Group Healing Activities at Newport Beach Recovery Center

Three people smile while standing next to each other.


Group healing can be essential for building and maintaining healthy social relationships during and after treatment. At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we tailor every group to ensure the participants feel comfortable with each other and the subjects covered relate to their personal life experiences. Healing within a group can be highly rewarding. Many people continue to use the tools they learn in group therapy for the rest of their lives.

Peer support can help clients feel more comfortable disclosing vulnerable details of their substance misuse. Group therapy provides a safe space to improve communication, self-expression, self-awareness, and social skills. Interpersonal interactions can also improve self-confidence and problem-solving skills. According to Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, “Peer support has been shown to be a key component of many existing addiction treatment and recovery approaches such as the community reinforcement approach, therapeutic communities, and 12-step programs.†The Newport Beach Recovery Center care team tailors all group activities to provide clients with the tools they need to heal from substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring conditions. We also encourage clients in outpatient care to join self-help or 12-Step groups to provide additional support.

Outdoor Therapy Groups at Newport Beach Recovery Center

Our treatment facility is near the beach, making it an ideal setting for outdoor groups and healing recreational activities. The change of scenery can provide clients with another perspective and facilitate positive social interactions. We offer walking groups, relaxing outdoor therapy, and even group sessions at a nearby coffee shop.

Groups held outdoors can include aspects of the following:

  • Psychodrama
  • Experiential therapy
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Guided conversations
  • Recreational therapy
  • Adventure therapy

A small coffee shop across the street from our facility offers a private outdoor area where groups can sit comfortably with a favorite drink and informally discuss their thoughts and feelings. Maintaining client privacy is a top priority, and we never conduct group therapy in areas where the public may overhear.

How We Personalized the Experience

We listen to what each group has to say about ways we can improve sessions and activities they would enjoy. Personal preferences, including hiking, surfing, whale watching, and day outings, can provide clients with positive social experiences during treatment. We believe that it is vital to get out and participate in relaxing activities that strengthen social bonds and improve life skills, including:

  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Interpersonal relationships
  • Social boundaries

Personalizing group activities allow us to make the experience more engaging for each program participant. We construct groups around clients with similar issues or life experiences to ensure the content of each session remains relevant to all participants. Clients often feel more confident and comfortable in personalized groups.

Group Activities Increase Therapy Engagement

Group activities provide an excellent opportunity for clients to process issues related to recovery from a new perspective. Healing from trauma and the effects of SUD takes time and a willingness to engage in therapy. Many people find it easier to express themselves and communicate more effectively during group sessions that center around topics and exercises they find interesting.

Several examples of recreational activities we use to facilitate greater group involvement include:

  • Whale watching
  • Surfing
  • Hiking
  • Walking
  • Meditation
  • Day events
  • Music and art

Groups provide a safe space where clients can improve self-regulation and self-efficacy. In addition to including holistic and community activities in treatment, we also have gender-specific and trauma groups. Our facility uses a trauma-informed approach to care. We believe positive peer interactions are an essential tool in trauma recovery, and people with similar traumas can help one another find acceptance, closure, motivation, and hope for the future.

Taking Advantage of Community Support Groups

Support groups are an excellent tool for healing. Clients in partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), outpatient, and sober living programs often find inspiration within the welcoming community of self-help and 12-Step groups. We encourage clients to use local resources to heal from the damaging effect of addiction. Group therapy and support groups can make it easier to overcome challenges faced during the treatment and recovery process.

Personalized Group Therapy Reduces the Risk of Relapse

Humans are naturally social creatures. Group healing is an important tool that provides people in recovery with access to peers they can rely on to provide accountability, encouragement, and a safe space for self-expression. Personalized group therapy ensures that clients develop life skills relevant to their recovery experience, decreasing the risk of relapse during and after treatment. Group therapy and support groups are also essential to aftercare planning for many clients. Our care team ensures clients have information about local therapists and peer-led groups. We also provide referrals.

Substance misuse affects all areas of a person’s life and can lead to reduced social skills, emotional instability, and social isolation. We use group therapy and community activities to help you work through problem areas and develop essential life skills that can enhance treatment. Group activities can facilitate more beneficial interpersonal relationships. Everyone in recovery can benefit from some form of group therapy. At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we offer a wide range of groups where you can learn coping skills and other important tools for recovery. Everyone can benefit from spending time with peers in the recovery community who share common interests and lived experiences. We offer evidence-based and alternate groups, including music and art therapy, talk therapy, and gender-specific groups. To learn more about our facility and the programs we offer, call our office today at (888) 850-0363. You are not alone, and we can help you heal. 

