How Interventions Work: A Guide For You

how interventions work

Having a loved one with an addiction is not easy, but it’s important to know that you’re not alone. According to a study conducted by the Closing the Addiction Treatment Gap (CATG) initiative, more than 23 million Americans are currently suffering from an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. To put things in perspective, that’s around one in every 10 Americans above the age of 12. But this doesn’t mean you have to live with the problem and let it continue to wreak havoc on daily life. 

You’ve probably heard of interventions, and when done right, they can be highly effective. Especially if you’ve already tried talking to your loved one about their drug abuse and failed to see any change, an intervention can be the key to helping them finally seek treatment. And with a professional overseeing things, you can make sure your intervention has the best possible outcome. Allow this to be your guide:

How Interventions Work

Each intervention is going to go a bit differently because they are very personal affairs, and every addict’s situation may be different. That said, most interventions will consist of three main components:

  • A gathering of friends and/or family members, each of whom will have an opportunity to express how their loved one’s addiction has been affecting them. They will also use this time to ask the addicted loved one to seek help and say what actions will be taken should they refuse.
  • An intervention leader, who will run the gathering and ensure everyone gets the chance to speak. They will also have a plan of action or treatment options ready for the addicted loved one. A professional intervention leader can be the smoothest way to get things done.
  • An opportunity for the addicted loved one to speak, upon which they will also be encouraged to seek help.

Before you do anything, you will need to start by talking with other people who care about your loved one and may have been affected by their drug abuse. Once you have others who agree to participate in the intervention, you will need to select a time and place. Do not tell your addicted loved one what you are planning, because they may refuse to show up if they know what is in store. Instead, it is usually best to make sure someone else can transport them to and from the event. 

Now, the amount of time interventions take can vary greatly. This is why they should be scheduled for days when everyone is available and is willing to set aside the day to help. Gatherings with more people speaking will naturally take longer, but they can also be more effective. Additionally, some people may initially refuse to seek addiction treatment. Because of this, everyone involved should be prepared to be upfront with their loved one and take certain actions if they refuse treatment (like saying they will cut relationship ties). This can be difficult, but your loved one needs to know what is at stake if they do not start making changes. 

Ensuring an Effective Intervention 

Getting a solid group of family members and friends to participate in the intervention is the best method for effectiveness. However, there are a lot of additional things you can do to help an intervention achieve the best possible outcome (which will be your loved one getting addiction treatment):

  • Speak calmly. Don’t hold back your feelings, but do not get angry or start yelling. If your loved one feels attacked, they will be put on the defensive and will be less receptive to addiction treatment. Speak from a place of love and care, and make it clear you only want what is best for them.
  • Use real-life examples and evidence. It will be most helpful to your loved one if you can help them see how their addiction has specifically affected others.
  • Stay positive and keep hope in sight. Never lose sight of the end goal, which is encouraging your loved one to choose addiction treatment. You are there to show them that they can still save their relationships and change things around
  • Get rid of distractions. Keep the intervention straightforward. It is not like any other gathering, so don’t include things like food and beverages, TV or music, etc. Young children should not be present (the situation may be inappropriate for them anyway), and make sure everyone has their cell phones on silent. 

What Happens After an Intervention?

Interventions should not be left open-ended. Your loved one should have the opportunity at the end to go straight into an addiction treatment program or at the very least be able to choose from pre-selected options already available. Consult with a professional ahead of time to learn more about your loved one’s options and what kind of drug abuse treatment program will be open to them immediately. 

Now, if your loved one decides not to enter addiction treatment, you (and everyone else involved) must stay strong and follow through on your actions as promised (even if this means cutting them off emotionally or financially). In many cases, people eventually come around to the idea of treatment once they realize just how serious their loved ones are. 

Let Us Help You

At Above It All, we understand that families are struggling enough when confronting a loved one’s drug addiction. That’s why we offer free addiction treatment placement services in California. Our caring team is available 24/7 and can assist you in your loved one in everything from finding the right treatment program to assisting with insurance verification and transportation. And because we are dedicated to seeing things through until the end, we also provide care management throughout your loved one’s time in treatment. The time to get help for them is now — we invite you to get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can be of service. 

How To Seek Treatment For Yourself

It can be extremely difficult to admit you have a problem with drug abuse or alcohol. Most people experience feelings of shame and embarrassment when it comes to admitting they have a problem, so if you’re reading this and feel that way, you aren’t alone. 

