The Basics
The ABC Sober Living system of sober living houses is a well-recognized institution of continued recovery care in San Diego, California. The men’s home is located in Clairemont—above Tecolote Canyon National Park—and offers a safe and clean environment for individuals transitioning from an inpatient facility or an outpatient program.
Utilizing a strategy for continued recovery based on the 12-step principles and a strong foundation in faith, residents find a built-in sober community and fellowship. The Clairemont house is self-governing in order to empower clients with autonomy and independence and provides enough structure to maintain accountability and security.
Accommodations and Amenities
ABC’s Clairemont sober living residents enjoy a close proximity to beaches, Balboa Park and the many attractions San Diego has to offer. The house itself is a single-family ranch-style residence that can accommodate up to eight men at once. The one-story home is in a pleasant residential neighborhood.
Men are accommodated in four double-occupancy bedrooms, each with two full-size beds and contemporary furnishing. Each bedroom offers a large closet, a dresser and a bedside table to be shared between roommates. Two bathrooms are shared among residents each with a full shower and dual sinks. Clients have their own storage areas for toiletries and belongings and are asked to keep common areas of the house organized. All bedding and towels are provided by the facility.
The living room is furnished with three comfortable leather sofas, a large flat-screen TV and cable for use during downtime. There is also a computer with a printer and high-speed internet to be used for job searching and staying connected with friends and family who support recovery. A landline telephone is also available.
The kitchen is recently renovated with a granite counter-top, tiled back-splash and is fully equipped with ample storage for individual supplies. A dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, oven and gas top stove, coffeemaker and a toaster are all available for clients to use. The facility provides paper products and coffee for residents but the men are expected to provide their own groceries and prepare meals. All meals are served family-style and are healthy.
Between the kitchen and the two-car garage is a laundry room with washer and dryer for household use.
The backyard has a patio with a table and chairs under a wooden veranda. Two large seating areas are arranged and a BBQ and fireplace create a hub for socializing and group dinners. Additionally there is a landscaped yard with a two-hole putting green for recreation.
Rules and Regulations
The ABC men’s sober living home offers structure for residents and a solution-oriented program dedicated to supporting long-term recovery. All potential residents are required to have attended primary treatment or a detox prior to enrollment. All clients must be self-supporting, high-functioning and cannot require use of medication for mental stability.
Residents must commit to a minimum of 90 days. A unique aspect of the ABC Sober Living home is the autonomous living environment; clients self-govern and vote on essential house decisions including approving all new members based on whether or not they are determined a good fit.
The house enforces a zero-tolerance policy for using alcohol and/or drugs. All residents are frequently administered urinalysis and breathalyzer tests at random times. If a client is found using any substance they are immediately evicted.
The house maintains a rigorous schedule of activities so that residents are constantly engaged in activities that enrich their recovery. Clients attend a mandatory daily AA meeting Monday through Saturday at 7 am, must find a sponsor and work the 12-steps. Every Tuesday, clients attend a Step Study meeting at 6 pm. A house bonfire, which doubles as the house meeting, is held every Friday night at 7:30 pm. Clients must also attend a church service on Sunday at 8 am every week.
The men are held accountable for cleaning the house and maintaining a tidy living space. On Tuesdays from 3 to 4 pm, the entire house participates in a deep-clean.
During their stay, clients must find a job within two weeks and begin to support themselves. The curfew and more detailed rules are agreed upon by the group and house leaders. Since the house is self-governing, these exact times and restrictions may adjust depending upon consensus. This idea of self-governing empowers the clients with autonomy to assist in reintegrating back into society when they are ready.
Extras
Residents regularly take trips to the nearby beaches, surf, attend movies, go on shopping trips and socialize on weekends. The men are encouraged to fully engage themselves in the surrounding recovery community activities by attending sober panels, benefits and doing community outreach by speaking at local schools.
In Summary
For men seeking a structured sober living environment, the ABC Sober Living community in San Diego offers just that. By living the 12-step principles and incorporating a faith-based approach to recovery, all clients remain engaged in recovery-focused activities. ABC’s self-governing philosophy empowers clients allowing them to participate in essential household and life decisions and to contribute to the success of their fellows. Clients become a part of a sober community and are prepared to live independently when they are ready to depart.
ABC Sober Living Headquarters
810 Emerald Street
San Diego, CA 92109
ABC Sober Living Cost: $750 (30 days). Reach ABC Sober Living by phone at (858) 204-1304 or by email at info@abcsoberliving.com. Find ABC Sober Living on Facebook, Twitter and Google+
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