The Grounds Media

From the Surf to the Dirt

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 19:54:46 GMT

Trading surfboards for hiking boots, members at The Grounds headed up to the Eastern Sierras for a weekend of: hiking, fishing, and a whole lot of fun!

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Some members at The Grounds cooled off with some cliff jumping!

After a long day of hiking members and staff gathered around the fire to enjoy this gorgeous sunset!

Emily kicked off her Nashville trip with a warm welcome and a lovely breakfast alongside some incredible colleagues in the field! Huge thanks to Sara Beth Caldwell from Red Oak Recovery for helping orchestrate this event!

Two of our Mare’s House members sharing a nice moment, bonding over their mutual love for guitar and music!

The women of Mare’s House came together for a special group dinner to celebrate Baisly’s graduation—congratulations, Baisly!

A big thank you to Kasey Bradshaw and the entire Bright Quest team for welcoming Emily in for an awesome tour!

Emily got the chance to tour and connect with the Onsite and Milestones team. Thank you to Chase Swalley and the Onsite team!

Are you attending YATA 2025?

We are very excited that YATA 2025 will be in San Diego, CA from October 8th - 10th ! If you are also planning to attend YATA or would like more information, use the button below to be connected with our team.

We Want to Connect With You!

Scott DeLeau

Director of Admissions and Outreach

E: Scott@thegroundsrecovery.com

P: (424) 299-2961

Emily Brumley

Outreach Representative

E: Emily@mareshouse.com

P: (916) 708-8540

The Grounds and Mare's House - Hello Summer 2025

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 21:27:34 GMT

While The Grounds and Mare's House teams are excited for Summer, we want to first take a look back at the amazing Spring season we had!

The Grounds and Mare's House team closed out the month of May with a staff appreciation day at Palm Springs Surf Club! Our team had the day to surf, swim, and soak up the sun all while enjoying some team bonding.

Admissions Director Scott DeLeau and Lead Case Manager Cody Trout getting ready for surf session #2!

Founders Alex Zemeckis and Cannon Kristopherson enjoying some tacos in between surf sessions.

Before our staff appreciation day, the Outreach team headed to the desert for the West Coast Symposium!

A big thank you to: Ascend, Red Oak, Seven Arrows, and Rachel Masseros for attending our dinner!

Emily Brumley at the Old School party with the Monima Wellness and Jackson House teams.

Before the conference the Seven Arrows team came by for a tour. Thank you to Mario and Kody for making the trip!

Salone Spierman and the team rocking some Mare's House hats at the conference during a quick coffee break

Emily Brumley with Angel Correa from Momenta Recovery for Women.

Before our staff appreciation day, the Outreach team headed to the desert for the West Coast Symposium!

Scott and Alex getting some sun with Patrick Brown and Derek Daley .

Looking to gain insight into what life looks like before, during, and after The Grounds?

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 01:32:55 GMT

Listen to this episode of Success is Subjective hosted and created by Joanna Lilley, MA, NCC from Lilley Consulting. This episode focuses on the real-life experience of The Grounds alumni, Evan, who provides his perspective on his treatment journey as an adolescent into early adulthood. This episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Listen to the Postcast featured on Spotify:

What Does it Mean to Be California Sober?

Wed, 29 May 2024 01:58:02 GMT

And Should You Try It?

The term California sober has been getting a lot of attention these days in the news and on social media. The term refers to an approach for dealing with substance use disorders that allows a person in recovery to engage in some substance use (typically marijuana), while abstaining from others. For example, someone addicted to a drug like heroin or cocaine may still smoke marijuana as long as they maintain complete abstinence when it comes to the harder stuff. The reasoning behind the method is that, for many people, absolute sobriety is either too difficult to maintain, a complete non-starter, or a goal that is too out of reach to even aspire to. The thinking goes, “it’s better to be mostly sober than not sober at all.”

Some experts place the promotion of this approach with those who espouse a harm reduction philosophy . Harm reduction examines the many emotional, social and mental reasons for addiction, taking the view that because addiction is so complex, incremental steps can be more helpful over the long-term for some people, than an all-or-nothing approach. Other professionals disagree , however, stating that harm reduction is more of a philosophy in which “someone uses strategies to manage their usage and reduce the harmful or life-threatening consequences of drug or alcohol use,” while California Sober is “more about replacing one drug with another than about minimizing usage.” Either way, the approach has gained a lot of attention in recent years with many high-profile celebrities, including Demi Lovato and Billy Idol, vocalizing support.

California Sober Sounds Good…But Does it Work?

On the surface, California Sober seems to be a more empathetic approach to recovery that takes personal autonomy into account and places a higher value on the benefits of moderation. But does it work? There are several considerations here. One is that everyone’s view of moderation is different and simply moving from one substance to another does not necessarily mean that substance use is actually reduced. The reality is that a huge part of successful recovery is finding healthy replacements. The question is, is replacing one substance with another healthy? Even though marijuana is now legal in some form in the majority of US states, there is ample evidence that shows that marijuana is not a healthy replacement behavior . From lung disease to impact on concentration and memory, to decreased motivation and the triggering of mental health episodes, marijuana is a powerful substance with plenty of negative side effects. While it may be less harmful than harder drugs, it is not without its own dangers.

Another consideration is that absent a commitment to total sobriety, maintaining a drug habit – even if it is “just pot” – can heighten the chance of relapse and the escalation to full-blown substance abuse. The reality is that people dealing with addiction are dealing with a problem of boundaries, and without clear boundaries, relapse is a real concern. Engaging in any kind of substance use can be a slippery slope, which some recovery experts say can trigger cravings and cues that can lead back to the initial behaviors that California Sober attempts to curtail.

From California Sober to Absolutely Sober – Why “Sober Sober” is the Way to Go

Demi Lovato is perhaps the most well-known California Sober advocate to backtrack on her claims that the method works. After suffering a near-fatal overdose in 2018, Lovato became an advocate for the California Sober approach, but within a short amount of time, she retracted, stating on an Instagram Post in 2021 that “Sober sober is the only way to be.” Meanwhile, Jackass Star, Steve O has been vocal in his opposition to California Sober. The insight he has gained with his journey to sobriety includes the realization that, “My weed bone’s connected to my booze bone…and my booze bone’s connected to my coke bone.”

Sadly, before singer Aaron Carter drowned in a bathtub after taking enough drugs to incapacitate him, he had also advocated for the California Sober lifestyle.

Here at The Grounds, our years of experience working with people struggling with substance abuse, along with the years of hard-won sobriety attained by many of our staff, have put us firmly in the camp of absolute abstinence. We know how difficult it is to walk the line between moderation and excess, and we know how much harder that walk is for individuals coming out of an active substance addiction. In our program, we are dedicated to providing the guidance and support to our members that has the highest chance of success – and we know that a full commitment to sobriety is the best way to develop the healthy habits and lifestyle changes to overcome addiction for the long term.

In light of the sober California movement, this philosophy may seem rigid, and it may seem like it’s asking too much, but the bottom line is we know it works, because we’ve seen it work over and over again to transform the lives of our staff and our clients. At The Grounds, we provide a safe space where our members can develop healthy lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, quality relationships, gainful employment and a commitment to working the 12 steps. We believe people have the best chance of maintaining sobriety when it is part of a comprehensive lifestyle change that results in a fulfilling life – a life worth protecting. Searching for ways to “get high” without “getting high” is just one way to avoid the work that comes with real, lasting change.

