Online Resources for Sober Living
Recovering from a substance use disorder can be a challenging experience, but you shouldn’t have to do it alone. Having access to resource centers, supportive friends, and a variety of sources of information is essential for any person’s recovery journey. At Design for Recovery, residents and staff members alike are knowledgeable about the recovery process. Whether you’re a resident of our structured sober living home or not, we have assembled a list of resources to make use of as you begin the process of treating your addiction.
12-Step Meetings
Most sober living homes encourage residents to attend 12-step meetings daily, or at least regularly. At Design for Recovery, we provide transportation to 12-step meetings daily. However, if you are unsure where to go or which program is right for you, the following resources may be beneficial.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the first 12-step program and the longest running addiction recovery group in the world, has meetings internationally in every major city. If you suffer from alcohol addiction and you have a desire to stop drinking, Alcoholics Anonymous is a great way to connect to the recovery community. The website linked to above contains listings of meetings organized by time and location. The smartphone app “Meeting Guide” is also a helpful tool for locating meetings.
Narcotics Anonymous
The second largest 12-step program, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) emphasizes recovery from drugs generally in lieu of alcohol, though many members have overlapping substance use disorders. Narcotics Anonymous helps members develop accountability and learn to depend on others for support. The website linked to above contains listings of meetings organized by time and location.
Cocaine Anonymous
Cocaine Anonymous (CA) is a 12-step program that focuses on recovery from cocaine addiction. With meetings in most major cities, Cocaine Anonymous offers members the opportunity to strengthen their peer support group and develop new tools to avoid relapse over the long term. The website linked to above contains listings of meetings organized by time and location.
Al-Anon
Al-Anon, like other 12-step programs, offers support and resources, but is geared towards helping people who have loved ones who suffer from addiction. While Al-Anon meetings can be very helpful for close friends, significant others, and family members, chances are high that anyone who suffers from addiction is also a good candidate for Al-Anon. Learning how to navigate thorny relationships with fellow addicts and alcoholics is ultimately often a useful tool for maintaining your own sobriety.
Finding a Therapist
While attending a sober living home, many people begin to face their demons for the very first time. Years of self-medication may have dulled the pain of trauma or mental illness. When people initially get sober, mental health problems and other personal difficulties may make themselves apparent to an alarming degree. It is essential to get proper help to face these challenges. Doing so is crucial to avoiding relapse. People pursuing outpatient psychotherapy while living in a sober living home have a variety of options. Given the number of treatment methodologies that exist, it is important to find a therapist who practices a therapeutic modality that suits your unique needs. People with comorbid mental health conditions often benefit from the expertise of a mental health care provider who is well versed in that specific condition. When it comes to treating substance use disorders, however, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be the most effective at reducing rates of relapse over the long term.Resources for finding therapists are located below:
Information Sources
For general information on addiction, the following are some comprehensive resources:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Recovery Resource Hub
- Partnership to End Drug Addiction
Getting Information from Your Sober Living Home
While doing personal research is often a good first step for understanding the nature of a substance use disorder, it is essential to seek the help of other people. Treatment centers and sober living homes have staff experienced in recovery on hand who are available to assess your unique recovery needs and address problems as they occur. If you are unsure what your next step is, it is highly advised that you contact a treatment center or sober living. Even if you choose not to enroll in their program, most would be happy to point you in the right direction and provide valuable information.
Design for Recovery, a structured sober living in Los Angeles, CA, works with people who are addicted to any substance. Whether you’re in the throes of active addiction currently and merely considering quitting, or if you’re currently experiencing the symptoms of excruciating withdrawal, staff at Design for Recovery are available to answer any questions and provide any help you may need. Our online resource center is an essential tool for coming to a better understanding of substances and their effect on addicts. You can reach Design for Recovery at (424) 327-4614 or via our web form. Reach out today and get the help you so sorely need.