Above It All is here to let you know that no one is perfect and you shouldn’t be ashamed to look for help. It’s never too early or late to seek addiction treatment. Because addiction takes many shapes and forms, there are a ton of different treatment options out there available for you that you should be aware of. 

How to Find Addiction Treatment for Yourself

First and foremost, if you find yourself here, you should be very proud of yourself for taking the necessary steps to get better. It takes a tremendous amount of strength to not only admit you need help, but to actually do something about it.

When seeking addiction treatment, a good first step to take is educating yourself on the various types of treatment available. The main forms of addiction treatment are detoxification, inpatient/residential, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient. The overall goal of each form of treatment is the same but the length and times of the programs will vary. The type of treatment you choose will be based on what you’re addicted to. For example, not all substance abuse disorders require detox. To start research you can perform a simple google search, use an addiction resource such as Above It All, call your primary care physician, or ask family and friends. 

Determining the Best Program for You

Now that you are ready to find the best addiction treatment program for you, be selfish. Put yourself first during this process and really think hard about what you think will make you happy during treatment. Maybe location is important for you. There are plenty of addiction facilities near the beach and immersed in nature. Maybe the structure of the facility is most important to you. Some facilities offer shared rooms and some have private only bedrooms. If you are big on mindfulness and meditation, you can choose a program that incorporates those things.

After you narrow down a location, you can start to think about what kind of addiction treatment you want to pursue:

Inpatient or residential programs: Inpatient and residential treatment programs on average last about 30-60 days (there are longer programs as well). During this kind of treatment you will live at the facility. Some programs have shared rooms and some have private ones. You will eat all of your meals here and attend individual and group therapy sessions. If you require detox, you will do this at the beginning of your stay under medical supervision. This is the safest way to detox off of a substance. These programs are beneficial because staff is always onsite to help you, should you need anything. You are also removing yourself from society for a period of time. A lot of people think of this program as a good break and can focus 100% on recovery. 

Intensive outpatient programs: Often shortened to an IOP, is a program that can be used as a transition step once you leave inpatient or an alternative to an inpatient facility. If you attend an IOP program, you will go onsite to the facility multiple times a week for about 4-6 hours at a time. You will participate in individual and group therapy, like you would in inpatient, but you eat and sleep at home.

Outpatient programs: These programs provide the most flexibility in terms of treatment. Outpatient can be a transition step once you leave an IOP or can be used as an alternative to inpatient or IOP. If you are a single parent or cannot afford to take off of work, this is a great treatment option for you. Clients attend outpatient a few times a week (less than IOP) and therapy sessions can last anywhere from 4-6 hours.There are lots of types of outpatient treatment, including support groups, and the goal is to keep you sober.

Things to Consider

There are a few things regarding your addiction to keep in mind when seeking treatment: 

  • How severe is my addiction? 
  • Do I need detox?
  • Do I have any mental health issues like depression or PTSD?
  • The type of insurance I have
  • How long do I think I should be in treatment? 
  • Will I need a referral to a program?

All of the above mentioned are factors that will help determine the best course of treatment for you. 

Don’t Wait to Get Help

At Above It All, we are a free addiction treatment placement service that provides those struggling with substance abuse assistance in finding the right treatment for them. We provide a 24/7 comprehensive treatment matching service. Our program includes admissions, insurance verification, transportation assistance, and care management from start to finish. If you are looking for help finding addiction treatment and rehab in California, please give us a call! 

What Causes Addiction?

Nobody starts out with the intention of becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol, but the current addiction statistics are striking. Almost one in ten people are addicted to drugs or alcohol in the United States. Today addiction is recognized to be a chronic disease that occurs when the brain’s chemistry and function are altered. People can become addicted to alcohol, street drugs such as cocaine or heroin, prescription drugs such as opioids and benzodiazepines, and even behaviors such as eating, sex, or gambling. Addiction goes beyond lacking ‘self-control’. Like any disease, addiction is best combated with professional help. 

What is Addiction?

Addiction occurs when repeated behavior such as substance abuse rewires the brain to believe it needs the substance to stay alive. The brain interprets all pleasure the same way, regardless of what is causing the brain to release dopamine. Actions and substances that release dopamine in the brain include drugs, eating, sex, and receiving a monetary reward. 

An addict repeatedly abuses drugs or alcohol because their brain needs it. When the brain doesn’t receive the substances, it sets off cravings. The cravings don’t go away until the drugs or alcohol are taken again. 