We’re not going to say this work and these changes are easy, but we 100% believe they’re worth it, and we’re ready to help our members every step of the way.

The Grounds Advocates for Full Sobriety, No Exceptions

Find Out More About Recovery at The Grounds

The Importance of Mentorship in Recovery

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 22:24:54 GMT

You Don’t Have to Walk the Path of Recovery Alone…In Fact, You Shouldn’t.

The odds are pretty good that it was the influence of others that helped get you started down the path of addiction. Maybe it began with experimenting with friends – maybe it was a sibling or other family member that first introduced you to addictive substances. It may seem messed up, but it makes sense – the people we spend the most time with give us information about the world, they shape our worldview, and they influence our decisions. According to studies cited by an article from the National Institute of Health , adolescents, in particular, are highly susceptible to influence because their brains are wired to pay close attention to social situations, their rewards center is extra sensitive, and they are drawn to risky behavior – particularly when peer influence is involved .

Harness the Power of Influence with Positive Relationships

But the power of influence does not have to be all negative. Being mindful of the company you keep and seeking out relationships with people who have healthy habits and strong values can be a powerful motivator. In recovery, seeking out people who are committed to sobriety and knowledgeable about the ways social groups can help or hinder recovery efforts can make all the difference. Mentors, in particular, can help set the stage for success because their role is to guide you and help you as you make decisions and develop the skills necessary to be successful over the long-term.

Mentorship – An Important Part of Long-Term Recovery

Here are some ways that mentorship can help you be successful in recovery.

Support and Guidance

Have a tough decision? Feeling tempted? In need of a pep talk? Your mentor will have advice and feedback that is based on experience and tailored to meet your individual situation. Working with a mentor can also help you with goal setting and building communication and problem-solving skills.

Accountability

Mentors are there to make sure you are going to meetings, showing up for yourself and being honest when you stumble. They are also helpful when it comes to relapse prevention because they are committed to being there for you when you need them.

Role Modeling

It can be hard to know the right way to react to stress or how to live healthier without a good example. A mentor demonstrates healthy habits and lifestyle choices through the ways they live their own life. From diet and exercise to having a good work ethic, to positive ways to enjoy free time – though mentors are not perfect, they should demonstrate a healthy, sober lifestyle through their actions.

Confidence Building

It feels good to know that someone is willing to invest in you – and that is what a mentor does. They take time to help you in your recovery. They do this because you are worth the effort. Regular interaction with a mentor can help boost your self-esteem and help you build the self-confidence you need to be successful in your independence. ntors are not perfect, they should demonstrate a healthy, sober lifestyle through their actions.

Successful Long-Term Recovery

Studies indicate that when mentors are a part of a recovery protocol, success rates increase – particularly in the early stages when relapse is more likely.tors are not perfect, they should demonstrate a healthy, sober lifestyle through their actions.

Mentorship is Part of Recovery at The Grounds

At The Grounds, we know that mentorship is helpful to recovery because we see it work over and over again. In fact, after our residents graduate the program, we encourage them to come back and provide mentorship to current residents. Many of our case managers are also mentors, providing advice and guidance throughout every step of the program. Our residents are also required to work the 12-steps and secure a sponsor who provides mentorship and support throughout the recovery journey.

Our aim is to provide young men in recovery with the environment and the people who will help them be successful. Many of our team members understand the importance of quality mentorship, as they are program graduates or graduates of other recovery programs. Maintaining sobriety takes a village – and that is what we strive to provide.

Find Out More About Recovery at The Grounds

Finding Meaning – What Makes San Diego an Ideal Place to Develop a Purposeful Life in Recovery

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 01:52:25 GMT

At The Grounds, we believe that there is more to recovery than abstaining from drugs and alcohol. Recovery is also a matter of recovering one’s sense of self. It’s about building confidence, capability, and autonomy. It’s about creating a life worth protecting. As Victor Frankl said in his seminal work, Man’s Search for Meaning , “those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’.” To recover fully, one must cultivate a life of meaning and purpose. This is accomplished through things like relationships, community, faith, work, hobbies, habits and routines, and short- and long-term goals.

For recovery to stick, it needs to be about more than just sobriety.

San Diego – A Resource-Rich Environment Perfect for Finding Meaning and Purpose

We chose San Diego as the location of our transitional living homes because it is a resource-rich environment conducive to the development of meaning and purpose.

Learning and Self Improvement

Countless colleges, trade schools and vocational programs provide ample opportunity to discover passions and talents.

Exploration and Adventure

San Diego’s temperate climate and proximity to oceans, mountains and deserts make it an ideal location for exploring the outdoors, trying new hobbies and setting fitness goals.

Service and Support

Hundreds of churches and religious and volunteer organizations operate in San Diego County, providing opportunities for community involvement, faith-based exploration and service.

Professional Care and Services

There are countless AA and NA meetings that occur at nearly all hours of the day and night in San Diego, as well as many options for group and/or individual therapy and counseling.

Friends, Community, Culture

San Diego is a culturally rich community that boasts a diverse population and more than a million people. With this diversity comes the opportunity to meet like-minded people, develop lasting friendships, and build a network of people who provide support, assistance and connection.

Having meaning and purpose in life directly impacts well-being. In fact, studies suggest that living a purposeful life positively impacts sleep and eating habits, and even improves biological functioning, leading to lower levels of inflammation and lowered risk of chronic diseases including Alzheimer’s. Building meaning makes life worth living and sobriety worth protecting. Engaging in purposeful activities can help reduce stress, improve self-confidence, and contribute to a sense of deep fulfillment that provides strength during times of trouble and temptation.

The Health Benefits of Pursuing Meaning and Purpose

The process of building a meaningful life involves confronting trauma and overcoming obstacles. Committing to this journey can help those in recovery better understand the nature of their addiction and can help develop the healthy coping mechanisms necessary to resist relapse. Meanwhile, investing in long-term goals can help those in recovery find the “why” they need to maintain their sobriety. Meaning and purpose are often developed around relationships with healthy people, and these relationships provide stability and support during challenging moments.

At The Grounds, our mission is to provide our residents with the opportunities and experiences that can help them build meaning and purpose in their lives. From surf therapy, to culinary classes, to our partnership with Rock to Recovery, our program is dynamic, experiential and community-based.

The Grounds Provides Opportunity for Holistic Self-Improvement

Purpose and Meaning Are a Vital Part of Recovery

Community Involvement

We discourage isolating behavior by providing engaging activities and ample opportunity to demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline.

Personal Responsibility

Our residents are expected to keep their rooms and common areas clean and tidy, and we respect each other’s privacy and autonomy.

Health & Fitness

We eat healthy, exercise daily, and spend time together in group therapy and leisure activities.

Goal Setting & Follow-Through

Our residents are expected to work and develop career goals and a plan for maintaining their well-being upon graduating.

Because we know that this type of skill-building takes time, our program is progressive and achievement-based. As our residents work on developing personal responsibility, self-confidence, emotional regulation, and, ideally, greater meaning and purpose, they are rewarded with more freedom and more opportunity, with the ultimate goal being full independence.

