About 88,000 people die every year due to alcohol-related causes. In fact, alcohol is the fourth-leading preventable cause of death in the US. If your loved one struggles with drug or alcohol use, it’s important to help them seek help.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, many people relapse after a period of sobriety. In fact, about 90% of people with alcoholism relapse within four years of completing treatment.<\/p>\n
You can help your loved one by researching sober living, Orange County CA. Finding a sober living home could help them transition back into the real world after rehabilitation.<\/p>\n
Not sure where to start your search? Here are seven tips that can help.<\/p>\n
With these tips, you can find the best sober living homes Orange County has to offer. Your loved one can maintain their sobriety for years to come.<\/p>\n
Start your search for the best Orange County sober living homes using these easy tips today!<\/p>\n
1. Decide on a Level of Service
\nRecovery Residences like sober living homes are organized into four categories. Each level describes the program’s level of care and intensiveness. When researching sober living Orange County, CA, you’ll need to consider the level of service.<\/p>\n
That way, you can ensure your loved one receives the care they need.<\/p>\n
Level 1 houses provide almost no recovery-oriented structure. However, some do require residents to attend support groups.<\/p>\n
Level 4 houses, on the other hand, are similar to residential inpatient treatments. Residents receive some medical services and in-house therapy.<\/p>\n
All four levels share:<\/p>\n
Drug-free environments
\nFull-time living spaces
\nCosts (rent, utilities, etc.)
\nHouse rules (chores, random drug and alcohol tests, therapy participation)
\nPeer support
\nWhen researching sober living homes in Orange County, consider your loved one’s needs.<\/p>\n
Levels
\nLevel 1 houses have the least amount of services and oversight. Decisions are usually made democratically. For example, residents might vote to allow an individual into the house.<\/p>\n
Some level 1 houses require residents to attend counseling sessions, a 12-step program, or another form of recovery. Sometimes, 12-step recovery meetings are held at the house each week.<\/p>\n
Some level 1 houses have relaxed policies about how often alcohol and drug tests are requirements.<\/p>\n
Level 2 houses, on the other hand, have more strict requirements.<\/p>\n
Level 2 houses usually elect a supervisor. The supervisor ensures the residents follow the rules. They also manage any community complaints.<\/p>\n
However, level 2 houses don’t offer recovery services on-site.<\/p>\n
Level 3 homes often incorporate aspects of clinical treatment. The programs are more structured as well. These homes often include paid counselors and staff who help residents with their aftercare plans.<\/p>\n
Level 4 homes are sometimes called Therapeutic Communities. They offer structured, clinical environments. Level 4 homes are usually full-service.<\/p>\n
Residents don’t have to leave the house to request treatment.<\/p>\n
Living in a level 3 or 4 home is usually more expensive.<\/p>\n
2. Find a Safe Space
\nDetermining what level of care your loved one needs can help narrow down your options. Google “sober living homes Orange County” to find a list of homes. Then, consider where each sober living home is located.<\/p>\n
Your loved one’s sober living home will become a base for their live activities for some time. It helps to find a facility where they feel safe. You might want to consider where in Orange County the home is located, too.<\/p>\n
For example, you can narrow down your options by searching for:<\/p>\n
Huntington Beach sober living
\nSan Clemente sober living
\nSanta Ana sober living
\nYou can choose a specific location if your loved one works or has family in the area. Otherwise, make sure the area is safe. Is the sober living home in a safe neighborhood?<\/p>\n
If your loved one attends recovery meetings, make sure the home is within walking distance. Make sure they have access to a healthcare provider nearby, too.<\/p>\n
Prioritizing safety when searching for sober living Orange County CA can give you peace of mind. You’ll know your loved one is safe while they receive the care they need.<\/p>\n
3. Prioritize Quality
\nOnce you find a safe place where your loved one can receive support, it’s important to consider the type of support they’ll receive. Do your due diligence when researching sober living homes in Orange County.<\/p>\n
Most sober living homes aren’t monitored or regulated by an agency, though some are. You can narrow down your options by looking for an accredited or licensed home. Most accredited homes prioritize excellence and higher standards of care.<\/p>\n
For example, you can look for homes that are backed by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences.<\/p>\n