What Causes Addiction?

Several common causes of addiction include: 

1. The Pleasure Principle: This is one of the main causes of addiction. Addictive substances impact how the brain registers pleasure when it comes to drugs and alcohol. The brain registers all pleasure the same way, releasing dopamine. Eventually, this pleasurable response is released so consistently that it drives someone to seek out this substance constantly. Addictive drugs provide a shortcut to this pleasure system, flooding the area with dopamine, which gets someone hooked on drugs or alcohol. 

2. Learning and Memory: Once this pleasure signal is triggered, a transition process takes place where someone becomes hooked on drugs or alcohol. This path is called learning and memory. Dopamine interacts with other transmitters in the brain, taking over the brain’s learning system. This learning system is important because it also drives other processes that people need to survive. Eventually, the brain learns that it requires that pleasurable substance to survive. Memory sets in as addictive substances overload this circuit, leading to addiction over the course of repeated exposures.

3. The Drive Associated with Compulsion: As people slide deeper into the clutches of addiction, compulsion takes over. This is the loss of all control associated with regulating the use of an addictive substance. The pleasure starts to subside; however, the memory persists, leading to compulsion. Cravings continue, snaring those who are pursuing sobriety. People have a compulsive drive to seek out that addictive substance. They will sacrifice relationships with family members and friends. They will empty their bank accounts. They will do anything to seek out that next fix.

These three causes work together to snare somebody in the trap of addiction. Fortunately, recovery is possible. With the help of trained professionals, people can not only get sober but maintain sobriety in California.

Let Us Help!

At Above It All, we are a free addiction treatment placement service that offers 24/7 assistance to those struggling with drug abuse. We can provide you with help in finding the right treatment for your needs in the Southern California area. With the help of our comprehensive treatment matching service, we will help you get the help that you deserve. Our program includes admissions, insurance verification, transportation assistance, and care management that will be with you every step of the way. If you are looking for help with addiction treatment in the Southern California area, please give us a call today!

Most Common Signs of Addiction

Addiction is something that affects not only the individual who has the addiction but also those who regularly interact with or love that person. This includes friends, families, and coworkers. It’s often these people that surround the addicted person who first notice signs and become concerned. This is because the addict themselves are often in a state of denial. Do you know what to look for if you think your loved one may need drug abuse addiction treatment?

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a physical and psychological dependency on something, generally drugs or alcohol. Substance abuse use starts out casual, but as the body becomes used to the substance, it will then require a large amount for the individual to receive the same reaction. This dependency will continue to escalate over time until the individual can no longer feel “normal” unless they are using drugs or alcohol. Their life begins to center around planning for, finding, and using the substance. If they try to stop they go through physical withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms don’t subside until the substance leaves their system or they use it again. 

What Are Some Common Signs?

Addiction affects everyone differently, but there are several signs you can watch for that indicate addiction treatment is necessary. Below are the most common: 

Personality and Activity Changes

Drug or alcohol addiction may cause a person to appear edgy when they do not have the substance. They may start sleeping more often or not at all. Bursts of irritability can occur, especially if their drug abuse is mentioned. A person who has always been dependable may start arriving late or they may not show up at all. This is especially true if the event is someplace where they can not use what they are addicted to. For example, a parent who has never missed the kid’s school events may suddenly stop going because he can’t drink while there. 

Isolation and Secrecy

As a person starts to realize they may have a problem, or if those around notice, the person may isolate themselves. They will participate in drinking or drug activity alone and hide as much as possible from loved ones. They may pull away, stop accepting invitations, and create excuses not to attend events or get-togethers. They may disappear for hours and refuse to tell anyone where they have been. Anger may result if you confront the issue. They may suddenly need money but give no explanation for why, or where their money has been spent.

Drastic Physical Changes

As substance abuse continues to worsen, you will likely notice drastic physical changes. Eyes may always be red and pupils dilated. Weight loss is also a very common sign. This is the kind of weight loss that seems to happen quickly and without apparent cause. Clothing may seem to hang on the individual. Personal hygiene may become lax or they’ll wear the same clothes for several days without changing.

Inability to Quit

The individual may have tried to stop using drugs or alcohol at least once and then returned to the drug activity. When confronted, most people will deny how bad their addiction is, and say they can quit anytime they want. Some even try to prove this, but in the end, they return to the behavior because not using becomes uncomfortable. Addiction has a powerful hold on its victim.