Find Out More About Recovery at The Grounds

Transitional Living Programs for Young Adults – Location Matters!

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 01:06:27 GMT

Recovering from a substance use disorder takes a great deal of growth, personal strength, and support. Those who make it into the transitional living phase of recovery have likely gone through some major challenges. Getting off the path of addiction and deciding to get sober is just the first step. Then there is detox, rehab, committing to the twelve steps and doing the work of managing each day without succumbing to temptation or being exposed to people and situations that trigger relapse.

Some might even say that as difficult as they are, for people committed to achieving sobriety, those first steps are often the easiest because there is such a high level of support, and there are plenty of people invested in the recovery process. Detox- and rehab-assisted recovery happens in a highly controlled environment. Every minute and every interaction are accounted for. And while it’s difficult being watched all of the time, constant supervision makes it a lot harder to use – especially when the person in recovery is committed to the process.

But once rehab is over, there is often an expectation that people in recovery can just go back to their old routines and live a life of abstinence with little more help than perhaps a weekly therapist and an AA/NA meeting. But the reality is that it’s incredibly difficult to maintain sobriety without support and within the lifestyle framework in which the addiction was able to blossom in the first place.

The truth of the matter is that it’s simply too big of an ask to expect a person to go back to the same stressors, people, and environments that provided a setting for the addiction to flourish without the expectation of relapse. Because of this, transitional living homes make a good buffer between rehab and fully independent living. But not all transitional living situations are created equal.

The Grounds Transitional Living Aims to Help Our Residents Develop A Healthy Lifestyle that Can Go the Distance

The Grounds transitional living homes are dedicated to helping men aged 18-35 who are transitioning from highly structured addiction recovery programs to fully independent living. Because sobriety is so delicate during this time, our mission is to support this transition.

We believe that freedom and responsibility should be gradual, peer influence should be monitored, and lifestyle habits should be created that lead to lasting life satisfaction. We want to help our residents build lives that they love – lives that are worth protecting and fighting for. This requires building skills including self-reliance, self-confidence and self-efficacy. It requires creating lifestyle patterns built around other healthy people and within healthy environments. And it requires opportunity – in relationships, in employment, in adventure and in health.

The Grounds Merges Transitional Living with the Best of San Diego Lifestyle

San Diego Has Ample Education Opportunities

With some of the best universities in the state and numerous community colleges, technical schools, vocational programs, and apprenticeship opportunities, San Diego provides many avenues of higher learning that can meet the needs of nearly every personality.

San Diego Has Access to Nature and Adventure

San Diego is home to some of the most beautiful coastline in California, and with it comes opportunities for surfing, boating, fishing, snorkeling, paddle boarding and more. The inland region has hiking and biking trails, rocking climbing, and desert exploration. There are plenty of natural wonders to explore and plenty of ways to challenge yourself physically and mentally. Access to nature and exercise outdoors can improve mental and physical well-being, boost mood, increase happiness and foster independence.

San Diego Has a Diversity of People, Food, Art, and Culture

Whether it’s trying a new restaurant, visiting a museum, exploring a new neighborhood, or participating in a local heritage event, there is always something interesting to do in San Diego. Meanwhile, San Diego’s diversity is unparalleled. It is home to the largest military population in the nation and is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse places in the nation.

San Diego Has Employment Opportunity

San Diego currently boasts a 7% unemployment rate with ample opportunities for both entry-level and advanced hiring. Because of the strong military presence, the leading industry in San Diego is defense, but there are also numerous job opportunities in the healthcare sector, digital marketing, service industries, retail and tourism.

San Diego Has a Robust 12-Step Support Network

There are dozens of NA and AA groups located throughout San Diego, which means you can find a nearby meeting just about anywhere in the county. There are meetings just for men, meetings that are designed to support the LGBTQ+ community, meetings that are focused on literature/study and ones that focus on discussion and participation. From 5:45 am pre-work meetings to 9 pm Friday night meetings, San Diego has support groups ready to help how and when you need it.

We’re Here to Help You Build the Life You Want

Recovery is hard. It’s even harder without a strong support network. We know – we’ve been there. Many of our team members are themselves in recovery – including our founder, Alex Zemeckis. We created this program because after walking the path, experiencing set-backs, and studying the nature of addiction, we’ve learned that the secret to lasting recovery is creating a life that we want to protect. The secret is being invested in our own success. San Diego is a great place to make that happen.

Find Out More About The Grounds

Hiking Towards Healing: Exploring California’s Trails for Physical and Mental Well-Being

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 00:15:05 GMT

For years, wilderness recovery programs have used skill-building in nature to help people develop resilience, face fears, and improve self-confidence and self-efficacy. These programs, which typically last between one to twelve weeks, provide the opportunity for individuals to remove themselves from unhealthy environments and can provide the reset necessary to shift perspective and move into a state of healing.

While these programs can be helpful in laying the foundation for recovery, for various reasons, not all who may benefit are able to commit to a prolonged period of time off the grid. And for those individuals who do go through a wilderness program, once they return to everyday living, it’s critically important they maintain the skills and perspectives gained with the experience.

As part of The Grounds Recovery program, our members don’t spend weeks off the grid, but we do encourage them to develop maintainable lifestyle patterns that include regular exposure to nature. Our residents engage in equine therapy, neighborhood walks, surf therapy and plenty of beach time. We also encourage and promote hiking as a practice that our members can use to maintain physical fitness and the connection with nature that is so good for general well-being.

Hiking – An Accessible Way to Connect with Nature & Build Self Reliance

We can all benefit from taking a hike every now and then, but for young men in recovery, hiking provides an accessible way to build the skills and self-confidence necessary for long-term success. Hiking allows us to explore new territories and challenge ourselves both physically and mentally. Because hiking requires focus on both terrain and navigation, it forces us to get off our phones and pay attention to the world around us. Planning a hike and accounting for variables like weather, elevation gain, permits, equipment, food, and water require life skills that are useful in many areas of our lives. Similarly, encountering unexpected challenges on the trail helps build critical thinking and self-reliance. Hiking also helps us tune into our physical needs. Staying hydrated, recognizing when we’re hungry and pushing through physically challenging moments help us better understand self-care and our true limits.

California Trails Provide Some of the Best Hiking Opportunities in the World

Whether it’s a short fitness hike in the nearby hills or woods, a longer day hike to grab a local peak or a multi-day backpacking trip in a national or state park, California has all of the options. From the mountains to the coast, California scenery is hard to beat and many of the state’s most popular trail systems take hikers through pristine environments and to spectacular vistas that are inaccessible any other way.

Why Hike? Here Are Seven Good Reasons…

Improved Physical Health
Stress Reduction & Mental Clarity
Connection with Nature & Opportunities for Mindfulness
Social Support & Community Building
Opportunities for Problem Solving & Planning
Self-Reliance & Self-Confidence Building
Appreciation of Natural Beauty

A List of Some California Trails Worth the Hike

San Diego Local – A Coastal Hiker’s Paradise

Annie’s Canyon Trail

Annie’s Canyon Trail is an easy 1.5 mile hike where you can grab views of the Pacific Ocean and the San Elijo Lagoon. The hike winds through a slot canyon system made of sandstone.

Three Sisters Falls Hike

This 4.1 mile challenging hike starts about thirty miles south of Julian. It can get pretty hot and pretty steep on the way out, so best to go in winter or spring when the falls are flowing and the temps are cooler. Make sure to take plenty of water.