Why Knowing All Staff Members Matters to Newport Beach Recovery Center

Two people sitting on a couch in front of a window.


Newport Beach Recovery Center is unique because management actively participates in helping clients and their families throughout the treatment process. Every team member is actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the facility. You may have met someone from upper management during admissions or when you called to get further information about our programs. Everyone on our team works together to ensure all clients and their families have access to the highest quality care and services. 

The team counts on one another to ensure clients receive the best possible care based on our client-focused and personalized approach. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Treatment should be tailored to address each patient’s drug use patterns and drug-related medical, mental, and social problems.†We collaborate with clients and their families to personalize treatment plans and aftercare services. 

Become Part of a Family 

Transparency, collaboration, and ethical care make our programs unique and high-quality. The staff, contractors, and management team all work together to create a welcoming and family-like environment where clients can feel comfortable and supported. Clients are not a number or a diagnosis to our team. We treat everyone by addressing current disorders and underlying issues that may impact recovery. 

A few services and treatment options we offer include: 

  • Trauma-informed care 
  • Gender-specific therapy
  • Personalized treatment and aftercare planning 
  • Case management
  • Alumni services 

We go above and beyond to ensure our clients receive the tools they need to recover from SUD and mental health disorders. Some of the advantages of having an entire team working to help each client include: 

  • Improved communication between departments
  • Better integration of treatment services
  • Improved trust and stronger bonds between clients and the staff
  • Better treatment outcomes

Clients significantly benefit from the additional communication and support of our tight-knit care team. 

Active Support From All Levels of Management 

We empower clients by offering active support from every team member, including the individuals running the facility. Clients can interact with upper management during treatment sessions and community activities. In addition, the care team collaborates to ensure clients receive comprehensive and effective care that meets their personal goals. 

Some of the ways our upper management interacts with clients include: 

  • One-on-one meetings with potential and current clients 
  • Answering the office phone and providing referrals and details about recovery 
  • Connecting with families to provide information and resources 
  • Providing day-to-day support to staff and contractors 

Truly Personalized Treatment

Every member of our team cares about the well-being of each client and provides compassionate, personalized treatment to meet their needs. Many rehabilitation facilities advertise personalized care while still using a formula to determine the evidence-based and alternative therapies used for each client. We believe in allowing the client to help us direct treatment by actively engaging with them and using that relationship to ensure personalized treatment. Clients are more than a number or a diagnosis. Our entire team works to create a welcoming and family-like environment where all clients can feel appreciated, understood, and supported. 

What Makes Our Team Successful? 

Our team succeeds at providing excellent service and life-changing treatments because we trust one another and use a client-focused approach that incorporates the following principles: 

  • Ethical treatment
  • Open and honest communication
  • Transparency
  • Collaboration
  • Integrity 
  • Compassion 

We genuinely care about the mental and physical well-being of every person who reaches out to our facility. We will never leave a family or individual to struggle alone. You can count on our team to provide assistance through our multiple levels of care. If we do not have the resources to assist, we offer referrals to quality services at other facilities. Our team exists to provide hope and help to people who feel hopeless and lost. You can heal from addiction; our team is here to answer your call. 

Continuing Support for Alumni 

Alumni who experience setbacks or have crisis moments during ongoing recovery can always reach out to our team at any point. We are here for you and your recovery. Sometimes all it takes to get through a crisis is to talk with someone who understands and has your best interest at heart. We want to ensure you are happy, healthy, and sober after completing rehabilitation. 

Not everyone feels confident during the transition from structured treatment to independent recovery. Our team ensures all clients have the tools they need to face stressors and triggers in everyday life. However, we also understand that setbacks are a part of the recovery process, and we never judge anyone who contacts us after relapsing or contemplating relapse. We want to save you from continuing to experience the pain of addiction. Our alumni can always contact our team for additional support or a listening ear. The whole team cares about your recovery, and we will not leave you to cope alone. 

The care team at Newport Beach Recovery Center prioritizes your safety and comfort during treatment. We provide only the highest quality treatment and referrals to everyone who reaches out to us for help. We help individuals and families find a path forward. Our team believes that you can achieve and maintain sobriety if you are determined to change and have access to the right tools. We provide skill development, peer support, and individualized care. You are not alone; we are here to help you heal from the effects of substance misuse. You can regain control of your life and overcome challenges related to SUD. The team at our facility includes upper management, contracted professionals, and dedicated staff who work as a unit to ensure everyone receives the treatment they need to heal. Learn more about our treatment program, services, and care team, by calling our office today at (888) 850-0363.