Let Us Help You Find Treatment

Above It All Treatment is a 24/7 referral service that will help you or your loved one find the best resources to help deal with substance abuse. We have a comprehensive list of drug addiction treatment centers in the California area. Substance abuse doesn’t have to continue ruling your life. Contact us now to receive free guidance to get help for your substance abuse. We take our matching service seriously and will work to see that you are guided toward a facility that can best meet your needs. Contact us today!

The Dangers Of Binge Drinking

The dangers of alcohol binges are both serious and severe. Short and long term effects often have a negative and lasting impact on an individual’s life. Not only are there immediate physical reactions that may be experienced, there are often many personal and emotional issues that can result from excessive alcohol intake. For those engaging in frequent binge drinking, alcohol addiction treatment may be the answer.

Short Term Effects Of Binge Drinking

Many of the short term effects associated with binge drinking are physical ailments. An individual who has consumed an excessive amount of alcohol in a short time frame may experience a whole host of issues, including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, blurred vision, slurred speech, dizziness, headaches, and more. Alcohol impairs judgment, so a person who has had too much to drink may put themselves at risk by entering dangerous or risky situations. Injuries can also occur as a result of poor judgment and accidents.

Some individuals may find that they become unconscious after drinking large quantities of alcohol in a short amount of time. Once the individual comes to, they realize that there is chunk of time that is unaccounted for when they were passed out. This is extremely risky behavior, because a person who is passed out is very vulnerable. Not knowing what occurred during such times can lead to emotional issues, which in turn can lead to more drinking. Binge drinking can become a vicious cycle that is extremely difficult to break without professional help.

Long Term Binge Drinking Effects

Consuming large quantities of alcohol will take a real toll on a person’s physical condition. The body can essentially become poisoned over time, and alcohol poisoning can also occur during a single incident of binging. Heart conditions, high blood pressure, weight gain, bloating, and liver damage are just some of the long term physical effects that are likely. Some health problems can be debilitating, and some of the damaging effects of alcohol abuse can be irreversible.

As alcohol abuse and addiction begin to take over a binge drinker’s life, their relationships are likely to suffer. From friendships to marriages to employment, all types of personal and professional relationships can be harmed for a person struggling with alcohol dependency. Not only is it stressful for an addict to go through their day to day life, it is also extremely difficult for their family members and friends. Alcohol addiction treatment offers the best chance for leading a healthier and happier life that is free of the chains of alcoholism and its detrimental effects.

Seeking Help For Alcohol Abuse

For those with a loved one that is struggling with binge drinking, alcohol addiction and abuse info is essential. Knowing the signs and symptoms of addiction can make a big difference. Binge drinking is often a symptom of a much larger issue. Alcohol addiction treatment programs offer help for those who need it to change their lives for the better.

Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler’s Addiction Battle

Grammy-award winning front man and ex-American Idol judge Steven Tyler has spoken candidly regarding his past addiction troubles, stating, “I lost everything”.

The Aerosmith singer has undergone a variety of rehab stints over the years, most recently in 2009 to combat a nasty painkiller addiction.

“My sobriety cost me nothing less than everything. I lost everything. It’s serious. It’s serious when you lose your kids…your wife, your band, your job and you’ll never understand why because you’re an addict. You can’t figure that out…” says Tyler.

Tyler also told of the impact the addiction had on his relationship with his kids, stating, “Two of them never saw me high until about seven years ago. I had a bunch of operations and simply didn’t follow my program, and I kept drugs by the side of my bed so I just did more instead of doing what was prescribed. Remember, I’m a very good drug ‘addict’ because I’ve done it for so many years.”

“You also could say I snorted half of Peru,” Tyler joked with Howard Stern this past July.

The singer’s most recent battle with addiction was triggered by a literal fall off the stage in late 2009, prompting Aerosmith to cancel a series of scheduled tour stops. The future of the band, namely Tyler’s involvement, was ultimately brought into question as he took a well-publicized break from the group.

“Drugs took me down,” the singer admitted. “Yes it got us through the 70’s. If it wasn’t for Peruvian marching powder, we wouldn’t have been able to do what we did. From the ‘70s to ’79, we played every state except Alaska and Hawaii.”

What Steven was able to communicate to his fans was this: The road from rock bottom to sobriety is a long one indeed. Though the glitz and glam of drugs and alcohol may seem appealing to some, the reality is truly haunting.