Potato Chip Rock

An Instagram favorite on account of the “potato chip” rock that sits about 100’ below the summit of Mt. Woodson and makes for such a great photo opp, this 7.3 mile day hike is both challenging and popular so get there early and bring water.

Peak Bagging California Style

Summiting mountain peaks is a great way to build self-confidence, fitness and mental toughness and California has not shortage of peaks to bag.

San Diego local summits include Cuyamaca Peak and Cowels Mountain.

The Southern California Six Pack of Peaks challenge includes Mt. Wilson, Mt. San Antonio (Mt. Baldy), San Bernardino Peak, Cucamonga Peak, Mt. San Jacinto & Mt. San Gorgonio.

California also boasts the highest peak in the contiguous US – Mt. Whitney . This challenging hike located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada summits at 14,505.

California Desert Hiking Delivers

The California desert has so many options for hiking it’s difficult to mention just a few, but as with most things – timing is everything!

Hiking Death Valley during a super bloom is a once in a decade experience.
Whitewater in spring after a winter of heavy rains is a must-see – plus you might spy a bighorn sheep or two up in the cliffs above.
Anza Borrego slot canyons are an otherworldly adventure with varying degrees of difficulty.

California Parks Can’t Be Beat!

From Redwoods National Park to Yosemite to Joshua Tree, and beyond, hiking California’s national park trail systems offer something for everyone. From the coasts to the mountains, our state provides hiking opportunities in every season and delivers such a diversity of geography and scenery one could spend a lifetime exploring and still not see it all.

Hiking Heals the Mind, Body and Soul

Whether it’s exploring San Diego’s trail systems or taking a weekend trip into the Sierras, Grounds members hike to heal and many of them find that being able to take on the challenge, appreciate the scenery, and build comradery through adventure are some of their favorite parts of being in recovery.

Hiking and being in nature is a part of our program that we encourage our members to take with them and nurture for the rest of their lives.

Find Out More About Our Program

Cultivating Healthy Habits – How San Diego’s Food Scene Nourishes Body and Soul

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 22:27:36 GMT

California has always been known for healthy living and healthy eating, and San Diego is no exception. In fact, San Diego is ranked the third healthiest city in the United States , with the second highest percentage of its residents identifying as non-smokers and the majority of its residents exercising at least once a week. With amazing weather, beautiful beaches, friendly people, and a robust economy, people who live in San Diego enjoy plenty of opportunity to be active, a diverse population and culture, and an abundance of healthy food options that nourish the mind, body and soul.

As a provider of transitional living for young adult men, we at The Grounds Recovery located our homes in San Diego by design. We believe that because of the healthful lifestyle inherent in San Diego, the region is an ideal place to build the quality habits and community that are necessary for long-term success. This is because we believe that lasting recovery is about more than just sobriety. It is about living a fulfilled life – a balanced life – where work, exercise, friendship and activity all play a role. And we believe that foundational to a healthy, fulfilled life, is the development of eating habits that support the brain and body and provide energy and substance that can contribute to clear thinking, quality decision making and improved mood .

Environment, proximity and availability of resources are influential factors that can contribute to a healthful or an unhealthful lifestyle. Without access to high quality, nutritious food, it’s harder to develop healthy eating habits, and people are more at risk for chronic disease and the development of eating patterns that can lead to food addiction, obesity and subsequent inactivity. The connection between San Diego’s abundance of quality food options and the region’s overall active lifestyle is no accident, and at The Grounds, we encourage our residents to take advantage of the benefits of living in a community that puts such a high value on health and nutrition.

Abundant Fresh Produce and Seafood

With 70 miles of shoreline , and a temperate climate perfect for agriculture, San Diego County is home to numerous seafood restaurants, farmer’s markets and health food stores. From avocados, to mushrooms, to tomatoes and citrus, San Diego has more small farms than any other county in the nation and locals benefit from year-round farm-to-table produce that is readily available at local markets, roadside stands and restaurants.

If you know what you’re doing, there is ample fishing in bays, on the shoreline and off local piers. Seafood including yellowfin tuna, California yellowtail, rockfish and halibut are plentiful off the coast of San Diego, and ocean fish like these deliver big health benefits in the form of lean protein, essential fatty acids, and vitamin D. For those who would rather leave the work of catching fish to someone else, there are numerous wave-to-table restaurants that build their menus from seafood fresh-caught, and locally-sourced.

As a county situated along the Mexican border, San Diego is known for its tacos and its Cali-Baja cuisine . Cali-Baja blends the California cooking style that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and creative technique with Tijuana’s Baja Med cuisine, which combines traditional Mexican and Mediterranean ingredients. Meanwhile, with nearly 20% of San Diego’s population being of Asian descent, there are numerous Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Thai restaurants located throughout the county. Studies indicate that a plant-based Asian diet is one of the healthiest in the world and can protect against chronic disease while increasing lifespan. These options are in addition to Italian, African, Irish, American and just about any other food type you can think of.

As home to such a diverse community, San Diego has something for just about everyone, and with this diversity comes the opportunity to expand horizons, try new things and discover previously unknown tastes and preferences. At The Grounds, we encourage our residents to build out their worldview with new experiences, new foods, new friends and new habits and hobbies. Trying new foods can provide a low barrier opportunity for a new adventure that adds novelty and excitement to life in a way that contributes to overall wellbeing.

Diversity, Community, Opportunity

Cooking Classes, Group Dinners & Accountability

Living in San Diego provides the backdrop for healthy eating, but at home, The Grounds Recovery also has the expectation that our residents will cultivate sustainable eating habits. We support this goal by providing ample opportunities to learn about nutrition, learn how to cook healthy meals, and learn how to be responsible for kitchen clean-up as a team and as individuals. Further, we expect our residents to participate in group dinners in order to build social bonds with roommates, mentors and alumni, which is an important aspect of our emphasis on healthy community building.

Find Out More About Our Program

Healthy eating habits are fundamental to recovery at The Grounds. If you would like to learn more about other aspects of our holistic approach, visit the program section of our website.

Alex’s Take on Loneliness & Isolation. Public Enemy #1

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 23:58:46 GMT

If you had asked me 10 years ago what my biggest concern for young people was, I would probably have said something along the lines of driving dangerously under the influence, getting caught up in unhealthy drug-related peer groups, and other high-risk reckless behaviors. I would not have said my biggest concern for young people was loneliness & isolation.

As we saw in the news earlier this month, Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, declared loneliness & isolation a nationwide epidemic. When I first read the article, I wasn’t stunned by any of it, yet I was glad the federal government recognized it as a very serious problem. At The Grounds & Mares House, we are constantly seeing more clinical testing and client histories of addiction & self-harm through modes of isolation. It is now very clear to us as an organization that because of social media and device addiction, isolation is the most dangerous behavior young adults can engage in. This was not the case when I was an adolescent or young adult.

So, what do we do about it? From a programmatic standpoint, isolating and spending too much time on social media is dangerous, and if young adults residing at any of our transitional living houses have the opportunity to isolate, it’s an indicator that we are not doing our jobs.

Our Program Director, Cannon Kristofferson puts it best, “If you want a program to be successful, you must keep the container tight. This does not mean controlling every move they make. This means keeping your finger on the pulse of where your clients are at all times.”

