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Sober Living History

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Opening in July of 2017, Design for Recovery quickly rose to prominence in the Los Angeles Sober Community.

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Beginning with a single location, Design for Recovery expanded quickly. The goal was to meet the needs of individuals in recovery in Los Angeles who sought the same support that graduates had received.

Founded on hope, the program grew to reach even more people on their path to recovery.

Derek moved to California from North Carolina after many failed attempts to get sober. Other treatment centers and sober living homes never seemed to provide what he needed. Dejected and almost ready to give up, Derek decided to try a structured sober living home.

The skills and tools he learned in the rigorous program at the structured sober living home not only helped him get sober. They also enabled him to excel as a mentor and a leader.

Derek quickly came to understand that his ambition was to help other seemingly hopeless young men discover the hope that he had fought so long and hard to attain. He recognized a need for more ethical sober living houses in Los Angeles area. 

He envisioned a house built on principles of honesty, integrity, accountability and discipline—that translated well not only to recovery, but to life outside of sober living as well.

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Derek modeled his new sober living home off of what worked so well for him. He found that his history in addiction put him in the ideal position to understand the issues of other young men who have struggled to get sober.

Derek’s own experience in a structured sober living home taught him that recovery is about far more than being physically abstinent from drugs and alcohol — it is about modifying the underlying behavior and addressing the root causes that often lead to relapse. To that end, Design for Recovery worked with residents to develop new modes of life. It rapidly became apparent that graduates of Design for Recovery were remaining sober long after leaving. This was because during their time at the sober living home, they built lives that they valued and didn’t want to lose.

Through one-on-one mentoring, weekly house meetings, employment support, money management, family outreach, and a solid foundation based on the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, Design for Recovery paves the way for a successful life in long-term sobriety

Residents of Design for Recovery spend their time not only healing and repairing past damage, but building a new way forward in life. They find employment, often for the very first time, enroll in school, and develop connections with each other and within the broader Los Angeles recovery community.

In The Words of the Founder

There is a wonderful world outside of addiction and a beautiful life any addict can have. We want to help them find that.

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staying-true

Staying true to its mission and the core values upon which it was founded, Design for Recovery continues to help and influence the sober community.

With four residences — all located near the beach in the West Los Angeles neighborhoods, provide a comfortable base to thrive in a safe and lively environment where opportunities for leisure activities, community support, and employment are abundant.

Design for Recovery envisions a future rooted in adherence to our roots, principles, and ambition for continual personal growth. Design for Recovery continues to extend branches of influence into the sober community at large.

A strong Design for Recovery presence exists today at local 12-step meetings, and many Design for Recovery members now work at outside detoxes, treatment facilities, or youth centers in the greater Los Angeles area.

Our residents and graduates have built solid and prosperous lives for themselves and become leaders and mentors in the recovery community, who are shaping the future for others.

Continue Your Lifelong Journey of Sobriety at Design for Recovery

Become a part of a thriving community of men who help each other live a sober life through daily support, resources, and community. Thrive and reach your goals to live a life you love. Reach out to us today to find out more and get started.

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Stories of Hope & Healing

Hear What Our Alumni Have to Say About Our Community

Can't say enough good things about Design. I went from being a lifeless junkie without one singular dollar in my pocket to having 2.5 years sober, being at the same job for over a year for the first time, buying my first car, evolving in a way I could never possibly foresee back then. This company is one of the last left in LA that still does great things, and has consistent success stories even to this day. Love everyone here.

Evan

As a treatment professional, engaging with quality, ethical places ranks top for ensuring patient success and long term community change. Design is top of the list for all these. Grateful for the staff who helped countless recover, and for the positive impact on the community.

Daniel Lathrop

My son went through a couple of different rehab programs. On his third attempt, he went from rehab to sober living at design for recovery. I cannot express the gratitude and the absolute phenomenal job. I was so very afraid I was going to lose him.

Channing Johnston

We are having a great experience with Design for Recovery. The counselors and therapists are well trained and responsive to the direction necessary for our son to thrive. The facilities are very nice and comfortable for a person in recovery.

Rue Matthiessen

I've been a client here for over 18 months and this program has been stellar. They have done nothing but support me and guide me in the right direction. The staff and program managers are the best, the house is very comfortable (I am at the Mar Vista location) and they really care about you and your recovery.

Victor Herrera

This sober living environment offers a structured and supportive setting conducive to early recovery. The emphasis on evidence-based practices, coupled with a strong peer support network, fosters accountability and promotes positive behavioral changes.

Mia Fiorino

I've been through my fair share of recovery centers, but happy to say this one seemed to work the best. The staff and the people I met here made my time better and gave me an understanding that life on the other side ain't too bad. Something clicked, and I thank this place for helping me feel comfortable in my own skin.

Jacob Kurtzeborn-Sowell

Was reluctant to come to a sober living at first but am happy I chose this one. The house managers and clients made me feel welcomed and comfortable to open up to others. I've been here for about 5 months now and have been able to get my life back together and build a community around sobriety. Very thankful for both house managers Josh and Matt as they hold me accountable and make sure I am always taking steps in the right direction. They genuinely care about the clients well being and I've seen them go over the top to help people.

Max Weinberg

Design for recovery helped me get my life back. I didn't think it was possible for someone like me to find recovery and with the help from Design I have a life today that I never thought would be possible. I highly recommend them, from their clean facility and very helpful staff.

Nick Pomerantz

I first came into the house in January 2023 with the hope of finding a new direction with my life and that's exactly what I found. With the guidance and structure of the house I was able to find accountability and responsibility for my actions.

Hunter Johnston

Learn to live a Sober, Vibrant & Substance-Free Life

Tough days might come, but with our supportive sober community, you're never alone.

We're here to provide guidance and support for anyone on their sober living journey.

Our success stories stand testament.

Have a confidential chat with our team about admission details, house guidelines, and community support. 

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Our Locations

Design For Recovery - The Mar Vista House
Design For Recovery - The Jefferson House
Design For Recovery - The Westside House