“There’s three things that happen to you when you’re addicted to drugs after they take hold,” says Tyler, “is death, jail and insanity. And I can’t preach that enough. The only reason I ‘wound’ up in rehab is because I used to the point of falling down. My kids tell me, ‘Daddy, I don’t know who you are anymore.’ Wives leave, bands break up, and it’s really a one-way street.”

Need Help?

Researching substance abuse facilities? Contact Above It All Treatment Center today! With a team of seasoned addiction and recovery professionals available to assess and address your individual needs, you can count on Above It All to have you smiling, healthy and on the fast track to recovery in no time. Call today for more information!

New Affordable Care Act Offers Access To Long-term Drug Rehab Programs

It’s no secret that the need for long term drug rehab is great. Doctors have now concluded that this is a disease that needs treatment, but it still does not get the funding required to deal with the number of people requiring services to break from its hold over their life.

The problem of addiction is not confined to homeless people living on the street or to low income groups. It can, and does affect teens and young adults, middle-aged people and seniors. Clients who seek help at long term recovery programs come from many different backgrounds. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, only about 1 in 10 of the 23 million Americans who have drug or alcohol problems receives treatment. Part of the problem is that this disease still carries a sense of shame and stigma, but lack of coverage is another important issue.

Insurance Coverage For Low And Middle-Income Earners

The new Affordable Care Act will help to provide insurance for many lower and middle-income earners. People in this income group looking for services from long term drug treatment centers may find it difficult to get the help they need because they may not be covered under an employer benefit program or qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. If private coverage is not affordable, then the cost of paying for addiction treatment may not fit into their budget.

The new law will provide subsidies for people to buy private insurance coverage. This will make it easier for people who need addiction treatment to be able to take the time they need to get well. The disease of addiction did not develop overnight, and the appropriate time for treatment will take some time as well.

In-patient Treatment For Drug And Alcohol Addiction

When a client enters a long term care facility with a 12 step program to get help for a drug or alcohol problem, he or she may need to start by going through detoxification (detox) before starting treatment for the addiction itself. Each client’s needs are evaluated individually, and a treatment plan is made to address them.

With a long-term stay, clients can get counseling, participate in group activities, and go to 12-step program meetings. They can take the time to delve into the underlying reasons why they became addicted and learn new behaviors while they have the support of the staff at the treatment facility. This work is a necessary part of the process to achieve the goal of long-term sobriety, especially if the addiction has been a part of the client’s life for a number of years. Taking the time to address this illness carefully is time well spent, and it pays off in lower relapse rates and more serenity, joy, and peace for addicted individuals.

The Role of Spirituality In Addiction Recovery

Many in recovery from alcoholism or addiction often attribute a large portion of their success in abstinence to a spiritual focus within their holistic alcohol & drug treatment program. Though a number of factors ultimately play into a long-lasting recovery – including daily reflection, family, support networks, therapy and routine personal inventory, those who relapse typically blame a loss of spirituality on their setback. Unfortunately, many directly associate spirituality with religion and thus refuse to participate in this crucial recovery component. Knowing the difference between these two areas while placing a focus on spirituality may mean the difference between years of struggle and a perpetual freedom.

Simply put, religion and spirituality are very different concepts. Religion is defined by a very specific set of practices and beliefs that are followed by a particular group. Spirituality, on the other hand, is not organized and is practiced by millions of people at any given moment, without restriction or rules. Spirituality refers to the idea that there is a force greater than you – regardless of what it may be. Some people call this “god”; others find what they’re looking for in nature; for some, this recognition comes in the form of one’s own inner power. The decision is purely up to you, so long as you choose to decide.

The Relationship

The relationship between recovery and spirituality is often defined by the sense of chaos experienced in addiction. Spirituality can serve to restore this imbalance by incorporating a “higher power” into the addict’s life. This is due in part to the idea that while addiction is a progressive clinical disease, it is also recognized as a spiritual imbalance.

When it comes to alcoholism or addiction recovery, perhaps the most important function of spirituality is the camaraderie and support of like-minded individuals. Sharing similar beliefs and views – especially within a group of recovering peers – works to create a sold base from which to launch a lasting recovery.

Alcoholics and addicts are famous for their issues with denial. Though it may be easy to hide the truth from family and friends, it will be difficult to maintain these delusions while engaged in daily spiritual practices. Once the addict is forced to look at their situation in an open and honest manner, the weight of denial will begin to fade.

