VALLEY SOBER LIVING

SPOTLIGHT

WHERE GETTING SOBER IS A SOCIAL EXPERIENCE

BY NORA HESTON TARTE

At Valley Sober Living, their social process to getting sober has proven successful with 45% of those who stay longer than six months committing to long-term sobriety. In most addiction cases, the success rate is only 33%. “We are a social model for sustained recovery, which means we provide safe and clean and secure homes for people who are transitioning from drug and alcohol abuse,” says Lauren Klinger, owner of VSL.

With 10 homes (including some apartment complexes) throughout Stockton, Lodi, and Galt, VSL helps many. The largest house, with bunk beds in each room, fits 35 people. The smallest home holds 16. In apartment complexes, there are two people to each room or four per two-bedroom unit.

The goal is to put like-minded people together to support each other’s recovery. Sharing a room is part of the model, as Lauren says the lack of isolation actually serves people trying to get sober and roommates can keep each other accountable. “Each home is built like a family.”

The CCAP-certified sober living program includes mandatory drug testing. There is no alcohol allowed on campuses and those who are drunk or test positive for drugs must stay out of the home for a minimum of 24 hours while they sober up unless other arrangements are agreed upon.

Many come to the sober living homes as an alternative to incarceration. About 40% are funded through San Joaquin County and Sacramento Country programs while others pay out of pocket. House parents are those that have been in the sober living homes for a while and wish to stay in the social model while taking on more responsibility.

Unlike other facilities, VSL offers freedom to its housemates. Many work or visit their friends and families during the day or evening. Overnights and latenight outings are allowed with written permission, otherwise curfews hold firm.

The constantly full accommodations are another sign of VSL’s significance to the community. At any given time, beds are filled at VSL homes and they are looking to expand. However, there is also a lot of movement and people have been known to get in within days or even hours of requesting a bed. “There’s always openings,” Lauren says.

VALLEY SOBER LIVING

(209) 513-2319 ValleySoberLiving.org