Venice Beach is one of the most colorful, eclectic neighborhoods in Los Angeles. With its famous canals, its festive Ocean Front Walk and its constant parade of performers and artists, the community is known as one of the cultural centers of Southern California. Venice Beach is also known for its struggle to prevent drug abuse. In 2011, the Los Angeles Times reported that over 50 people were booked in a single weekend by the Los Angeles Police Department in an effort to reduce drug trafficking and drug-related crime in the area.

Is it possible to lead a sober life in a community where drugs and alcohol seem to be part of the local culture? Thousands of residents of West Los Angeles are leading rewarding, drug-free lives thanks to rehabilitation programs and sober living homes. Before you give up on having the healthy, sober life you want, reach out to a team of qualified addiction specialists for help.

Choosing a Drug Rehab Program

Finding the right drug rehab program in Southern California requires some research. As you search for a drug or alcohol treatment facility, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the facility licensed in the state of California? The California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) is responsible for overseeing recovery services and treatment facilities in the Golden State.
• Do staff members have the right training and credentials? The program should be staffed by certified counselors, licensed therapists and other professionals who have specialized training in addiction therapy.
• What kind of detox services are available? Not all facilities offer medically supervised detoxification. If you have a history of heavy alcohol or drug use or you have a serious co-existing health condition, you may need intensive inpatient detox to safely rid your system of the drugs.
• Does the facility offer dual diagnosis treatment plans? If you have a co-occurring mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or depression, these conditions must be treated along with your substance abuse disorder.
• Does the program provide counseling for couples and families? Addiction is rarely just an individual problem; it takes a huge toll on your relationships with partners and children. The program you choose should give your loved ones the education and support they need to help you through recovery.
• Are aftercare services provided? After you complete the program, you should expect to receive continued support in your sobriety. Outpatient therapy, support groups and sober living environments help you stay on track with your recovery goals.
• What payment options are accepted? Rehab facilities vary in the forms of payment they will accept. Some treatment centers accept only private-pay clients who can pay with cash or credit, while others accept health insurance. Non-profit rehab centers often accept government-sponsored programs like Medicaid and Medicare or offer a sliding-scale option based on your ability to pay.

Getting Into a Sober Living Home

After working so hard to get through detox and rehab, you’ll want to take every measure possible to protect your sobriety. Sober living communities serve as transitional environments for recovering addicts who are just graduating from rehab. Abstinence from drugs and alcohol, participation in group meetings and random drug testing are required in most facilities. In exchange for affordable rent and participation in household chores, you’ll have the support of a drug-free environment as you grow stronger in recovery.

The Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment conducted an 18-month study of residents of sober living homes to evaluate the outcome of this treatment strategy. Residents showed improvement in their abstinence rates, employment prospects and social connections. If you’re looking for an addiction treatment program that will support you from the detox phase through rehab and aftercare, call our free confidential helpline here at Axis.