Does Newport Beach Recovery Center Help With Aftercare?

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The dedicated team at Newport Beach Recovery Center is here for the long haul. We do whatever it takes to help potential, current, and previous clients achieve and maintain sobriety, including: 

  • Providing alumni with emotional support during crisis moments 
  • Offering referrals and assistance locating resources 
  • Encouraging individuals in recovery to attend programs that fit their needs 

You are more than a diagnosis or a number to us, and we will do everything in our power to help you get the support and resources you need to heal from the damaging effects of substance use disorder (SUD).

How Does Life Skill Development Improve Treatment Outcomes? 

Developing essential life skills during treatment smooths the transition to aftercare by preparing you to cope with the challenges and daily stressors you will encounter once you complete the program. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), “Coping skills training groups (the most common type of skills development group) attempt to cultivate the skills people need to achieve and maintain abstinence.†We believe that life skills provide additional protections against relapse prevention.

Essential skills can improve your mental and physical well-being by doing the following: 

  • Increase self-management, self-efficacy, and self-awareness
  • Build self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Strengthen personal and interpersonal relationships 
  • Organize social and personal environments 
  • Encourage healthy activity and exercise 

These benefits will help you navigate aftercare and ongoing recovery with a lower risk of relapse and complications. By learning to manage symptoms and build a healthy routine, you can change your home and social environments to facilitate lasting positive changes. 

At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we believe everyone should access these essential skills during and after treatment. If you ever feel overwhelmed or unprepared for possible issues, you can reach out to our team, and we will help you find the support and information you need to keep moving forward in your recovery. SUD can be treated, and you can overcome any challenges you encounter in aftercare using the tools you learned in therapy. 

What Are Relapse Prevention Strategies?

Aftercare relies heavily on relapse prevention and crisis management strategies. Newport Beach Recovery Center personalizes every plan to the specific needs of the client and any potential issues they might encounter when they complete treatment which means that no two strategies are the same. 

A few areas that relapse prevention focuses on include: 

  • Learning to identify and avoid or cope with triggers 
  • Creating sustainable routines to maintain physical health
  • Creating a support system 
  • Setting attainable goals 

Aftercare planning and relapse prevention therapy can educate clients about the possible challenges they may encounter and how to avoid or overcome them using the tools learned in rehabilitation. 

Warning Signs of Relapse During Aftercare 

Relapse prevention during aftercare also relies on the client’s ability to recognize the signs of relapse. According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), early warning signs of the relapse process can include:

  • Thinking about using or fantasizing about past use
  • Not reaching out for support in times of emotional need or denying the need for support altogether
  • Starting to reassociate with people and places linked to past substance use
  • An increase in behaviors that were common when the individual was using
  • Stopping the medication prescribed for an addictive disorder
  • Experiencing emotional or mental relapse 
  • No longer prioritizing self-care and aftercare treatment like support groups and individual therapy 
  • Worsening personal hygiene
  • More severe cravings and other symptoms 
  • Unhealthy sleeping and eating patterns

Relapse is unique to each person, which means that it can accompany almost any significant life changes or alterations in behavior. 

How Do Clients Contribute to Aftercare Planning?

Collaboration between clients, the care team, and family members makes aftercare effective. Clients will discuss possible issues they might encounter during the aftercare and ways to implement the tools learned in therapy. Family members can provide additional support and accountability, improving the effectiveness of aftercare planning. 

What Happens After Treatment?

Newport Beach Recovery Center is here for our alumni regardless of what stage of recovery they have reached or how long it has been since they completed treatment. Client safety and health are our priority, and we are here to help each client move forward in their recovery. You matter, and you are not alone.

Why Is Aftercare Follow Through Important?

Clients are responsible for following through with the information, tools, and aftercare plan the care team provides. We cannot maintain accountability once clients graduate from our care. Aftercare follow-through is critical to continued sobriety, and the team at Newport Beach Recovery Center will do everything possible to prepare clients to take on that responsibility. 

Aftercare is essential to the recovery process and ensures that clients maintain sobriety and continue to use the skills they learned in treatment. Client follow-through is critical; otherwise, aftercare can fail. You can significantly decrease the risk of relapse during aftercare by actively participating in therapy and using safety plans and relapse prevention strategies designed during treatment. The dedicated team at Newport Beach Recovery Center provides aftercare for every client, in addition to alumni services that offer additional support during continuing care. Clients are never left to navigate aftercare alone, and they can always reach out to our team for information, help, and additional treatment. We believe that addiction is not a life sentence and that you can recover and heal from the effects of substance use disorder. To learn more about our programs, call us today at (888) 850-0363 to speak with our care team.

