Last House Graduate: Will Van Zandt

I am not sure how to express the shift in perspective I have had while staying here, but I will give it a shot. I have been to hell and back ten times over the time I arrived at The Last House. I came in broke and broken, confused, empty, and with nothing left to give. My 70-year-old mom dropped me off with a week’s worth of clothes, my care, and personal effects were scattered from Pasadena to Arizona. I weighed 150 pounds with 11 staples in my head and my front tooth gone with no recollection as to how or why it happened. As I got out of the car my mother looked at me and said “not that you have much-left son, but what is remaining I would think about because I can’t afford to care anymore, please do not call.” That was the day my life had turned into yet another introspective journey as to how fucked up my life was once again. I was forced to sit with that. Regardless of how capable and disciplined I thought myself to be. Here I was, along with Jonas, Ryan, and Diego steering the ship I knew choppy waters were not far ahead. Then Dustin came in and just when I thought my life couldn’t get any worse, there was a guy who couldn’t leave! I could!! Meeting another like mindedindividual-who was violent by design and courteous by choice, I thought to myself this relationship is going to go one of two ways. We were either gonna fight or assimilate. We have not fought… yet. So there we were in the dish pit, cooking, cleaning, and striking. Many moons passed and the routine became non-negotiable, the consistency more frequent. I, we, all of us, faced with the opportunity to dig deep and get honest or comply and fly by had a choice to make, I got BUSY! I sat across from my sponsor and evaluated my character and assessed my conduct, we went over causes and conditions with a thorough inventory, I discarded what caused turmoil, and tailored my actions to helping others to help myself. I shut my mouth and listened to others’ perspectives. I voiced my concerns, I chose the gym over the couch, and I chose work over pleasure. I soon began to realize what I had neatly avoided over the 15 years of trying to get sober was the one thing that kept me disconnected. My intolerance and judgment of others and my immense concern for myself I had. I want what I wanted in life and went to any lengths to get it, with little to no regard for others and no remorse for what they had to endure. I was not much but I was all I thought about. If you were to ask me what I do today to maintain sobriety and mental stability, I would tell you it is not what I do as much as what I don’t do!. It is beyond wordswhat has happened in my stay here- simply put, I let go of the wheel, I let others do for me what I failed to do myself. In the 16 years, I attempted getting sober I can say today that my only strength comes through restraint. – Will Van Zandt

“The answers will come if my own house is in order”

Are There Addiction Treatment Programs for Teens?

Are There Addiction Treatment Programs for Teens?

According to recent surveys by the National Institute on Drug Use, the United States saw its most significant one-year decrease in reported drug use (marijuana, LSD, crack, cocaine, heroin, narcotics, prescription drugs, etc.) among teenagers and adolescents between 2020 and 2021. 

Those numbers include a nearly 5% decrease among senior students, an about 12% decrease among sophomores, and more than a 5% decrease among eighth-grade students. While this is good news, it doesn’t include alcohol addiction, and there are millions of others left struggling.

And while most people think rehab and addiction treatment programs are reserved for adults, that’s simply not true. There are a wide range of treatment facilities and programs catered to promote recovery and health in the teenage population – and they’re ready and willing to help!

How is Teen Addiction Different?

Teen drug users often face similar consequences as adult drug users – including crime, injury, violence, and death. With that said, the reasons why teenagers abuse drugs often differ from that of an adult. The treatment plan will also differ since teens have different needs than adults.

For example, some of the most common reasons teenagers use or abuse drugs include:

  • To fit in with their peers, giving in to peer pressure
  • In seek of a thrill, euphoria, that ‘high’ feeling
  • To experiment, either alone or with friends
  • In hopes of hiding pain or to cope with emotions
  • The need to improve athletic or academic performance
  • Lack of education about how dangerous drugs are
  • Lack of guidance or direction from parents or guardians

Another thing that makes teenage drug addiction different is the fact that a teenager’s mind, body, and soul are still growing and developing. Addiction impacts a teen’s health, wellness, and behavior, but it impacts their growth and development – which is devastating.

How Does Teen Rehab Differ from Other Programs?

Helping a teenager overcome their drug addiction often requires a unique, custom, tailored, and particular treatment plan when compared to an adult. If not done correctly, the teenager can continue to suffer, and the addiction will only lead to other problems as they enter adulthood.

Substance abuse treatment for teens must take this into account, but it also must factor in the teenager’s studies and academics. That’s why a lot of teenage rehab centers either offer on-site schooling or operate on an outpatient basis to allow the teenager to continue attending school. 

Another way teen rehab differs from adult rehab is family involvement. While it’s important in adult rehab for family members to show support, they’re often more involved in a teenager’s rehab and play a much more crucial role in the overall success of addiction rehab for teens. 

Are There Addiction Treatment Programs for Teens?

Believe it or not, there are a wide range of options when interested in substance abuse treatment for teens. These programs take into account the unique needs of a teenager and the many different factors that play a role in helping a teen successfully overcome drug addiction. 

