When you’re living in Los Angeles, it’s easy to party. There are a lot of great bars, breweries, wineries, and more. Marijuana is legal. Illicit drugs are easy to get. While it’s easy to get drunk and high, there is also a strong addiction recovery community. There is also no shortage of things you can do sober in LA. Whether you want to get sober for your health or have a problem and need to stop, below is your guide to getting sober in Los Angeles.
Need to Detox? Find a Peaceful Place
If you are physically dependent upon drugs or alcohol, you might need to detox. Detox is when your body gets rid of the chemicals it has become dependent upon. This results in withdrawals that can be painful and even dangerous. If you need help with detox, you can find a professional center in a peaceful place. You might want to get out of the city for a while to remove temptation and find peace outside the chaos of Los Angeles. If detox is necessary for you, it’s important to find a facility that will look after you and provide medical attention should you need it.
Go Through Treatment
In Los Angeles, there are so many different options for addiction recovery treatment beyond detox. You could find a residential treatment center for long-term recovery. An inpatient program will get you started with a month stay and the ability to begin meetings and counseling. Outpatient treatment is for people who need to work but want to start recovery. Whatever type of treatment you decide on, Los Angeles has it all. When you have finished detox and need to start the hard work of long-term sobriety, LA has plenty of options.
Find a Recovery Community
When you are done with treatment, you will still need to go to 12-step meetings to strengthen and sustain your recovery. This is when you should find a strong recovery community that can help you get through the tough times and support you when you need it the most. With a good group, you will feel loved and heard. You will also need to find a suitable sponsor. The community matters because if you continue with recovery, you will become a sponsor yourself. Whatever your addiction, finding the right support group is essential to lasting sobriety.
Avoid Triggers, But Go Out
When you are deep into recovery, you don’t want to avoid going out just because people are drinking. Of course, you should avoid triggers and surround yourself with people who are doing drugs, but you should also do your best to go out and enjoy yourself. Socializing is still important in sobriety. If you get lonely, you will have more urges and temptations. It’s crucial to have fun and connect with people. Don’t allow yourself to become isolated and become depressed. Instead, have a good time in sobriety and learn to create a great life without intoxicating substances.
Spend Time Outside, Get Some Exercise
Another great benefit of living in Los Angeles is that the weather is great, and the scenery is beautiful. Spending time outside is so good for you. It will invigorate your life with purpose and meaning. You will have the benefit of being around living things. Go on a difficult hike or a bike ride on a trail through nature. Read a book next to a tree. Run through the mountains. Whatever your life is like, making the time to get outdoors and spend some time exercising will change your life. It makes sobriety a whole lot easier.
Getting sober might be easier in other places, but the community is so strong in Los Angeles. Furthermore, there are so many different things to do and people to see. While there is temptation in LA, there is nature to escape in. If you or a loved one needs to start the recovery journey and get sober, there is a network of support in the Los Angeles area that will provide meaning and love. Whether you are physically dependent on a drug or just want to stop trying to escape, there are plenty of benefits to getting sober in the Los Angeles area.