Various Groups at Newport Beach Recovery

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Group therapy at Newport Beach Recovery Center is highly personalized and involves a variety of therapeutic approaches to ensure each client receives the support they need to grow and heal. Our treatment programs offer weekly group therapy sessions that address trauma, substance use disorder (SUD), and other mental health issues. We believe that group therapy enhances the effectiveness of individual therapy and ensures that clients have an opportunity to develop social skills that will help them cope with daily stressors.

Peer and community support can provide significant benefits for individuals in recovery. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “In the hands of a skilled, well-trained group leader…a group can be harnessed and directed to foster healthy attachments, provide positive peer reinforcement, act as a forum for self-expression, and teach new social skills.†Everyone deserves access to peer support. We encourage clients to build healthy social bonds during rehabilitation.

Group Therapy Is a Valuable Recovery Tool

Group therapy is a valuable recovery tool. According to SAMHSA, “Across the continuum of care, group therapy can be an effective and efficient modality for improving treatment engagement, developing and practicing coping skills, and supporting recovery.” At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we use multiple forms of group therapy to encourage positive social interactions and skill development. Some of the therapy modalities we use include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Psychoeducational groups
  • Experiential therapy
  • Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)

We have the resources to fully personalize group therapy and incorporate various aspects of complementary modalities.

Group Activities at Newport Beach Recovery Center

The group therapy and activities offered at Newport Beach Recovery Center include:

  • The development of healthy coping skills
  • Spontaneous therapy and activity groups
  • Relapse prevention
  • Recreational therapy
  • Adventure therapy
  • Art therapy
  • Music therapy
  • Outdoor talk therapy
  • Group activities, including whale watching and day outings
  • Sober team-building activities

We conduct regular progress reports for each client to ensure they are on track to meet their recovery goals. Frequent check-ins allow us to adapt treatment plans and group therapy as necessary to ensure all clients receive the type of support they need to experience effective treatment and long-term recovery.

Groups Are Highly Personalized

The groups at our facility are highly personalized. Spontaneous groups may develop to address specific challenges that may appear during rehabilitation. We believe everyone should have access to a therapy group that makes them feel safe and comfortable. Clients collaborate with our team to ensure we consider their needs and preferences when assigning groups. In addition to traditional therapies, we also bring in outside experts to provide alternative holistic therapies if we determine it will improve the treatment outcome for an individual or group.

We Celebrate Diversity and Personal Choice

LGBTQIA+ individuals can join whatever group makes them feel most comfortable. We celebrate diversity and personal choice at Newport Beach Recovery Center while maintaining individualized care. Everyone deserves access to high-quality treatment that helps them to grow, heal, and make noticeable progress in their recovery. We are here to make sure anyone who wants to get sober can connect with the treatment and therapy they need to regain control of their life.

What Happens During Group Therapy?

You can expect to hear others talk about things they have experienced and how they feel about treatment. Group members can be in different stages of recovery. However, most of the time, people with similar life experiences get grouped together to make sure the guided topics remain relevant for everyone.

Group therapy usually involves the following:

  • Guided discussions
  • Therapy exercises
  • Skill development
  • Peer interactions
  • Shared literature on recovery topics
  • Homework between sessions

Every group is different. Most use multiple therapeutic approaches to address issues relevant to each individual in the group. The specific therapy methods will depend on several factors, and our comprehensive client assessments ensure we match everyone with the right group. Not all clients react well to traditional group therapies, and we can always make exceptions. We will never force a client to divulge anything in a group that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Your Safety and Comfort Are Our Priority

Our top priority at Newport Beach Recovery Center is to ensure every client feels safe, comfortable, and respected during treatment. We believe each client has value and should receive the best care. Positive lifestyle changes are easier to maintain if the client feels secure and supported. Group therapy is an excellent tool for healing and can give clients a new way of looking at themselves, their peers, and the world around them. Our care team goes the extra mile to make sure clients feel heard during group when they share their perspectives and experiences.

Group therapy and social activities can help you recover from substance use disorder, learn to set social boundaries, increase communication, and provide vital coping skills for everyday stressors. Our therapy groups are inclusive, diverse, and support individual growth. We understand that everyone responds differently to various methods of treatment. Our options can be tailored to ensure every group participant feels heard and understood. Actively participating in therapy is essential to long-term recovery, and healthy social bonds can help clients remain accountable and feel more confident about their sobriety. We encourage peers to support one another through the rehabilitation process and make strong positive social connections with others going through the program. Peer interactions can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of therapy. To learn more about the programs at Newport Beach Recovery Center, call us today at (888) 850-0363.

