When battling an addiction to drugs and alcohol, or an eating disorder, some of the casualties from addiction include what makes up your normal life–home life, work, relationships, and a general sense of daily living. Addiction can wreak havoc on anything it touches, especially what is close to you, so getting treatment to reach long-lasting recovery is the only solution to alleviate the struggle.

What Experience Recovery seeks most with each person is to help them go back to living healthier and without being held back by the bondage of addiction. Programs like our transitional living in Orange County center on that goal of returning to life while also keeping care accessible and community support close by.

What to expect from Transitional Living in Orange County:

Experience Recovery Transitional Living in Orange County is typically the care program to follow after you have successfully completed residential or outpatient treatment. The goal is to help you transition back into daily living again while maintaining sobriety in the process.

Our team encourages those who have completed residential or outpatient treatment care to move into a recovery house or sober house where guidance, care, and monitoring can continue until you are at the point of long-lasting recovery. You could stay for a short period or a long time at a recovery house, based on what your needs require.

Inside the recovery house, you will reside in a safe, comfortable environment as you continue to heal, grow, and adopt new ways to cope with stresses and traumas in your life. These steps are crucial to take in preparation for fully returning to regular life and your family environment.

Community within the house is also important, as you are to encourage those around you who are also in the process of recovery, helping each other see that there is a better life without drugs and alcohol.

Why is transitional living different from residential or outpatient treatment?

Some might see transitional living as just another form of 24/7 monitoring that is similarly experienced in residential or outpatient treatment.

However, transitional living is not as intensive as residential or outpatient care because it is preparing you to be responsible for continuing your care, watching for triggers to use or drink, and getting help when you feel a relapse is happening.

While residential and outpatient treatment focuses on close monitoring and scheduled activities to help you cope without substances, our Transitional Living in Orange County gives you the freedom to go to school or work as needed as you recover at the house.

All three programs encourage people to still attend therapy sessions or counseling and to support those around them as they also work on staying sober.

Transitional living also helps in providing another stage to reach before going back to life “as normal,” which studies have shown has helped people stay sober instead of falling into relapse because of it being too soon back to regular activities.

How to choose the right Transitional Living house in Orange County:

It is important to remember that the right transitional living house or program is one that enhances the steps you have taken toward recovery and does not detract from them. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you make the necessary decision for your next step of recovery:

• Decide if you are ready for the next step: Some may not consider that freedom from drugs and alcohol takes time so it is best not to jump right into a situation you aren’t prepared for. Talk with your family and your addiction recovery counselor to see if it is time for a transitional living program.

• Research the transitional living program for you: Before searching online or visiting treatment communities, ask your addiction recovery counselor for their suggestions. With their suggestions, do your research online, and don’t be afraid to ask for a visit if possible. You don’t need to go back in progress when you need to go forward.

• Ask questions, but the right questions: Write down what you would like to ask when speaking with a rep of the program or during a visit. You want to make sure you ask the right questions that will tell you more if this is the right place for you or not. Some questions include crisis protocols; staff qualifications; success rates of those who stayed at the house; stay lengths; and what is offered amenities.

• Pack with a location in mind: When you have chosen a transitional living community, check to see the rules of what you can and can’t bring with you during your stay. Once you know the rules, make sure to bring the necessary toiletries, clothing, reading materials, electronic devices, etc.

• Become acquainted with the house rules: As you learn what you can and can’t bring, also learn the rules for what you are expected to do and what is not allowed. Some homes require that those staying help with chores and daily clean-up, follow “quiet hours,” and return back to the home before curfew.

Transitional Living in Orange County, CA

As you prepare for this next stage to reach long-lasting recovery, realize how far you have come from admitting that you needed help with your addiction. Consider that some never make it to rehab or transitional living and that if you are willing to put the work in, those around you will do their best to continue your progress.

Reaching a healthier life free from drugs and alcohol is very possible, so make an effort, accept the help, and know you are one step closer to long-lasting sobriety.