Make sure the facility has a strict, no-tolerance policy regarding drug or alcohol use.<\/p>\n
About a third of people who are abstinent less than a year will remain abstinent. With people who reach a year of sobriety, less than half will relapse. Those who make it to five years of sobriety have a less than 15% chance of relapse.<\/p>\n
Removing all temptations from your loved one’s environment can help them maintain their sobriety. It can reduce their stress during the early stages of their recovery, too.<\/p>\n
Make sure each facility on your list is clean and structurally sound.<\/p>\n
You can learn more about the facility by looking for client reviews online. Make a list of questions you want to ask before touring the facility, too.<\/p>\n
4. Schedule a Tour
\nStart narrowing down your options for sober living in Orange County, CA by visiting a few of the homes. You can get in touch with the staff ahead of time to schedule a tour. Consider taking your loved one with you.<\/p>\n
After all, you’ll want to make sure they’re comfortable before choosing a sober living home.<\/p>\n
Look for a home that fosters a positive living environment. Your loved one should feel happy and comfortable remaining in that home for some time.<\/p>\n
You can learn more about the home by speaking with residents who are currently there.<\/p>\n
5. Look for Structure
\nBefore choosing an Orange County sober living home, make sure it’s managed properly. Choose a home that’s rule-oriented and structured. These rules can help your loved one maintain their sobriety.<\/p>\n
For example, your loved one might have to participate in an Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous program. Alcoholics Anonymous has over 115,000 groups worldwide. Unfortunately, about 40% of people drop out of AA in the first year.<\/p>\n
About 20 to 25% of people who don’t attend a 12-step program remain abstinent from alcohol and drugs after one year. The abstinence rate is nearly twice as high for those who attend a 12-step program.<\/p>\n
As you research each sober living home, ask if:<\/p>\n
Residents are required to participate in a recovery program or 12-step group meetings
\nThe sober living home offers one-on-one peer accountability or access to sober coaches
\nRandom drug testing is required
\nThere’s a policy regarding romantic relationships
\nSocial activities are planned for the residents
\nThere’s a visitor policy
\nThere’s a policy regarding drug and alcohol use, including prescription medication use
\nChoosing a structured home can have a lasting impact on your loved one’s ability to maintain their sobriety long-term.<\/p>\n
Remember, these rules can vary based on the level of care your loved one needs. If they’ve relapsed in the past, consider a level 3 or 4 home. If their addiction wasn’t too intense, consider a level 1 or 2 home.<\/p>\n
6. Learn About the Staff
\nBefore choosing between Orange County sober living homes, take the time to learn about the staff. A strong, qualified staff could play an important part in helping your loved one maintain their sobriety.<\/p>\n
During your tour, ask who is on staff. Consider asking about their qualifications, too. You can also ask:<\/p>\n
How they interact with residents
\nIf they live on-site
\nIf they offer peer guidance
\nWhat is the staff to client ratio
\nIs the staff in recovery themselves
\nHow does the staff keep residents accountable
\nRemember, a high-quality sober living home will focus on structure and rules. You’ll want to determine how the staff helps maintain that structure. If the staff doesn’t hold residents accountable, residents could struggle with their recovery.<\/p>\n
Look for a strong team of qualified experts who can offer your loved one the support they need.<\/p>\n
7. Consider the Costs
\nBefore choosing among the various sober living homes Orange County has to offer, consider the costs. Most homes require a monthly fee that covers room and board. Your loved one will need to cover their own transportation and food costs.<\/p>\n
Take the time to check with your health insurance company. They might help cover some of the costs. Otherwise, you might need to look for financial assistance or scholarships.<\/p>\n
Every sober living home provides different support services. Consider which support services are covered.<\/p>\n
You might have to choose a home based on your loved one’s needs and your financial abilities.<\/p>\n
Sober Living Orange County, CA: 7 Tips for Finding the Best Sober Living Home
\nChoosing the best sober living Orange County CA has to offer can make a big difference in your loved one’s success. Keep these seven tips in mind during your search. With this guide, you can find a sober living home that will help your loved one maintain their sobriety.<\/p>\n
Ready to start your search for a high-quality sober living home in Orange County? We can help.<\/p>\n
Explore our directory today to get started.