Looking for a holistic drug rehab in California? Contact Above It All treatment Center today! With a team of seasoned addiction and recovery specialists available to assess and address your individual needs you can count on Above It All to have you smiling, healthy and on the fast track to success in no time. Call today for more information!

What is the Twelve-Step Program?

12-step programs are behind the recoveries of literally millions of addicts the world over. Bill Wilson and Bob Smith, who encouraged recovery from addiction through a process of steps, founded the first program – Alcoholics Anonymous or ‘AA’ – in 1935.

Since their inclusion in the Big Book, these 12 steps have been adapted to address recovery throughout an array of addictions. For example, Narcotics Anonymous utilizes a 12-step format that is almost identical to Alcoholics Anonymous. Additional recovery programs address addiction in the form of sex, gambling and nicotine.

Doing Steps In Order – Important

When working 12 step programs, participants must complete the steps in the order specified. The initial step for any new member is to admit that they have a problem and that they are powerless to control it. The next step requires that the addict believe in a power greater than themselves. In step three, the addict gives him/herself over to that power to promote stability and sanity throughout the recovery process.

It is important to note that “higher power” does not necessarily embrace religious ideals. The program is open to individuals of all belief types, including atheists and agnostics. The religiosity level of the “higher power” will generally differ from group to group. Some programs are centered in religious beliefs, while others skip them altogether. However, most every 12-step meeting will conclude in fellowship and hand-holding.

Step four is often considered the most difficult by recovering addicts. In order to complete this step, participants must recognize the patterns, faults and bad behaviors that contributed to the addiction. This step is typically completed with the help of a sponsor. In step five, addicts expand on this moral inventory; admitting to their faults and ultimately confessing them to their sponsor and higher power.

In step six, the addict tells their higher power that they are ready. Step seven sees the addict requesting the higher power remove their aforementioned faults. During steps eight and nine, the addict must seek forgiveness from individuals they have wronged as a result of their addictive behaviors and offer restitution. In steps ten and eleven the addict places focus on the connection with their higher power and moral inventory. The final step requires participants to offer assistance in the recovery of other addicts.

12-step programs are not a cure for addiction. Many addicts who are successful in the program end up working the steps for years; some attend daily, others participate minimally. Study groups are generally available to help addicts through the process. Books are also available to shed additional light on each step. Though the program can, at times, be rather intense, the lessons and rewards obtained can serve participants for a lifetime.

Sober Living – Activities For Recovery And Independence

For clients who have spent time at a drug and alcohol inpatient treatment facility, going directly home may not be the best choice. To go directly from having a high level of support to being completely independent could put a newly-sober person at risk for a relapse. A much better choice for sober recovery is to take the process slowly and continue to get support from trained counselors on an outpatient basis for a time after leaving the facility.

At first, it may appear as though the person in recovery is spending time just having fun, since the sober social activity list includes a number of enjoyable outings. People in recovery need to keep their days full so that they don’t have any “down” time. If they get bored or have a lot of time to themselves, they may be tempted to start drinking or using drugs or alcohol.

Moving on After Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

A client who decides to move into a sober living house who is also unemployed may need assistance to find work. This is part of moving on after treatment and starting to live a normal life once again. A client can stay at a house and get ongoing support indefinitely, but the ultimate goal is to have the person move into his or her own living space eventually.

Recreation Part of Recovery Process

When clients are in treatment at residential recovery programs, they participate in recreational programs. Part of getting well includes learning how to be healthy, which means looking after all aspects of one’s health. Some clients may not be used to exercising regularly, and some of the activities on the sober activities list can include physical activity.

Other examples of sober living activities include the following:

  • Going to the movies
  • Visiting a museum
  • Going to dinner
  • Shopping
  • Going for a drive
  • Having a game night
  • Going to a concert

An addict actively involved in the cycle of using drugs and/or alcohol may well have forgotten how to have fun. Sharing enjoyable activities with other people can help to form connections with others, heal broken relationships, and create new friendships. Clients who have recently left a drug and alcohol treatment facility may be feeling a little unsure of themselves and participating in sober activities with others is a way for them to begin learning how to interact with others in a healthy way.

It may look as though these clients are just having fun, but getting out and socializing is an integral part in their recovery and staying sober. The alternative is for them to sit alone, get bored, and be tempted to start using again, which results in the familiar spiral downward.