Thinking about moving into a sober living home in Los Angeles after completing an inpatient rehab program? If so, you’ve made a great decision and have taken a big step toward recovery. Studies on sober livings show that they reduce the likelihood of relapse and support long-term sobriety. But with so many sober living homes to choose from, how do you go about picking the one that is right for you? Sober living homes come in all shapes and sizes, so your first step should be to learn as much as you can about your different options.

To help you get started, we’ve outlined some of the most important things to consider when selecting an LA sober living home. Read on for details about finding affordable housing that comes with assistance services, evaluating roommates, choosing between private and communal living arrangements, and more.

What to Look for in a Sober Living Home

Sober living homes offer a supportive environment for people who are trying to remain sober and avoid the temptations and triggers that might lead to drinking again. This can be a challenging transition for some people, so it helps if these homes have a variety of amenities that make them feel more like home than a dormitory.

So you’ve decided to get sober and stay that way. Good for you! Now you have to figure out where you’ll live while staying on track. But this can seem like a tricky proposition: If you’re new to sobriety, where will you find support? If your old friends are the ones who got you drunk in the first place, how will they help keep you sober now?

If these questions have been keeping you up at night — or keeping you from sleeping, period — we’ve got good news: there are plenty of sober-living options in Los Angeles. Before making a choice, be sure to learn more about what these homes offer, how much they cost, and how to make sure yours is the best fit for your needs.

Co-ed Housing

Some sober living homes are single-sex, while others are co-ed. The majority of sober living homes in LA are co-ed, with the exception of those affiliated with a religious program. Some people may opt for a sober living home that is single-sex, if they believe that members of the opposite sex will distract from their recovery process. However, depending upon an individual’s history with drugs and alcohol, co-ed housing may in fact be preferable. Ultimately, what matters for long-term recovery is the strength of a person’s social support system, so wherever a person finds it easiest to build relationships is where they should live.

Drug and Alcohol-Free Environment

Before choosing a sober living home, make sure it’s 100 percent drug and alcohol-free. The mere presence of drugs and alcohol are a huge trigger for relapse, so you need a clean and sober environment in which to focus on your recovery. It’s also important to note that the people living in your new home must be sober, too. So if you’re moving in with people who are still using drugs or alcohol, it’s best to keep looking.

Good Reputation and Solid Track Record

As you conduct your search for a sober living home, make sure to ask other people who have lived in LA sober homes about their experiences. If possible, speak with people who have lived in the same sober home you are considering. This will help you get a better idea of what to expect. You can also check online reviews and ratings, which can be a great source of information. When reading reviews, be sure to look for red flags and take everything with a grain of salt.

The Importance of Staff and Safety Features in a Sober Living Home

The staff at a sober living home plays a key role in your recovery, so make sure you feel comfortable with the people you’ll be living with. In the best sober livings, staff members have generally been through the recovery process themselves. This pretty much guarantees that staff members will not only be experienced with the issues and challenges that you’re facing but that they will also be passionate about helping people recover. You’ll want to find a sober living home that offers one-on-one mentorship, support group sessions, and other helpful services. Ideally, the sober living home you choose will also have security features, such as keypad entry and a monitored alarm system. This will help keep you safe and allow you to focus on your recovery.

Communal Living vs. Private Rooms: Which Is Right for You?

Depending on your needs, you may want to consider living in a communal setting or a private room. This will depend on a number of factors, including your budget, the number of roommates you would feel comfortable living with, and the kind of support services you can expect to receive. Communal living can be an excellent choice for those just getting clean and sober, as it can provide a built-in support system.

How Much Does a Sober Living Home Cost?

The cost of living in a sober living home varies from one home to another, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $5,000 per month.

The amount you pay for rent will depend on a number of factors, including the length of stay and whether you are receiving any financial assistance.

Keep in mind that you will also have to cover your own food and other expenses.

Sober living homes are often affordable, affordable enough for even those who are low-income. You should be able to find a sober living home that fits into your budget, even if you don’t have much money to spare. 

Get Sober in Bridges Sober Apartments in LA

Bridges Sober Apartments is a co-ed sober living facility in Los Angeles, California. Our sober residence is staffed by passionate and experienced individuals who understand the recovery process. We work to make sure that residents not only develop the tools and skills necessary to stay sober, but that they also build new lives for themselves.

This process includes relationship building, career support, and skill development. By the end of a person’s stay at Bridges, they will discover that they are not only drug and alcohol-free, but they have a newfound lease on life. If you are ready to get the support you need for long-term sobriety, reach out to our Los Angeles sober living program today.