Those in addiction recovery are encouraged to seek sober communities around them to achieve long-term recovery. Getting support through a strong community is the key to relapse prevention. Some of the best sober communities in the US are the land of 1,000 treatment centers that help those struggling with drugs and alcohol abuse find support groups near them.
Seeking sober living after completing rehab programs is critical to success. The absence of a stable, alcohol, and drug-free living environment can be a severe obstacle to continued abstinence. Unfavorable living environments can hinder recovery for even extremely motivated individuals. Sober living houses, often found in sober communities, are alcohol and drug-free living environments for addicts trying to refrain from alcohol and drug use.
What Makes a Great Sober Community?
Great sober communities have quality standards for their recovery residences. These include having a process that assures addicts receive an orientation on agreements, policies, and procedures before traveling. Additionally, having a written agreement which discloses financial terms and house rules.
Great sober communities promote peer advocacy. An example of peer advocacy is 12 step programming. The 12 step model is a great recovery tool to help foster deep and beneficial peer relationships.
Having access to halfway houses, treatment facilities, and drug-free environments is vital for those looking for a sober community to call home. Recovering addicts will often plan to move to these cities to continue their recovery and stay sober.
The Top Sober Communities in the US
Let’s explore some of the best cities for sober living, in no particular order. These cities stand out from the rest and are often the go-to city for those seeking recovery.
Yakima, WA
While it might not be a city known for being a tourist hotspot, Yakima makes political, economic, and social efforts to fight addiction and promote sobriety. The city’s drug-free community coalition brought the numbers of drug abuse in the town by half in five years alone.
Delray Beach, FL
We’re not including Delray Beach on the list because that’s where we’re located. The truth is that Delray Beach offers a large number of affordable sober living housing with more than 1,200 beds in the city. This small town with a vibrant atmosphere is perfect for recovering addicts.
San Diego, CA
A vibrant city is an excellent place for young people to enjoy sober living to its fullest. The town has plenty of halfway houses to choose from and a tremendous sober club scene that expands. Throughout the county, many drug-free communities with the San Diego Second Chance program create a unique set of opportunities for those in recovery. Not too far away, you’ll also find plenty of sober communities across Orange County.
Harlem, NY
One of the cities affected the most by teenage drug addiction and chronic relapse. Harlem established more resources and community centers than any other city. Thanks to their Communities in Schools, they give kids in high school a unique program that gives them a safe and sober place to spend their time after school.
Boston, MA
The city is actively looking for ways to support the recovery community. Thanks to the city’s relationship with the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation, they expanded treatment access for substance abuse patients.
Of course, these are some cities that we can highlight. Other famous American cities for sober living include:
- Costa Mesa, CA
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Jose, CA
- Pasadena, CA
- New York City, NY
- Murray, UT
- Heath, OH
- Albertville, AL
Building Sober Communities
Beyond learning what to look for in sober living homes or halfway houses, it’s essential to know how to find a local sober community. You can start building this community around yourself to help you and others maintain sobriety.
For example, some of the ways you can grow sobriety in your community include starting a 12-step meeting or volunteering your time. Many high schools could also benefit from a sober person willing to mentor students or give a speech.
Don’t limit yourself to one type of support group. For example, some people prefer to attend SMART Recovery meetings instead of AA-meetings. Reach out to your treatment center and ask about the possibilities around you.
Our Lighthouse Recovery Institute Community
At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, we believe addiction treatment never ends. The value we place in the community, and ongoing support is incomparable. We foster sober communities within our community to help those in recovery.
Thanks to our aftercare programs, those who complete treatment can continue fostering and building their support network. Beyond group meetings and counseling sessions, we encourage an environment of fellowship and companionship. Our aftercare programs work on relapse prevention, life skills development, family therapy, trauma therapy, etc.
If you or someone you know is struggling in addiction recovery, please reach out. Our caring staff is always available to offer guidance and support during this trying episode in your recovery journey. Believe us, finding a sober community near you isn’t as complicated as it seems. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that ours is located nearby sunny beaches in the middle of Delray Beach.