Some of the significant benefits of addiction treatment programs for teens include: 

  • Access to the right therapy, medication, and professional help
  • Undergo a controlled detoxification process
  • Understand how to cope with withdrawal symptoms
  • Decrease dependence on drugs and other substances
  • Outpatient programs allow for the teen to continue education
  • Improve overall physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health
  • Learn about the dangers and risks of drug and substance use
  • Be around other teenagers going through the same thing

Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent warning signs that your child might need teen rehab:

  • Secretive or suspicious behavior
  • Constantly stealing or asking for money
  • Sudden drop in academic performance and/or grades
  • Physical changes (bloodshot eyes, constant sniffling, wounds, weight changes)
  • Mood swings, irritability, and agitation
  • Stress, depression, and anxiety
  • Lack of interest in things they used to love
  • Tried to stop doing drugs, but relapsed

Teen addiction treatment programs often combine therapy with medication and lifestyle changes to curb addiction and promote a healthier lifestyle that reduces the chances of relapse in the future. By the time treatment is over, your teen will be well on their way to a quality life.

How to Find Teen Addiction Treatment Programs

Is your son or daughter suffering from a drug or substance addiction? Are you worried they’re going to hurt themselves? Do you want them to get the help they so desperately need? Don’t worry; you’re not alone, and there are a wide range of ways you can help them recover. 

Addiction treatment programs for teens can be found all across the nation. At The Last House, we believe in providing teens with the necessary guidance, direction, advice, support, help, and resources when overcoming addiction. Our human-centric, custom approach is one-of-a-kind. 
If you want your teenage son or daughter to make real, lasting change in their lives, you’ve come to the right place. Our program is tailored to meet the needs of each unique individual. Contact us today to learn more about our Los Angeles addiction program and how it can help your teenage child!

How Do Sober Living Houses Work?

How Do Sober Living Houses Work?

They often say that recovery doesn’t end when the individual leaves rehab. Instead, recovery is usually just beginning, and the individual must prove they’re ready to apply what they learned in rehab. This transition is one of the most crucial moments in the addiction recovery process. 

Some individuals will handle this transition with ease. They’ll start a new chapter in their life and will immediately find success in their recovery after rehab. Others, unfortunately, won’t have such an easy transition and will struggle to grow independent from drugs following rehab. 

The good news is those people aren’t alone, and there are programs out there designed to make this transition easier. That’s where sober living houses come into play – which we’ll discuss in more detail below!

What is Sober Living?

Sober living, also known as transitional living, is a program that allows former drug addicts to successfully transition from addiction treatment to independent living – free of drugs and harmful substances. These individuals are under direct clinical supervision during their residency. 

Once proof of sobriety is achieved (in rehab or in general), individuals have two options – return to normal living without the direct supervision of a professional or continue that transition with professional help. Sober living facilities provide that professional help during the transition.

Sober houses, unlike halfway houses, don’t require the individual to be involved in rehab. However, they require the individual to be sober, with the main goal of maintaining that sobriety. It helps the individual transition back into a society that doesn’t involve using drugs. 

How Do Sober Living Houses Work?

In order to be accepted into and continue staying at a sober living house, individuals must follow a number of rules set forth by the sober living facility. For example, they must’ve completed detox and be working towards long-term sobriety. They also must pay monthly rent and fees. 

Individuals will have certain responsibilities and household duties that must be completed without complaint. They must attend house meetings and support group meetings and are generally required to stay a minimum of three months (90 days) before making the transition.

There are four primary levels of sober houses. Level 1 sober living has minimal requirements. Level 2 involves being monitored by paid staff, Level 3 involves being supervised by certified staff, and Level 4 involves adding credentialed staff and integrating clinical facilities.

What is it Like in a Sober Living House?

Individuals learn a lot of important skills and behaviors when living in a sober house. For example, they learn how to live with others, how to budget their expenses, manage their time, hold themselves accountable for their actions, control their behavior, and find purpose in life.

Living in a sober living house can often be broken down into three major phases. Let’s take a closer look:

  • Restrictive Phase – involves a mental detox that helps introduce the individual to living in a sobriety house. Restrictions are often at their peak during this stage as they transition.
  • Reintroduction Phase – during this stage, the individual gains some freedom and is usually allowed to attend work and school. They start gaining basic responsibilities. 
  • Self-Sufficiency Phase – this stage is where the individual starts to make their own decisions, though they are asked to report to staff. Eventually, they transition to independent living. 

There are also a number of requirements that individuals must meet and maintain while living in a sober house. Let’s take a closer look: 

  • No drugs, alcohol, or other harmful substances that might trigger a relapse.
  • Frequent and random drug tests or screenings to hold individuals accountable.
  • No overnight guests and limited transportation, especially in the early stages. 
  • Individuals must participate in a combination of support groups and house meetings.
  • Must be involved in some form of work, schooling, or outpatient program.
  • Must be well-received by others living in the house and not cause any issues. 
  • Residents usually have a number of chores and responsibilities to complete around the house.
  • Residents must keep up with the monthly rent and fees associated with living in a sobriety house. 
  • No sexual relationships with other residents in the sober house. 

Every sober living house is different, but they all have the same goal – to help the individual transition back into a normal lifestyle that doesn’t involve the use of drugs or other harmful substances. Under direct supervision, individuals are in a controlled environment every day. 

How to Find Sober Living in California

Are you looking for sober living houses in Southern California? Have you recently completed treatment for addiction recovery? Do you feel like you’re not fully ready to make the transition to independent living? Are you worried you might relapse if you don’t have the necessary supervision and support? If so, then don’t worry; you’re not alone!
Here at The Last House, we specialize and take pride in our ability to give individuals the necessary tools, resources, guidance, and assistance when making that transition back to everyday life. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment program or sign up for sober living!