Posts in category: Recovery

Parenting a teenager is, for lack of a better phrase, uncharted territory. The teen years are a time when your child is trying to exert their independence. On the other hand, you are trying to instill those last few lessons before they head out into the world. It is a time filled with pressure on all sides and it’s no wonder that there is a fair amount of conflict to be had. 

Even if your relationship with your teenager is ideal, your house will still have some conflict and teen angst. It’s hard to know when that conflict and teen angst crosses the line into abnormal territory that requires more concern. You may find yourself wondering, “Is this normal, or is my kid on drugs?” You may also find yourself wishing you had a parenting crystal ball that would give you all of the answers and the next right steps. At The Last House, we understand how mind-boggling it is to navigate the teen years and possible drug use. 

Drugs Commonly Used by Teens

When examining teen drug use, we find that alcohol and tobacco are the most abused.  Following those, the drug most widely used by teens is marijuana, but amphetamines and prescription opioids are not far behind.  Interestingly enough, the drug of choice seems to vary by age, with younger teens more apt to use inhalants such as glue. Older teens tend to use synthetic marijuana and prescription medications. 

For instance, if your teen is on prescription Adderall, you must be vigilant to ensure that they are using the medicine as prescribed and not sharing the medication with their friends. Likewise, if anyone in the house has been prescribed opioids for pain, you must ensure that these are stored properly and not accessible by your children. Teens may turn to drugs for many reasons, including fitting in, feeling better, performing better, or merely experimenting. Making sure the medications in your own home are not being misused is one way you can protect your child from drugs. 

What Are the Usual Signs of Drug Use in Teens?

You know your child better than anyone else, so you will likely see the changes before anyone else. While some of the signs will be specific to the drugs being used, some signs that are common to all drug use are:

• changes in eating or sleeping habits
• mood swings
• weight loss or weight gain
• hanging out with different friends
• losing interest in their favorite activities

You may also notice that your teen is no longer interested in their appearance. Teens who are using drugs may also start to have problems in school or have issues with friends. Any of these on their own may not be a sign that your child is using drugs.  However, the more signs you are noticing, the greater the chance that, yes, your kid is on drugs. 

In addition to the signs above, you may see more outward physical symptoms. Those misusing opioids will have pinpoint pupils. Teens using alcohol, marijuana, or other depressants may exhibit slurred speech or drowsiness. Your child repeatedly complaining of being sick in a flu-like way or appearing sweaty could also be signs of drug use. Answering the question “is my kid on drugs” requires being a detective and piecing together the clues in front of you. Sometimes, it may just be a sense that you have that something is not right. When in doubt, go with your gut instinct because you know your child. 

How Do I Get My Kid Help if They’re on Drugs?

If you discover that your kid has been using drugs, you’ll find a world of options available to get them on the road to recover. The Last House is here to help keep them on that road. We are a network of sober living homes in the heart of West Los Angeles. We believe in providing our clients with the tools to have a meaningful life and participate in their sobriety.  Activities such as service commitments, sober parties, conventions, dances, and house outings are all a part of helping you learn how to have fun in sobriety.  If you’re helping your teen create a sober life, The Last House is here to help. Contact us today. 

Finding the right drug addiction support group is a bit like finding the right pair of shoes. Not only will you want to try out a few different types of groups, but you may also want to try out other meeting locations within the same group type.  If you went to rehab, you were likely exposed to different drug addiction support groups either through their being described or your attending some meetings. Drug addiction support groups are an essential component of a relapse prevention plan.  At The Last House, we know the importance of finding and attending support groups, and we’re happy to help you find meetings. 

Different Kinds of Drug Addiction Support Groups

Drug addiction support groups are much different than being in treatment for a huge reason.  These groups are not run by licensed professionals but by the members themselves. In addition to other kinds of drug addiction support groups, there are often meetings tailored to different demographics, such as all-women meetings, LGBTQ meetings, or all-men meetings. Researchers have found that attendance and participation in drug addiction support groups increase success in recovery.  Whether you are new or established in recovery, support groups can play a vital role.

Twelve Steps Groups

Twelve-Step programs are perhaps the best known of the self-help groups. These programs include:

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
• Cocaine Anonymous
• Marijuana Anonymous
• Heroin Anonymous
• Crystal Meth Anonymous
• Pills Anonymous

As the name suggests, these groups are based on recovery through the completion of twelve steps. AA was established in 1935 with the principles essentially remaining the same, with the only requirement for membership being a “desire to stop drinking.” 