How to Build a Sober Support System

A group of people sitting around each other.


Your time in rehab is complete. You championed through detox and inpatient care and came out stronger on the other side. Ready to start life anew, fresh and clean. You’ve likely covered it during your treatment or, at minimum, thought about it already but who you’re going to surround yourself with after you get back out and into the world is a decision that carries a lot of weight. Developing and having a sober support system makes a huge difference in the lifelong journey that is recovery. Keep reading to hear why Newport Beach Recovery thinks it’s important to have a sober support system. 

Why Having a Sober Support System Is Important

First and foremost, a sober support system can help you deal with triggers and the stress they can cause. If left to your own devices those could easily lead to a potential relapse.

There’s an old saying that has a few variations but the most popular versions are; “show me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are†and “show me your friends and I’ll show you your futureâ€. The meaning is essentially the same in both, who you hang out with or surround yourself with dictates a lot about you and what you do. If most of your time is spent with people struggling with addiction you’re much more likely to find yourself doing the same.

If your network and support system is populated with sober people, you’ll find it significantly easier to stick with a sober life.

How to Build a Sober Support System

Is this a classic case of easier said than done? Not so much, sure meeting new people isn’t the easiest thing for everyone but neither is acknowledging you need help and entering a treatment program. Now that is tough. Making friends is a breeze after that.

A few recommendations though:

Attend Outpatient Treatment

The continuation of your inpatient experience, outpatient treatment is the logical next step in your recovery. You still get the benefits of hands-on, proper and in-depth treatment but with the convenience of not living in the facility.  This is a good resource for building your network because much like inpatient care, outpatient treatment involves plenty of group work from counseling to activities. 

Go to 12-Step Meetings

A core feature of programs like 12-step is the emphasis on group work and being present with other people. Going to regular meetings becomes a staple of your schedule and as you get more and more comfortable, friendships start to blossom.

On top of that, and perhaps most importantly, in these programs you’ll find a sponsor, someone who fits with your personality and that you get along with well, who will take you through the steps and that you can lean on. This becomes a monumentally important relationship and you’ll learn immensely from their perspective and the fact that they’ll be further along in their recovery.

Eventually, after enough time in a program, you’ll be in the position to sponsor someone newly sober. Which leads to the following great option.

Help Others Who Are Struggling

This is actually part of the 12-step programs and they often sum it up as “you can’t keep it unless you give it awayâ€. In other words, helping someone else who has struggled with drug or alcohol addiction can, in turn, help you stay on your path of recovery. It serves as a reminder of how far you’ve come and knowing you’re helping and creating real change in someone’s life can lift your self-esteem tremendously as well.

Get Help With Addiction at Newport Beach Recovery

At Newport Beach Recovery we understand the incredible importance of helping you or your loved one develop a sober support system after finishing treatment. Get in touch with us to learn more about the variety of group work we offer as part of our outpatient treatment program as well as additional resources for making your transition to sober living a long term success.

Learn The Benefits of Getting Sober

A person with their hand on the table and a glass of alcohol.


Addiction is a challenging disease to manage. For a long time, people who suffered from addiction did not have access to the resources they needed to get better. Now, there has been a significant amount of research in this field that has led to the development of new diagnostic and treatment capabilities that have helped people find sobriety. Many people who have struggled with addiction for years might not know how to have fun without that addictive substance. They might not even know what life is like sober. The good news is that there are numerous benefits of sobriety that everyone should know.

What Happens When You Get Sober? 

When you enter sobriety, your life is going to change drastically. You discover that you have more energy than you did in the past. You can think clearer and have a new appreciation for life. You no longer feel the desperation of doing whatever it takes to get drugs or alcohol. You are much more relaxed because you no longer have to worry about what happens when the drugs or alcohol wear off. Addiction treatment provides recovery from drug abuse and alcoholism that is going to lead to a boost in self-confidence and self-esteem.

You’re Healthier

Addiction is unhealthy and negatively affects the body and mind. Addiction to alcohol can lead to serious liver damage. An addiction to cocaine is damaging to someone’s heart. An addiction to meth will lead to the development of something known as ‘meth mouth’. This is when someone’s teeth start to rot and decay. All of this is terrible and can lead to long-term health consequences.

When you stop harming your body with toxic substances, you become much healthier. Your sleep patterns will return to normal, you’ll have an appetite again, and natural energy. 