This also refers to “chill time.” My belief is that no client should have the autonomy to be in their bedrooms with the door closed for hours on end…ever! It’s a different world today, and young people are dealing with a whole new set of issues. Stimulating activities and structured schedules are more important than ever, and if we have to force our clients to make connections with people, we must hold that boundary. Here is a quote from Dr. Murthy: “Given the profound consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have an opportunity, and an obligation, to make the same investments in addressing social connection that we have made in addressing tobacco use, obesity, and the addiction crisis.”

One of our main focuses at Mare’s House and The Grounds is to help young adults build self-esteem. Most will not do that on their own. That’s why we are here to provide coaching, guidance, support, and opportunities for our residents to go outside their comfort zones in order to cultivate friends, mentors, employment, and good grades. As the world and industry evolve, The Grounds and Mare’s House will never waiver in this mission.

Find Out More About Our Program

Prozac and Marijuana – Why It’s a Bad Idea to Mix Medications, Even if They Are Prescribed and/or Legal

Tue, 23 May 2023 01:37:58 GMT

It is estimated that more than thirty-seven million Americans take prescribed anti-depressants including Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil and Zoloft. And although the intention of these drugs is to help people manage their depression, they often come with uncomfortable side effects like anxiety, stomach aches, loss of appetite, insomnia and headaches, among others. As a way to manage these side effects, and for other reasons including coping, relaxation, stress relief, and the self-medication of co-occurring mental health disorders, sometimes people add marijuana use to their routine. But combining drugs without a doctor’s supervision can have dangerous consequences.

For people managing a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder, the stakes are even higher, because they walk a very thin line between self-medication and addiction or relapse. Sober living and recovery programs that include medication management can help patients to develop healthier ways to deal with stress, anxiety and medication side effects. But in order for these alternative approaches to be taken seriously, it sometimes helps to fully understand the risks – especially when talking about substances that are mistakenly perceived as less dangerous because they are legal.

Mixing Medications & Marijuana Is Not a Good Idea

There are countless prescription and non-prescription drugs on the market that individuals take for legitimate reasons. From blood thinners to decongestants to seizure medications, these medications have the potential to relieve symptoms of illness and even save lives. But when combined with marijuana, and without proper research into potential interactions and side effects, the results can range from uncomfortable to deadly. Symptoms ranging from tachycardia, hypertension, increased risk of bleeding, drowsiness and confusion have been associated with combining marijuana with certain medications.

Because cannabis can affect the metabolization of other drugs, one of the most recognized side effects is an increase in drug concentration in the body. For example, studies have found that , when combined with marijuana use, concentrations of the drug tacrolimus, which is used to prevent organ failure in transplant patients, increase threefold. Meanwhile, the anti-fungal, Ketoconazole, when used concurrently with marijuana can double both TCH and CBD levels.

If you are on prescription medication – or if you regularly take over-the-counter medication – it’s important to consult with a doctor about interactions. Just because these types of drugs are legal or legally prescribed does not make them harmless, and combining them with each other and/or with marijuana can have dangerous unintended consequences.

It’s important to note that it’s not just marijuana in its traditional form that can cause problems. There are numerous CBD-only products currently on the market that do not contain THC and are often considered safer. However, a study out of Penn State found that CBD-only products do have the potential for drug interactions, with some potentially serious complications arising from combining them with drugs ranging from blood thinners to thyroid medications to heart rhythm drugs and medications that treat seizures.

CBD-Only Products Can Also Cause Issues When Used with Prescription Meds

What Happens When You Use Prozac and Marijuana Together?

Though more research is needed, existing research into the effects of using marijuana while taking Prozac indicates that the combination can decrease the efficacy of the anti-depressant by interfering with its metabolization. The combination can also cause additional anxiety symptoms and increase the possibility of uncomfortable side-effects, including appetite changes, sleeping problems, dizziness, constipation, sweating, and headaches, among others.

What About Alcohol and Antidepressants?

Similarly, combining alcohol and antidepressants is not advisable because it can worsen both the depression and the severity of antidepressant side effects. Further, if you take an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) anti-depressant, there’s an added risk of triggering dangerous spikes in blood pressure.

Whether it’s Prozac and marijuana or another combination of drugs and/or alcohol, not taking prescribed medications exactly as directed can seriously impact recovery.

If you’re managing a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder , it may be that you are taking prescription medications such as anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, or antipsychotics. In this situation, it is critically important to use these medications as directed by your mental health management team and not mix them with other drugs or alcohol.

The Grounds transitional living provides residents managing mental health disorders with physician-assisted medication management when necessary.

Find Out More About Our Program

Sober Transitional Living

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 23:00:11 GMT

Overcoming a substance use addiction is a continually evolving process. Rehab is an important first step, but as many people find when they get out, it is certainly not the last step. In fact, getting the drugs or alcohol out of your system is often the thing that needs to happen first, so that the recovery process can really begin. This is because, though addiction is a disease in itself, it is also often a symptom of a larger, more complex issue. The roots of addiction can lie in co-occurring mental health disorders, past trauma, family and/or relational issues, learning disabilities, and emotional regulation problems.

These root causes are typically not issues that can be resolved in a thirty or even ninety-day program. They require time, therapy, and introspection, as well as support from professionals and peers. In addition, recovery requires change – big change. Change in thinking, attitude, and worldview, but also change in environment, people and lifestyle. That is why sober transitional living homes can be a good next step for many people on the path to recovery – they provide a safe, supportive space where individuals can rebuild their lives upon a foundation of new, healthy habits, people and routines.

How Does Sober Transitional Living Support the Recovery Process?

Sober housing is typically overseen by program staff who make sure there are no drugs or alcohol on premises and that inhabitants are fulfilling the terms of their residency – going to meetings, attending therapy sessions, participating in group activities, and developing life and work skills to support the transition to independent living. This accountability helps to develop structure and routines that those in recovery can rely on when times get tough.

Going to the meetings, attending the therapy sessions and putting in the work to understand the triggers and causes at the core of the addictive behavior is necessary for formulating coping strategies that will be effective over time. Being surrounded by people who are also doing this difficult work can help promote accountability to oneself and to others.

Sober living houses, like The Grounds, provide opportunities to explore new ways of living that are perhaps not available otherwise. Residents at The Grounds learn how to cook, practice mindfulness, exercise regularly and attend individual and/or group and family therapy as needed. Our surf, music and equine therapy programs provide exposure to people and hobbies that can help set the stage for a life of rewarding experiences and excitement. Exploring new opportunities and ways of living can help residents develop a lifestyle of their own design that is fulfilling, rewarding and worth protecting.

Our program also offers career assessment, nutritional counseling, and life skills development including finances, critical thinking and problem solving, stress management, and communication. Studies have shown that the development of life skills is instrumental in preventing addictive behaviors over time, as they can help keep an individual from becoming overwhelmed with stress as well as promote self-confidence and self-efficacy.

Sober Transitional Living Helps Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

How Taking the Extra Step Can Aid in Long-Term Recovery

Sober Transitional Living Situations Promote Accountability

Sober Transitional Living Provides Built-In Support

Finishing rehab and going back to life as usual, can be detrimental to recovery because new sobriety is fragile. Addiction is a powerful force and getting a handle on it takes time. To be forced, newly sober, into navigating the situations, people and stressors that trigger addictive behaviors is a difficult, painful challenge at best, and an impossibility at worst. Sober transitional living provides those in recovery with critical support while they are gaining distance from their active addiction.