AA and the other twelve-step programs that have grown from it are built on mutual aid, with alcoholics and addicts helping each other stay sober.  All twelve-step programs include reliance on a Higher Power, referred to as God in the literature, of your choosing. 

Refuge Recovery

Refuge Recovery is a Buddhist-inspired support group offering recovery from all forms of addiction.  In addition to a book, there are Refuge Recovery meetings held in many locations worldwide. Refuge Recovery meetings include group meditation, sharing, and readings.  Group members practice meditation, personal inventory, mentorship, retreat, and service as part of the program. 

Smart Recovery

SMART Recovery,  or Self-Management And Recovery Training, approaches recovery in a much different way and does not use labels such as addict or alcoholic. The program also does not rely on religion or spirituality. SMART recovery focuses on a scientifically-based approach to behavioral change using their 4-point program. Once individuals become familiar with SMART and are free from addictive behaviors, they are encouraged to volunteer. 

Women for Sobriety

Women for Sobriety (WFS) is a recovery group focused only on women. WFS, with its “New Life” program, addresses the unique needs of women in recovery by highlighting the need to nurture feelings of self-value and self-worth. Meetings are held in many locations and online.  Literature from WFS is available online.  

Secular Organizations for Sobriety 

Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) is a recovery group focused on helping those staying sober from alcohol, drugs, or compulsive eating. Whereas twelve-step programs emphasize reliance on a Higher Power in sobriety, SOS recognizes the individual as the source of their sobriety.  SOS holds meetings around the world, and much of its literature is available online. 

Live Sober at The Last House

The Last House is a network of structured sober living homes in the heart of West Los Angeles. We believe in providing our clients with the tools to have a meaningful life and participate in their sobriety.  Activities such as service commitments, sober parties, conventions, dances, and house outings are all a part of helping you learn how to have fun in sobriety.  Comprising active members of the Los Angeles Sober Living community, our staff is familiar with many recovery support groups in the area.  If you’re wondering how to create your sober life, The Last House is here to help! 

You’ve gotten sober and now you might be wondering what might be next. As you’re assembling your sobriety tools, you might start to wonder about the best place to live.  This is especially true if your living space prior to getting sober is a place you associate with drinking or using drugs. Perhaps you’ve relapsed in the past and you want to take extra steps to set yourself up for success in sobriety.  The Last House is here to help you build on the work you’ve done to get sober so that you can stay sober. 

What Is Sober Living?

Sober living houses offer a living environment that supports maintaining a recovery lifestyle. Research has demonstrated that those who reside in a sober living house can make and sustain changes that support their recovery. Sober living provides safe and stable housing which plays a huge part in successful recovery.  It also can provide a path for you to find a new way of life in sobriety. 

If your life while using drugs and alcohol focused only on using, you may need to learn how to socialize, work, and engage in relationships without using. Many facilities will incorporate social outings, structure, and some level of responsibility.  At The Last House, we’ve even incorporated rescue dogs into our program so that you can enjoy the love of a dog and the responsibility of helping to care for a pet.  

The services from one sober living house to another might vary, but you can expect to find that many sober living houses require a particular length of sobriety, such as 30 days, before they will accept you into the house.  Still others might require attendance at recovery meetings and maintaining employment.  Sober living houses might also require residents to contribute to the running of the house, either financially or by completing chores. You’ll want to ask questions about what to expect as a resident of a particular house to make sure it’s a good fit for you. 

Why You Should Go to Sober Living in West LA

Choosing a sober living facility can be difficult and there are lots of options. You’ll want a house that’s located where your life is or where you want it to be, depending on your circumstances.  More importantly, you want a house that will best support you by providing a safe and support place to live while you’re developing your new sober life.  

Choosing a sober living house in West Los Angeles can improve your chances of staying clean and sober.  Additionally, choosing a sober living house that is gender-specific rather than co-ed can also contribute to greater success at remaining abstinent. So, as you explore your options, be sure to look at the location, the requirements for continuous sobriety, and the offerings of the house.  Sober living houses located in West Los Angeles are located centrally to allow for outings to the beach, to the golf course, to the mountains, and to explore Los Angeles. 

Sober Living at The Last House

The Last House Sober Living is a network of structured sober living homes in the heart of West Los Angeles. We believe in providing our clients with the tools to have a meaningful life and participate in their own sobriety.  Activities such as service commitments, sober parties, conventions, dances, and house outings are all a part of helping you learn how to have fun in sobriety.  Our staff consists of active members of the Los Angeles Sober Living community and have years of experience. If you’re wondering where to start to create your sober life, The Last House is here to help. 