You Find Things You Love

During recovery from addiction, you can take advantage of the opportunities you’ll have to learn new things. When you’re no longer inebriated from taking drugs or drinking alcohol, you can research new hobbies or travel. One of the biggest reasons addiction treatment is successful because it gets people to change their routines. You can easily take this skill and apply it to life outside of treatment. By learning new things, you’ll stay busy, and figure out what you love to do. 

You Rebuild Relationships

One of the most important benefits of getting sober is that you are going to rebuild the relationships in your life that might have been damaged by addiction. Sadly, addiction is a disease that affects the people around you. Your personal and professional relationships can become broken while you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol. Once you get sober you’ll be able to be a dependable friend and coworker again.  You’ll also be able to build new relationships with the people you meet during recovery. A big component to staying sober is having a sober network. You can meet new sober people during and after addiction treatment. Support groups and 12 step meetings are a great way to build your network. 

We’re Here to Help

At Newport Beach Recovery, we are a drug and alcohol rehab center located in Costa Mesa, CA. We are here to serve individuals and families who are struggling with addiction throughout the local area. We know trying to beat addiction can be intimidating, but with the help of us, it’s completely attainable. Please contact us today to learn more about our services!

Sober Activities to do While in Newport Beach


When people who have struggled with addiction finally break free, it is important to come up with new hobbies and activities that will prevent someone from relapsing to the world of alcohol and drugs. While some people might think that alcohol is a social lubricant that is required to have fun, this is far from the truth. In reality, there are plenty of fun activities in Newport Beach that everyone can enjoy! Take a look at a few of the top activities in the local area that are fun while sober. Then, when people come up with new hobbies, they will have an easier time retaining their sobriety in the years to come.

Explore the Local Area

One of the most important points that people should keep in mind is that it is fun to explore. Exploring the local area can be seen as a metaphor for exploring sobriety. There is so much to life that people missed while they were struggling with an addiction. Now, with that newfound sobriety, people will have the opportunity to experience it. The Surfliner train provides everyone with gorgeous views up and down the coast. It provides easy access to some of the top destinations in the local area. There are plenty of chances to take breaks and explore the area along each and every stop! Think about checking out the piers, beaches, and even the local zoo! There is plenty of shopping to look at as well.

Options for Thrill-Seekers

Many people are looking for a way to get their adrenaline rush even while sober. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to do this as well. Those who live in the local area know that there are plenty of theme part opportunities. Some of the top parks in the area include Sea World, Six Flags, Disney Land, Universal Studios, and more! There are even discounted ticket rates available for those who plan ahead! There are plenty of energetic rides for people of all ages. For this reason, families, couples, and individuals flock to these theme parks throughout the year to make sure they take advantage of everything these parks have to offer. Most of them tend to open up a new ride every once in a while as well!

Sports in the Local Area: Orange County

Sports are a major part of the culture of the local area. Therefore, there is always a sporting event going on that people can catch with their friends. There are plenty of Major League Baseball teams throughout the local area including the San Diego Padres, the Los Angeles Angels, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Of course, there is football during the fall as well as the NBA during the summer. Therefore, there are plenty of sports from which to choose. Make sure to go with a crowd and take in the sights! These stadiums also tend to host major concerts throughout the year. Take a look at the schedule ahead of time and make a plan to take advantage of everything these large venues have to offer.

Get Outside and Explore Nature

It is also important for people to get in touch with nature. This is a great way to do some soul-searching while also enjoying the local wildlife. While the beach is a great way to explore the marine life and relax, there is also hiking available. The warm California sunshine offers bountiful hiking opportunities throughout the year. With a great pair of hiking boots and a compass, people will be shocked at the beauty of nature in the local area. Get outside and check out some of the sights furnished by mother nature.

Give Back to Orange County

Finally, many people love to make philanthropy a part of their sober life. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer with local charities. Many of these charities help kids, families, the poor, and those with disabilities. This is a great way for people to give back to a local community that has helped them find sobriety. Of course, during sobriety, it is just as important for people to help themselves as well. It is important to work with trained professionals to make sure that everyone is on the road to recovery.

Contact Newport Beach Recovery Today to Learn More

Anyone who is looking for professional assistance during the addiction recovery process should contact Newport Beach Recovery today. Newport Beach Recovery is located in beautiful Costa Mesa, CA. They specialize in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction from start to finish. This is a great way for people to come up with a plan for life during recovery. Their professionals are highly trained and experienced in treating multiple types of addiction. To learn more, please visit the website today.

Why it’s Important to Have a Schedule in Recovery


Being able to create and keep a schedule in recovery can make all the difference for those struggling with addiction. While it may not typically be a tactic that is at the forefront of the ideas or methods to aid in recovery, establishing routine can be the part of the process that makes addiction treatment last.

