market
- Activities and sporting arenas you can enjoy sober
- A nearby laundromat
- Recover meeting locations nearby
Above all else, make sure the location is safe.
Make a list of potential sober living facilities in Los Angeles. Then, visit each location on your list. Do you feel comfortable exploring that area alone?
If you don’t feel safe in that location, scratch it off your list. You don’t want the area you’re in to become a distraction. Otherwise, it could impact your sobriety.
For example, you don’t want to choose a location near any bars or drug dens. Instead, make sure you can avoid all temptations. Choosing the right sober living facility should benefit your sobriety above all else.
2. Check Their Credentials
Before you move into a Los Angeles sober living house, take the time to review its credentials. Find a facility that’s licensed.
It’s important to note that sober living facilities aren’t regulated by local, state, or national agencies. Choosing a facility with the proper accreditation can give you peace of mind. Otherwise, an unlicensed facility might fail to provide top-notch services.
They could struggle to provide you with the help you need as a result.
Instead, ask each sober living home for proof they’re licensed and accredited. You can rely on these facilities to offer better programs. A licensed facility will also dedicate itself to efficient management as well.
For example, you can look for a facility that’s backed by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR).
Otherwise, ask the facility about the standards they strive to meet. How do they maintain those standards?
If they don’t have an answer, you might want to look for help elsewhere.
3. Review the Rules
Over 67,300 people overdosed on drugs in a single year. If you want to find the best sober living Los Angeles can offer, look for structure. The best sober living homes in California will expect you to follow specific rules.
These rules will ensure you can maintain your sobriety. Otherwise, a lack of structure could make the transition difficult.
Ask what rules the home expects you to follow. These rules could involve:
- Romantic relationships
- Prescription medications
- Visitors
- Drug testing
- Recovery programs
- Group activities
For example, some sober living homes will expect you to undergo random drug testing. Others will require you to participate in group activities.
You might need to work with a sober living coach while you’re at the facility, too. They can help you maintain your sobriety.
If you’re ever struggling, you’ll have the resources you need, just a few steps away.
Ask the facility how they plan on enforcing these rules. What happens if a rule is broken? Some facilities have a zero-tolerance policy.
Their zero-tolerance policy can help you remain accountable. You’ll know to remain honest with yourself and others about your sobriety. Otherwise, you could lose your spot in the home.
Some rules are less severe. For example, you might need to contribute to daily chores. You’ll need to remain on time with your rent as well.
Ask for a written list of each facility’s rules. Choose a sober living home that has the structure you need to remain sober.
4. Consider Their Reputation
According to this study, sober living homes could significantly reduce the severity of alcohol and drug problems in the country. Not all sober living facilities are the same, though. Before making your choice, head online.
Try to read reviews regarding different facilities in the area.
These reviews can help you separate the “okay” sober living homes from the best in Los Angeles. You can learn more from people who were once in your shoes.
What problems did residents experience while living in that home? Did the facility offer the help and resources they needed? Would they recommend you find another facility instead?
You might find one or two negative reviews. That’s normal.
If the bad outweighs the good, scratch that location off your list.
Reading reviews about multiple sober living homes in California can help you narrow down your options. You can feel more confident in your choice knowing what you’re getting into.
5. Schedule a Tour
As you start narrowing down your options, consider visiting a few sober living homes in Los Angeles. Scheduling a tour will help you spot potential warning signs. You can also differentiate each facility based on your own criteria.
Remember, you’ll want to make sure the facility is in a safe location. Otherwise, make sure the atmosphere suits your reference.
Are the residents there happy? Their happiness could indicate your potential happiness, too.
Talk to a few residents during your visit. Ask for their opinion about the sober living home.
They could help you gain an insider’s perspective.
During your tour, ask about what services the sober living home offers. For example, you might benefit from a certified peer recovery program.
Ask if they can help with educational planning, too.
Make sure the facility is clean. Otherwise, a lack of cleanliness could mean a lack of structure, too.
Don’t forget to ask about the rules while you’re there! You’ll want to develop realistic expectations before moving in. If there aren’t any rules in place, you might struggle to maintain your sobriety.
Choose the best sober living Southern California can offer based on your needs and expectations.
6. Ask About the Staff
As you visit different sober living homes in Los Angeles, take time to learn more about the staff. Each Los Angeles sober living house should have a qualified team on-site.
If they don’t have staff members living at the facility, who will you turn to when you need help?
You can speak with some of the staff members during your tour to learn more about how they can help. For example, what qualifications do they have? How long have they worked in that facility?
Consider the staff-to-resident ratio, too. If the staff is grossly outnumbered, consider a different facility.
Otherwise, they might struggle to offer the help you need.
7. Consider the Cost
You can narrow down your options for sober living LA homes by reviewing the pricing.
Ask each facility about the rent. What other costs will you need to cover?
Some facilities charge monthly room and board. However, you don’t want to find out about hidden costs after you move. Get an itemized list of everything before you move into a facility.
8. Avoid Potential Problems
It helps to know what red flags to look for before you move into a facility. The best sober living facility Los Angeles can offer will want to provide the best experience for residents.
First, make sure to avoid any facility that claims it’s free. During a tour, make sure the facility is clean. If they don’t hire qualified professionals, scratch them off your list.
Make sure they have admissions requirements and require drug testing, too.
Do Your Due Diligence: 8 Tips for Choosing Sober Living Homes in Los Angeles
Don’t rush to move into the first sober living home you find online. Instead, use these tips to vet your options. With these tips, you can find the best sober living homes Los Angeles can offer.
Want to discuss your road to recovery? We’re here to help.
Contact us today to get started.