Fitness A Natural High – As an alternative to drugs

Long term sobriety is the main goal of treatment for drug and alcohol addiction but unless treatment is delivered holistically it is not likely to be successful in the long term.

Substance abuse does not just take a toll on physical health, mental health is also compromised.  It is essential that both mental and physical health are assessed in order to provide the best therapies with the highest possible chance of success.

As well as being effective, therapies must also engage the client and one of the things that do this is exercise which can be a positive way of filling time that was previously used in acquiring and abusing drugs.  Staying physcially fit and increases endorphins and provides a natural high

Not only that but it also improves general health.  Weight is controlled, clients have more energy, more stamina and better protection against things like heart disease but, equally importantly, exercise is known to have a positive effect on mood.

Alongside its role in forming a positive part of recover, exercise can also lead to the development of more healthy habits after treatment.

How Exercise Helps Addiction Recovery and gives the individual a natural high

The main reasons why clients have turned to drugs and alcohol are to escape from stress and increase their ability to cope with life or to silence negative emotions and memories.

When treating the addiction the client then has to deal with the physical effects alongside finding new ways to deal with these stressors. Taking exercise is one of the most popular ways for clients to achieve this because it not only increases their physical well being but also boosts their mood.  Using exercise as a healthy way to manage any negative emotions or to overcome challenges is a way to stay motivated during treatment and this can continue into their life after recovery.

When an individual exercises the body releases mood-boosting endorphins which increase feelings of euphoria while simultaneously reducing any negative emotions.  Not only that, but it boosts the immune system which helps reverse some of the damage to the body that is known to occur with the abuse of drugs and alcohol. Working up a sweat helps eliminate toxins, improves circulation and boosts energy.

As well as all the physical benefits, exercise works on improving the body aesthetic with an increase in feelings of self-esteem and positive body image; factors that are often implicated as contributory factors in cases of substance abuse.  Setting goals, working towards them and ultimately achieving them is a huge boost to their confidence in their ability to overcome challenges.

There are multiple mental health benefits of exercise; it gives an individual a way of releasing stress, anger and the other emotions that are implicated as risk factors for substance abuse.  Some forms of exercise can assist with increasing collaborative ability, leadership and communication skills, increase emotional intelligence and encourage new, healthier friendships to develop.

What Type of Exercise?

Clients are individuals and their recovery needs will be unique to them; it makes sense that the same applies to exercise.  Different types of fitness can be used as a natural high.  There is a huge choice available, all of which offer physical and mental challenges.  Encouraging the client to explore these options gives another opportunity for them to explore their own wishes and discover new interests.  It is a key way of enabling them to look outside of their own comfort zone to find new engaging and enjoyable activities.

A more solitary individual may find joining a gym beneficial because of the ability to exercise alone.  There are a number of amenities on offer in gym facilities including cardio and strength training, weights, swimming pools, etc.  There is also the option of working with a trainer if an individual finds this beneficial and in doing so they can tailor-make their activities and goals according to their own wishes.  Other solo sports include golf, skiing, rock climbing and running.

For the more social client there are a many groups that offer the opportunity to join teams in soccer,  basketball, hockey and others, alongside other activities like yoga and dance classes.  This gives the opportunity to expand social networks, develop teamwork, increase mood and build new, healthier relationships.

Some clients want more of a challenge and there has been a growth in the availability of non-traditional activities.  Things like surfing, mountain biking, horse riding and sky diving can be exhilarating and lead to the discovery of new lifelong passions.  Clients can work together to help each over overcome challenges and provide motivation and moral support.  These types of activity are often used as experimental therapies but with the right clients have provided opportunities for individuals to push their own boundaries and gain huge benefits.

Exercise is Important for Young Adults

Exercise of any intensity has been shown to reduce relapse risk in young adults recovering from drug or alcohol addiction.  Many of these positive effects are not directly related to the activity but provide benefits by encouraging healthy activities, establishing routines and time management and provides the individual with a natural high.  The client benefits from increases in energy and improvements in mood and the idea of sobriety becomes more appealing.  In addition, the time used by working out takes account of some of the time freed up by not needed to acquire or abuse alcohol or drugs.

In the modern world the use of technology is something that affects young adults more than any other group.  The amount of sleep and physical activity a person gets is impacted by their use of devices and these are factors that increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.  This is a relatively new discovery and is important to factor in to any rehabilitation regime because a large proportion (6 out of 10) of people struggling with addiction also have a mental health problem.