Why Having a Routine Works

·         By having a schedule, there is less time for triggers and temptations. When a schedule incorporates a new way of life, the previous addiction no longer is a part of the day. There is not an opportunity to think about the vice when your schedule is full of activities and events that enrich your life.

·         Establishing routine fosters productivity and eases anxiety. There is nothing better than having a checklist completed. By having a tangible schedule, you can actually see what you have accomplished during the day and look forward to what lies ahead. You can look at the checklist and feel productive. Tomorrow’s schedule eases anxiety since you know exactly what tomorrow will look like.

·         Creating a schedule can encourage positive new habits. There are many parts of a person with addiction’s life that incorporate negative habits. By replacing these old habits with new hobbies and routines, a person can see how their life is positively changed by making their own meals, going for hikes or even learning a new trade.

 What Should be a Part of a Schedule

Besides attending therapy and support groups for recovery, there are other ways to supplement your schedule. Given that your former life was not benefiting you, it is important to create a schedule that gives you time to grow, relax and explore.

Grow

·         Learn to Cook

·         Learn a Craft (knit, crochet, sewing, woodworking, etc.)

·         Create a Cleaning Schedule

·         Take Classes (GED, College, Languages, Exercise, etc.)

·         Volunteer

Relax

·         Read a Book

·         Take a Nap

·         Get a Massage

·         Call a Friend

Explore

·         Go on a Hike

·         Try a New Restaurant

·         Go to a New City

What Should NOT be a Part of a Schedule

Establishing a schedule is important for recovery, but there are some activities that should not be a part of this new lifestyle.

·         Do not allow time to think about past habits. By incorporating an opportunity to crave what you have worked so hard to recover, you are eliminating the good things that come from creating a schedule. While you do have time to relax, make sure it allows the mind to be occupied.

·         Do not become a slave to the routine. On the flip side of the previous point, do not be afraid of straying from the schedule on occasion. If someone asks to go to dinner or to a movie, do it. If you are not feeling well one day, take the day to recover.

·         Do not be alone. Having a person to help you not think about your previous habits is a great way to ensure recovery. However, being alone too often gives you the chance to let your mind wander. With that in mind, do not go anywhere by yourself either in case you feel the urge to drive back to what lead you to recovery in the first place.

·         Do not incorporate “friends†who were a part of your addiction. Hanging out with people that encouraged or created your previous habits cannot be a part of your new schedule. While you might think of them as friends, if they are not going to be a beneficial part of your recovery, they are not your friends right now.

At Newport Beach Recovery in Costa Mesa, we will provide the tools to create a schedule and help reclaim the lives stolen by addiction. Come see us today.

12 Fun Things You Can Do Now That You Are Sober and Living Life in Recovery


Once you have fought your inner demons and come out victorious you can announce with pride that you are now sober!  But what happens now? What can you do to fill up the time you now have available? It is important to stay active and find new things to do with yourself so you are not tempted to fall back into old habits and old ways. Here are twelve fun things you can do to celebrate your new sober lifestyle and keep your focus on your life in recovery:

1. Go for a Walk at the Park

Exercise is good for the body and the mind and going for a walk at your local park or track is a good way to stay active and to also get out and engage and interact with other people in a fun and positive way!

2. Relax at the Day Spa

Spas are not just for the ladies and whether you are going alone, with your significant other, or a group of friends, relaxing at the day spa is a wonderful way to spend some time rewarding yourself for all of your hard work.

3. Movie Night With Friends

Now that you are sober you will have more fun with friends and hanging out at the movies is a great way that you all can celebrate and find positive encouraging ways to spend time together making memories.

4. Volunteer in the Community

Many people say that after their fight to reach sobriety they feel a strong desire to help others who are in need so finding volunteer opportunities in your local area can be a great way to spend your time.

5. Weekend Beach Trip

The beach by its very nature is calming and healing so it is a popular destination for friends and family members to gather and celebrate life and all of the good things that are happening in their lives!

6. Plant a Backyard Garden

Whether you have a green thumb and want a huge backyard paradise or you are a novice and are happy with a few potted plants, gardening is a great way to focus your energies on something positive.

7. Read A Brand New Book

Reading is a wonderful way to relax and unwind and can be especially helpful for dealing with the everyday stresses of life and is a good way to destress at the end of your workday.

8. Call Family and Talk on the Phone

Oftentimes addiction causes us to distance ourselves from those we love so calling family and having a nice phone call is one way to reconnect and reclaim your life now that you’re sober.