In a transitional living arrangement, everyone is sober and supporting one another in their sobriety. Because everyone is going through the same challenges, there is comradery among residents and plenty of opportunity to share with people who understand the struggles and tests that come in the days and months after rehab. Building connections, friendships and a network of people who can help is an important part of lasting recovery. Sober living provides opportunities to develop these relationships.

Are You or a Loved One Ready to Take the Next Step? The Grounds Recovery Can Help!

The ideal Grounds member is a young man who is currently substance free and ready to take charge of his life. We support individuals who still need some structure and accountability but can also handle the freedoms and temptations of semi-independent living in a large and complex city.

All incoming members must have some sobriety under their belt either from primary treatment, wilderness program experience, detox, or other intervention.

For More Information About Our Criteria, Visit Our Member Page Next.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 23:16:14 GMT

The SAMSHA 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that in 2021, 44.1 million Americans over the age of 18 were grappling with a substance use disorder. Of those, 17.9 million were operating with a dual diagnosis. “Among the 17.9 million adults aged 18 or older in 2021 with co-occurring AMI [any mental illness] and an illicit drug or alcohol use disorder in the past year, 52.5% (or 9.0 million people) received either substance use treatment at a specialty facility or mental health services in the past year.” Further, 5.8 million people in the U.S. are struggling with a co-occurring SUD and severe mental illness (SMI). Of those, 66.9% (3.9 million people) had sought treatment in 2021.

What these numbers indicate is that there is a huge need right now for programs that can help people with a dual diagnosis treat both their mental illness and their substance abuse. They also indicate that the reasons individuals fall into substance abuse are often far more complex than they appear. Some of the mental health issues regularly associated with substance abuse include depression, anxiety, ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar and personality disorders. Here at The Grounds Recovery, we have also worked with patients struggling with eating disorders and PTSD, among others.

The co-occurrence of SUDs and mental health issues was first identified as a potential diagnosis in the 1980s. Before and during this time period, mental health issues and substance use issues were treated separately, and the success rates were low. Within that decade and in the decades that followed, efforts were made to create integrated treatment plans that addressed both disorders concurrently. Still, according to A Call for Standardized Definition of Dual Diagnosis , published in the journal, Psychiatry in 2007, the results/efficacy of these attempts were difficult to quantify. The authors claim that one of the reasons for this was that during that entire time period, the inconsistent diagnostic criteria created methodological problems when trying to evaluate whether or not a program worked.

Eleven years later, in 2018, the Illinois Criminal Justice System published an evaluation of one of its dual-diagnosis programs operating in a women’s prison. The paper’s introduction laments the lack of “a standardized definition of COD [co-occurring disorders].” The authors go on to explain how this negatively impacts screening procedures within the criminal justice system and contributes to the continued bifurcation of treatment and compartmentalization of funding.

Now, in 2023, there is more support than ever for dual diagnosis patients, and the theory that co-occurring disorders should be treated simultaneously and together is widely accepted and implemented. Despite these strides, however, there is still no nationally standardized diagnostic protocol, and this continues to be an impediment to the development of clinically proven integrated care models. A 2020 study titled, Concurrent Disorder Management Guidelines. Systematic Review , published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, conducted literature searches for “current concurrent disorders’ clinical recommendation management guidelines” and found that despite being a recognized diagnosis for going on five decades: “Overall, specific evidence for the management of concurrent disorders continues to be rare, making it necessary for guidelines to often rely on combining evidence for individual disorders.” Further, “…certain important aspects that are essential for treatment planning are not addressed by any guideline, including the specifics of a concurrent disorder framework, the “matching” of treatment needs, and the evaluation or ‘staging’ of the severity.”

There is ample evidence on the streets, in our prisons, and within many of our own families that the healthcare system needs to do better when it comes to treating patients with dual diagnoses. The national homelessness crisis is one glaring case in point. An article from Stanford University reports that, in California, homelessness rose 42% between the years 2014 and 2020, with 25% of all homeless adults having a severe mental illness and 27% having a long-term SUD. But the validity of these numbers is questionable because getting a truly accurate gauge on the problem goes back again to the lack of clear diagnostic criteria. The same article states:

What Does This Mean for Dual Diagnosis Patients?

If You Have a Dual Diagnosis, You are Not Alone!

A Need for Better Diagnostic Standards for Dual Diagnosis Patients

Dual diagnosis, or co-occurrence, is when an individual has both a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health disorder. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness ( NAMI ), about half of all people with mental illness also have a SUD. At the same time, one-third of all people with a SUD also have a mental health diagnosis.

Studies suggest that co-occurrence happens when people with a mental health diagnosis attempt to alleviate their symptoms with substances. Some people report using drugs or alcohol to relieve symptoms of anxiety or depression, to help them sleep, and to give them an escape from the difficulties that come with their mental health diagnosis. People with bipolar disorder have reported using methamphetamine to induce a manic state or as a way to counteract side effects from prescribed medications. More generally speaking, people with mental health diagnoses often use substances to relieve dysphoria or a general unease or lack of satisfaction in life.

Why Does Co-Occurrence Happen? The Self Medication Hypothesis

In 2019, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority released a report showing that 25 percent of the unsheltered homeless had a severe mental illness, and 14 percent had a substance use disorder. Using the same survey data, the Los Angeles Times showed a much higher prevalence level: about 51 percent with mental illness and 46 percent with substance use disorder. The critical difference lies in the definition of mental health and drug addiction. The government’s estimates are lower because they only counted people with a permanent or long-term severe condition (LAHSA 2020).

Effectively, this means that because we don’t have standardized diagnostic tools, we can’t really understand the severity of the problem, and this has led to huge cracks in our support systems, and many, many people are falling through.

Despite These Issues, There Are Approaches that Work

Despite the work that still needs to be done in understanding and treating dual diagnosis, there are many organizations that strive to help individuals with co-occurring disorders manage their diagnoses and develop the skills and tools to help them lead healthy, productive lives.

Studies indicate that social support combined with intensive case management leads to positive outcomes for individuals with dual diagnoses. Having people to lean on and rely on for help goes a long way. Mental health patients and SUD patients benefit greatly from personalized interventions that help them develop life skills, personal empowerment, accountability and coping strategies, and individuals receiving this type of care often have better outcomes that are maintained over time.

At The Grounds Recovery, we take our role as doctors, mentors, counselors, instructors, and friends very seriously. We are here to help our residents who are living with co-occurring disorders understand their diagnosis and their triggers. The social support of living in a home with other people who are learning the same skills is supplemented by a case management system and personalized treatment plan that fosters accountability, personal responsibility, self-efficacy and practical skills needed for successful daily living.

We work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, PTSD and bi-polar disorders; however, we do not treat individuals with severe mental illness, individuals with an un-stabilized mental health condition, or individuals who may pose a threat to other patients and/or staff.

The Grounds Recovery Can Help Dual Diagnosis Patients

For More Information About Our Program, Visit Our Admissions Page Next.

