Everything You Should Know About Sober Living in California
Learn more about the benefits of sober living in California and how to find a sober living facility near you.
Sober Living: Overview
Addiction can be difficult to overcome. While sober living is a significant accomplishment, the journey is far from over. For many people, the transition back into everyday life is filled with challenges and temptations. That’s where sober living comes in. California has a long history of offering some of the country’s best sober living facilities and programs. Here, we’ll cover everything you need about sober living in California. That way, you can make informed decisions about you or your loved one’s recovery journey.
Table of Contents

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What is Sober Living?
Sober living in California is an arrangement providing a supportive environment for individuals in recovery. Sober living homes are also known as halfway houses or recovery residences. They are typically group homes that offer a structured and supervised living environment for individuals who have completed a primary treatment program. These include detox or rehab.1
Sober Living Rules
Sober living in California has rules and expectations for residents, such as:
- Maintaining sobriety
- Attending support meetings
- Contributing to household chores
Sober Living in California
- Peer support
- Access to resources and services
- A sense of community can be helpful for them
Importance of Sober Living
How Can Sober Living in California Benefit Those Seeking Long-Term Recovery?
Supportive Community
Accountability
Structure and Routine
Professional Support
Many sober living homes in California offer access to professional support. Some include therapists and counselors. They can provide guidance and support throughout the recovery process.
Safe Environment
What Type of Support Does Sober Living Offer?
Sober living in California offers various types of support for individuals in recovery from addiction. Some examples are detailed below.
Peer Support
Structure and Routine
Sober living homes provide structure and routine. This can be helpful for individuals who struggle to maintain a schedule on their own. A set routine can also help individuals establish healthy habits and reduce the risk of relapse.
Access to Resources
Sober living in California often provides access to resources and services supporting recovery. Some include counseling, therapy, 12-step meetings, and vocational training.
Accountability
Life Skills Development
Skills Taught in Sober Living Homes
Time Management
Budgeting and Financial Management
Cooking and Meal Planning
Household Maintenance and Cleaning
Communication and Conflict Resolution
Job Readiness and Employment Skills
The Need for Sober Living in California
- High availability of drugs: California is a major port of entry for drugs into the United States. So, there is a high availability of drugs throughout the state.
- Culture: California has a reputation for being a party state. Drug use is often glamorized in popular culture. This can make it difficult for individuals struggling with addiction to stay sober. Drug use may also be normalized in certain social circles.
- Homelessness: California has a large homeless population. Many of these people struggle with addiction. This can make it difficult for individuals in recovery to avoid triggers and maintain sobriety.
- Weather: The climate in California can be conducive to outdoor activities. This may increase the likelihood of exposure to drugs or alcohol.
- Regulations: California has many resources available for individuals struggling with addiction. But regulations surrounding addiction treatment can vary. This makes it difficult for individuals to access the care they need.
Finding Local Support

Sober Living at Essence Health and Wellness
- Individualized treatment plans: We create individualized treatment plans tailored to each client’s needs. This ensures clients receive the support and resources that are most helpful for them.
- Evidence-based therapies: We utilize evidence-based treatments to support clients in their recovery journey. These therapies aim to develop strategies for managing cravings and triggers. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Dual diagnosis treatment: We offer treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders. These can be a barrier to recovery for some individuals. Addressing substance use and mental health can improve outcomes and support long-term recovery.
- Medication-assisted treatment: We offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to support recovery. MAT can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Support for family and loved ones: Essence Health and Wellness offers support and resources for family members and loved ones of individuals in treatment. This can help support the healing and recovery of the entire family system.
Contact Essence Health and Wellness Today
If you or someone you know is looking for sober living in California, reach out to us today for more information about our available treatment options.
Resources
- https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-sober-living-house-5496284
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3057870/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/42344760_Sober_Living_Houses_for_Alcohol_and_Drug_Dependence_18-Month_Outcomes
- https://www.chcf.org/publication/2022-edition-substance-use-california/