Physical fitness has proven to be an excellent way to address and counteract some of the factors that lead to increase likelihood of substance abuse and does allow recovering addicts to experience a natural high.  Exercise can continue long after treatment ends and is useful to build a strong foundation for a healthy future lifestyle.  The positive effects of exercise combine to improve a client’s quality of live and increases the chance that they will be successful in achieving long-term sobriety.

Contact Us at the Last House if you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction and who you think may benefit from our programs implementation of fitness as a natural high.

In his powerful song Starting Over, Macklemore croons some deep verses about recovery, relapse, and his journey to getting sober.

One particular verse stands out: “If I can be an example of getting sober, then I can be an example of starting over.”

As young men in recovery, getting sober is very much an opportunity for us to start over, as well. When we’re addicted, we can feel like our lives are falling apart. We lose friends, have little control over ourselves, and feel trapped in bodies that don’t feel like they belong to us. Getting sober is all about two things: teaching us how to get to the bottom of the issues that pushed us to using in the first place, and helping us welcome new life and new opportunities with open arms.

This is why here at The Last House sober living facility, we use every resource we can think of– including our prime location in Los Angeles– to help our men not just beat addiction, but truly embrace the idea of getting sober. Getting sober young means we still have our whole lives ahead of us, and that’s what makes the lessons we learn in sober living so important. We aren’t just learning to beat addiction, or how to reenter society. We’re learning how to live the lives of the men we always knew we could be.

What are the benefits of getting sober young?

Entering addiction treatment and sober living facilities as young men is a wise choice for a number of reasons, but the biggest reason might also be the most obvious: When young men enter addiction treatment, we’re saving ourselves a whole lot of future trouble. Even at our lowest point, our rock bottom is likely much higher than it would have been if we’d waited until later to start getting sober. In some cases, getting sober at a young age even gives us more time to repair some of the damage that might have been caused by our addiction. We could salvage our professional career, mend relationships, and get back on the right track, possibly without having to deal with the extra troubles that come with longer life.

The second benefit of getting sober young is that we have more opportunity to use our own experiences to help others. The young men in addiction treatment aren’t the only ones that have battled with addiction, but we might be the only ones that can connect with the other young men going through the same things we’ve been through. As young men, we can help others our age understand why they may need treatment, what addiction treatment is all about, and how empowering getting sober can be.

The third benefit of getting sober young, especially in Los Angeles, is that there’s so much more that we can enjoy. Los Angeles is the land of hopes, dreams, and everything in-between, and we have a front row seat to some of the most talented people, engaging events, and incredible ways of life in the world. When we get sober young, we can fill ourselves with the sights and sounds of a city teeming with things to do. Los Angeles offers endless opportunities to explore, create, and indulge ourselves, and being able to get sober as young men means we won’t have to miss a thing.

While we’re on the topic of Los Angeles, getting sober as young men here also means we have an ultimate platform to spread the power of the sober living community to as many as we can. With the stressors of fame, “making it big,” and competing for roles, gigs, and deals, many in Los Angeles turn to substances as a way to cope. As young men here, we’ve got the opportunity to meet people firsthand that are dealing with substance abuse, and connect with them to get them the help they need.

Another benefit of getting sober as young men is that we still have the time to truly explore ourselves and find our passions. When we’re addicted, most, if not all, of our time is devoted to using a substance. When we’re getting sober though, we have the time and motivation to find new activities to keep us busy, stimulated and engaged. As young men, the new activities that we begin to enjoy now in recovery can become passions that stay with us for a lifetime.

Other benefits of getting sober as young men include being able to forge lasting, meaningful relationships with others, being able to be present for life’s biggest moments, saving our bodies from future physical harm, being able to set an example for others that were in our shoes, and meeting some of the most genuine and supportive people we’ll ever know.

While ten are mentioned here, there are really countless benefits to getting sober as young men here in Los Angeles. At The Last House sober living facility, we help our young men realize these benefits and take full advantage of them. Life doesn’t end when we decide to get sober. It begins.

The Last House sober living facility in Los Angeles provides an environment that helps young men both get sober and become the best versions of themselves that they can be. Through addiction treatment modalities that foster brotherhood, courage, independence, and confidence, we teach our men how to grab life by the horns and own their recovery. When they graduate from the Last House, our young men don’t just live sober. They live powerfully. Call 1-866-677-0090 to get started with The Last House today.