Art and Music for Recovery – How They Can Help

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 22:36:08 GMT

Whether creating it or appreciating it, people have been using art and music to comfort, inspire and connect from time immemorial. The arts have the capacity to evoke strong emotions, unlock memories, soothe anxiety and help people feel more connected to one another. But the benefits are more than anecdotal – or experiential. It turns out that listening to music, playing music, and viewing and creating art can result in measurable – positive – changes in brain activity.

Art and music therapy is widely used to treat or alleviate the symptoms of addiction disorders, anxiety, PTSD, depression, even Alzheimers. Considered a complementary and alternative medical (CAM) practice, art and music therapy is studied far less than evidence-based treatments that are largely pharmacological or behavioral. While there isn’t a ton of scientific research on the ways art and music affect the addicted brain specifically, there is little question that as a method to promote general well-being, it has significant benefits.

Let’s take a look at what we do know about the science around art, music, brain health and recovery.

Art, Music, and Dopamine

One way that art and music benefit the brain is through healthy dopamine release . Dopamine is a “feel-good” chemical neurotransmitter associated with reward, motivation – and addiction . Research into the science of addiction, and its impact on the brain’s reward pathways, has shown unequivocally that addiction is a brain disease, not a character disorder or sign of moral failing as it was once categorized and stigmatized.

According to an article from Yale Medicine , drugs like opioids, cocaine and nicotine negatively impact brain function by triggering dopamine release at levels up to ten times above normal. As the addicted brain builds tolerance, it needs more and more of a substance to get that same high-level dopamine release. Although the recovery process is complex and multi-faceted, a big part of the journey is allowing time for the brain’s dopamine regulation to reset, which, studies indicate, is possible with time. One such study, Loss of Dopamine Transporters in Methamphetamine Abusers Recovers with Protracted Abstinence , shows that the meth-addicted brain’s ability to recover normal dopamine regulation is possible – but only with long-term abstinence (i.e., abstinence lasting longer than nine months).

Though there isn’t a great deal of clinical research on the topic, observationally, art and music’s ability to stimulate dopamine release in recovery appears to be helpful in managing the time spent healing the brain’s reward system. And this makes sense because studies conducted with healthy brains prove that music stimulates tangible reward pathways (the pathways that light up with things like food, sleeping, and drugs).

In a study conducted by a team at McGill University, in Canada, researchers found that participants (with non-addicted brains) experienced dopamine release both in the anticipation and in the actual experience of listening to music. What this indicates is that enjoying music is not merely a cognitive reward – it physically engages the brain’s reward system circuitry.

How Art and Music Stimulate the Brain’s Reward Systems

Music and Dopamine

Art and Better Decision Making?

According to the American Congress of Rehabilitative Medicine , art therapy lowers the stress hormone cortisol, improves focus, helps process emotions, improves communication skills and helps with decision-making. Brain scan experiments conducted by Dr. Semir Zeki , a professor at the University College of London, have found that when an individual is looking at a piece of artwork that they find beautiful, the mOFC, or medial orbitofrontal cortex , lights up. The mOFC, housed in the reward and pleasure center of the brain, plays a role in goal-directed decision-making. An article titled The Medial Orbitofrontal Cortex Regulates Sensitivity to Outcome Value , in the Journal of Neuroscience discusses the important role this area of the brain plays in decision-making, “Goal-directed response selection often involves predicting the consequences of one’s actions and the value of potential payoffs.”

Though this field of research is still in its infancy, work is now being done to better understand the role that the mOFC and the prefrontal cortex, in general, play in cue-induced craving. One study hypothesizes that “drug cues and drug-related context…may be encoded in the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC).” In light of this possibility, one question that arises is, “what, if any physical brain changes occur in a recovering brain’s mOFC when under the influence of art therapy?”

More research is needed to really understand the relationship between art therapy and the ways it may help heal the brain systems that control craving and addiction. Still, anecdotal evidence, along with the proliferation of art and music therapy programs in recovery, indicate that these programs are indeed helpful, one way or another.

We’re not going to say this work and these changes are easy, but we 100% believe they’re worth it, and we’re ready to help our members every step of the way.

The Grounds Recovery Believes in the Power of Art and Music to Facilitate Recovery

Find Out More About the Arts and Music at The Grounds

Support Systems

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 21:27:56 GMT

What Are Support Systems in Recovery, and How Can They Help?

Race car drivers have pit crews. Athletes have coaches and trainers. Surgeons have nurses, technicians and assistants. Chefs have prep cooks, sous chefs, kitchen assistants and managers. Take a look around and it quickly becomes apparent that support systems are vital to the success of nearly any venture – and recovery is no exception. If your goal is to stay clean and sober over the long-term, having a solid support system in place will be critical to your success.

Support Systems in Recovery are Vital

Comprised of people including friends, family, 12-step groups, sponsors, therapists, mentors, counselors, and others, a recovery support system is a network of people that can help guide your journey and build the framework that aids your progress. These individuals provide advocacy, encouragement, assistance and empathy as you transition out of a life ruled by addiction and into a life of independence. They are a source of strength when you feel tempted, and they can provide advice when confronted with new challenges to your sobriety.

What Does a Recovery Support System Look Like?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to building a recovery support system, because everyone’s journey and history are different. Some people have family and friends standing by, while others (many others), need to build their networks from scratch. When committing to sobriety, some former addicts are faced with the realization that the people who have been there for them in the past are not there for them now. On the other hand, sometimes former addicts must make the painful decision to cut loved ones out of their life because the relationships are abusive, coercive, triggering, or otherwise unhealthy.

Whether it’s because critical relationships were damaged by the addictive behavior, or because the critical relationships were a cause of the addictive behavior, the hole left behind when an important person is no longer in your life can be significant and the loneliness it brings can be profound. Being without the people who have guided and supported you (even if it was toxic), can leave you feeling isolated and depressed. That’s why it’s important to fill that gap with new relationships—healthy people who will advocate for your recovery and be a positive influence on your behavior.

What Does a Recovery Support System Look Like?

Here at The Grounds Recovery, we believe that a solid support network is necessary for lasting recovery. As a transitional living home for men aged 18-30, a lot of what we do is help our residents learn how to build the relationships they need to be successful. All of our residents must regularly attend a 12-step program and secure a sponsor. In-house, we provide nutrition counselors, therapists, mentors, and physical fitness instructors. As our residents grow in independence, they are required to obtain jobs, adding another layer of support in the form of supervisors, co-workers and friendships built outside of the sphere of recovery.

Our residents live two to a room and share common living spaces with their remaining housemates. Living communally helps our residents to develop close bonds as they provide and receive support from one another. As they navigate the highs and lows of co-habitation, our residents are guided by our mentors and house staff, who help them develop critical skills along the way including communication, conflict resolution, responsibility, accountability, and trustworthiness.

The transitional living experience provides an opportunity for residents to learn how to develop and maintain healthy relationships – skills they can take with them and use for the rest of their lives. The helpful, knowledgeable people they interact with form a framework of support that they can rely on to help them acquire the tools necessary for long-term success.

If you have a friend, relative or loved one who is on the recovery journey, and you want to provide support to them along the way, there are a number of ways to help.

How Can You Be a Source of Support for a Loved One or Friend in Recovery?

