Why is it that people seeking long-term sobriety find what they are looking for in California? Easy. It’s the cornucopia of culture, entertainment, nature and diversity. Life is exciting here. Now to be clear, making a move anywhere to “relocate” or do a geographic move will only succeed if you are ready, truly and sincerely ready to quit using and get the support and community we all need on this journey back to our healthy selves. The State of California won’t get you sober in and of itself but it’s ever-present beauty, the dynamics of everyday living and the progressive energy may just keep you motivated and on track long enough to build a new life where you want to succeed. And you can. People move to California to start a new life and to find what makes them happy. This is where people come to be true to themselves, to heal, to grow and expand.

It is natural to want to remain in your comfort zone and be near your loved ones and friends in early recovery which, in some circumstances can be important to all of us. However, being in a familiar environment and around the same social circle increases the possibility of relapse tremendously. As they say in early recovery, you have to let go of the old playmates and the old playground if you want to start a new game. A new game means new opportunity. Starting a new in the Golden State is not only possible, it is what people have been doing for decades. Finding support in a treatment program, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or a well-managed, solid community in a professional sober living is more doable than the doubts you may have about it. Trust me when I say you CAN overcome the doubts you put in front of yourself.

California is a leader in many things and industry of recovery and the communities they foster are among the best and open-minded you can find.

 

Sober Living in Handle Midtown
Sunset with Sober Living

California is known for its diverse people, its entrepreneurial spirit and its industry: technology/software, biomedical, finance, horticulture, arts and just about everything else you can imagine. It’s here.

For a Midwest transplant, I craved diversity and culture. LGBTQ community, world-class museums, art exhibitions, back-alley galleries, concerts, the list goes on. People find their joy in recovery here when they find what makes them happy. It is never too late to start learning something new or pick up a new hobby.

Besides the opportunities abound, California is afforded beautiful weather and the scenic views are, without a doubt, awesome. That considered, nature is everywhere here and in itself is a healing force, playing a beneficial role in your mental health, disposition and overall attitude from sunrise to sunset.

The journey to sobriety is already challenging as it is, having the best possible environment for your mental health is unquestionably a big factor in how we feel. Seasonal depression is a real thing, and it affects numerous people who live in areas where it is cold, dark, and gloomy during the winter months.

Your life is to be lived in joy and to experience fulfillment, and where is a better place to be than a place like California where the opportunities for exploring the new you are endless.