9. Visit a Museum or Art Gallery

For the loner at heart, or when you just want a little alone time, taking a trip to a local museum or art gallery can be a fun way to pass the time and have a quiet afternoon all to yourself.

10. Have Alcohol-Free Game Night

So long as everyone agrees to the no alcohol terms, there are few things that are as memorable as game night with friends, family, food, and fun so bring out the games and celebrate sobriety!

11. Pick Up a Fun New Hobby

An important part of recovery and remaining sober is finding ways to stay busy and avoid temptations so picking up a new hobby can be a fun and very rewarding way to celebrate your new life.

12. Go See Something New in Your Area

For the traveler at heart you can satisfy your wanderlust with a simple trip to see something new in the local area you have always wanted to see before.

These are just some fun and easy things you can do now that you are sober and have reclaimed your life. Talk with family and friends and plan other fun things you can do either on your own or as a group to continue celebrating your new sober lifestyle!  Newport Beach Recovery is a drug and alcohol rehab in Costa Mesa, CA where you can get the personalized treatments you need if you are struggling with addiction. Call today to learn more and to schedule your individual consultation visit and take that first step towards sobriety and living life in recovery.

How to Live Life Without Alcohol


Alcoholism is an addiction and it is one of the toughest for people to break. For many people, the realization that they actually haven’t had any alcohol for an extended period of time can be quite the shock. After all, many people with an addiction to alcohol realize quickly that they have lived a significant portion of their adult life with the beverage. There are countless reasons why people start drinking. For some people, it starts by drinking in an effort to make it easier to socialize. Then, it evolves to become a way for people to deal with the bad days during the week. Many people have a beer or a glass of wine as a way to wind down after a long day or to celebrate a big moment in life. Combine this with the peer pressure that many people feel during their young adulthood to drink and the ingredients of addiction are all there.

Breaking the Addiction: Dealing with Social Situations

Gradually, this evolves to become a crutch that people cannot live without. This is where the disease starts to take hold. Without alcohol, many people experience withdrawal symptoms ranging from emotional issues to shakes, sweats, and even seizures. For this reason, the early days of sobriety can be a challenge. In addition to getting past the withdrawal symptoms, many people also face the challenges of situations where they used to drink but no longer do. The social situations are some of the hardest. Showing up to an event where individuals are drinking can be difficult. For the many people who used to drink to help with these situations, it can be hard to find something else to hold in the hand instead. A soda or a glass of water just don’t feel the same. Any thoughts that simply putting the drink down would be “easy†quickly fade away. It is hard to learn how to behave in a social situation without the comfort and crutch of an alcoholic beverage.

Learning that Drinking Alcohol is a Choice

For many, alcohol almost seems like an integrated part of the adult world. One of the most helpful ways to break from this part of the world is to listen to other stories of sobriety. Learning how others deal with challenging situations can help people learn how to live a life without alcohol. Yes, alcohol was, at one point, a big part of life. It is still a major part of society, reflected in stores, on commercials, and in its presence at social gatherings. On the other hand, everyone has a choice. Part of sobriety is making the conscious decision not to drink. It is not only possible, but realistic, that it is possible to exist, live, and thrive in this world sober, despite the presence of alcohol.

Accepting What Cannot Be Changed

In order for people to succeed in this venture, it is vital to place sobriety at the top of the list. Make decisions that will make this process easier. Think carefully about the situations, the people, and the location. People must be placed in a position to be successful. Cut out the things that lead to drinking and accept what cannot be changed. It is impossible to change the past. It is difficult to change the thoughts and perspectives of other people. Simply make decisions that will ensure the decisions of the past will not be repeated. Maintain control over oneself and everything else will fall into place. That should be enough for anyone to find solace.

There Is Power In Saying No

One of the most important steps in early sobriety is learning how to say no. This is simply a must. There are going to be plenty of situations that must be avoided during life in recovery because sobriety is always the top priority. This might be a special event. These could be certain situations. It might even include specific people. This can feel like a major sacrifice but it is a necessity for maintaining sobriety. Those who are recovering need to do what is best for them. This involves saying no.

Honesty With Oneself and Others

Finally, it is very important, to be honest during the recovery process. This means being honest with others being honest with oneself. The ability to share honestly and openly about the addiction, the struggle, and the recovery is a key part of sobriety. There is no shame in overcoming a struggle. In actuality, it makes someone stronger as a person. It feels like a weight that has been lifted off of one’s shoulders. It is this change, this honesty, that often has the greatest impact of all during the recovery process. These are the keys to not only surviving but thriving, in life without alcohol.

Reach out to us if you or anyone you love is struggling with alcohol or addiction. At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we are always available to help!