Be Empathetic

While it’s true, you may not understand exactly what they are going through. Everyone experiences challenges and hardships. Having empathy means channeling those experiences to better understand what another person is going through. By imagining what your loved one is going through as if you were going through it yourself, you may be able to understand better what they need from your friendship.

Keep Your Boundaries

Your friend or loved one may still be learning the importance of respecting other people’s boundaries. Because of this, it’s important to be firm, but kind, when they push you into uncomfortable territory.

Respect Their Boundaries

On the other hand, your friend may feel insecure and look to you for guidance. Whether it’s going to a party where there will be drinking, or consuming drugs or alcohol in front of them, being a good source of support means not pushing them to do something they are not –and may never be—ready for.

Be a Good Listener

A lot of people in recovery suffer from the after-effects of past trauma. Being trusted with information related to a traumatic past is a big responsibility. Keeping that sort of information out of the gossip channels is a way to help your friend learn how to trust and provides a model for trustworthy behavior.

The Grounds Supports Our REsidents in Recovery

These are just a few of the many ways you can be a healthy source of support for a friend in recovery. Another, perhaps more painful way for you, is to let the relationship go, if it’s in your loved one’s best interest. Sometimes a toxic dynamic is insurmountable, no matter how much you love someone. In this case a break may be necessary – whether that break is temporary or permanent is circumstance dependent, but if it will contribute to a successful recovery, gracefully letting go may be the greatest act of friendship you can ever perform.

We’re here to help young men in recovery build the skills they need for a lifetime of successful sobriety. We support our residents with job skills development, financial literacy, therapy, physical fitness, arts programs and outdoor excursions. Our aim is to provide opportunities for personal enrichment and fulfillment so that our residents become fully invested in their own success.

Find Out More About Recovery at The Grounds

Relapse Signs and Symptoms

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 22:08:33 GMT

When it comes to substance abuse recovery, relapse is a word nobody wants to hear, but the reality is that addiction is a chronic illness and, like other chronic illnesses (think hypertension, asthma, etc.), relapse happens. Studies published by the National Institute of Health put the chance of drug or alcohol relapse at 40% to 60%, with a median of around two recovery attempts per individual. This does not mean all people grappling with substance abuse will relapse, but for many, it is an unfortunate part of the journey. If your loved one is heading toward relapse, they are in danger and they need help. Knowing the signs and symptoms and having some tools ready can be lifesaving.

Overdose – A Real Relapse Danger

When people relapse – especially if they are in recovery for heroin or opioids – they are in danger of accidental overdose if they use the same quantity of the substance they were using before entering treatment. Because their systems are no longer accustomed to processing such a high volume of the substance, the overdose risk can be greater than before they entered treatment. Relapse overdoses also sometimes occur when people switch to different substances than the ones they originally sought treatment for.

Research suggests that early recovery (within the first three to six months) is the time when an individual is most in danger of relapse, although it is important to remember that recovery is a lifelong process and relapse can occur at any point – even years after recovery is established.

Substance abuse recovery requires much more than willpower and desire. Psychological, relational, emotional and physical components can all contribute to an individual’s initial addiction and subsequent success in recovery. In order to remain sober, most addicts need to make big lifestyle changes, commit to therapeutic assistance and participate in recovery programs, such as the 12-steps.

Relapse is generally not something that happens overnight. Rather, it is a process that happens in stages . An individual in danger of relapse will pass through an emotional, mental and finally, physical stage which involves the seeking out and using of the substance.

Signs and Symptoms of Relapse

The Emotional Phase of Relapse

Relapse Signs and Symptoms – How to Spot if Your Loved One is in Danger and Ways to Help

This phase represents the first steps on the road to relapse, and it is a tricky period because the individual in recovery isn’t typically thinking or fantasizing about using. Rather, they are engaging in poor self-care, which can eventually lead to using later on. If you notice your loved one not eating right, skipping their 12-step meetings and/or therapy appointments, isolating from friends and family, etc., they may be headed toward building up the feelings of restlessness, low self-esteem, irritability and desire for an escape that trigger substance use.

What You Can Do

Talk to your loved one. Tell them that you’ve noticed their behavior changing and ask if you can help. Share your concerns with them and let them know you love them and are there to support them. Encourage them not to isolate and to engage in self-care – good food, quality sleep, proper hygiene, exercise, therapy, etc. Offer to take them to appointments and meetings if you can, and try to stay connected.

The Mental Phase of Relapse

After a period of low self-care, the next phase of relapse is mental – and this is where the cravings return. In this phase, an addict in recovery is engaged in a battle of back and forth; their resistance begins to wear down and they start to look for excuses and opportunities to revert back to their addictive behaviors. They may purposefully enter high-risk situations, engage in bargaining, or begin to use an alternative substance.

What You Can Do

If you get a call from a friend in danger of relapse, be available if you can – they may be trying to distract themselves from a craving.

There are helpful and unhelpful ways to engage with someone in danger of relapse. Offering practical support and hope has been shown to be more effective than hostility. If you have a history of hostile confrontation and negativity with the person in danger of relapse, it might be better to refrain from engaging with them. Research indicates that helpful confrontations are ones that are perceived as legitimate, come from trusted and respected individuals and are offered by people who do not have an air of moral superiority.

What You Can Do

The Physical Phase of Relapse

This is the phase of relapse where the actual obtaining and using of the substance occurs. At this point, it is imperative that the individual get help in order to curb the behavior before it becomes lethal. Signs of possible relapse include falling back into old lifestyle patterns and associating again with the people they hung around with pre-recovery. Other signs include lying, positive reminiscing over “the good old days” of using, and frequenting places like bars or nightclubs where others consume drugs and/or alcohol.

If your loved one has relapsed, it’s important that you don’t judge or shame them. They have a disease and the disease has returned. It may be time to encourage them to reenter detox and then either an inpatient or intensive outpatient program. Communicating with empathy and understanding is important, but so are boundaries. You can express how sad it makes you that your loved one has relapsed, but you can also be firm in the type of help you are willing (and not willing) to give.

At this point, self-care for you is critical. The stress, worry, frustration and feelings of hopelessness that come with watching a loved one struggle with addiction can take a serious toll on your well-being. Al Anon and Nar Anon meetings can help you find support through this difficult time. Seeking out therapy beyond group options may also be helpful. Addiction is difficult for everyone involved. Even though you might be the reliable one, the responsible one, the “rock” of your family, dealing with a loved one who is relapsing is hard, it’s stressful, and it’s painful. It’s ok to acknowledge the toll it’s taking on you.

The Grounds recovery Provides Transitional Living for Young men in Recovery

The first months after rehab can be some of the toughest to get through. That’s why transitional living facilities exist. Group living arrangements, like those found at The Grounds, provide the stability, support and accountability that many people in recovery need to transition into full independent living. Programs like ours provide six months to a year of living away from the old friends, places and lifestyles that trigger addictive behavior. We provide job skills training, therapy and instruction in self-care to help our residents develop the coping skills necessary for success.

For more information, visit our program page next:

Using Meditation for Recovery – Does it Work?

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 00:17:35 GMT

Meditation , or the practice of focusing one’s mind in contemplation or reflection in order to build awareness, is an ancient practice believed to be used by religious and spiritual groups as far back as 5,000 BCE . There are many different types of meditation ranging from spiritual, in which the practitioner is focused on developing a deeper connection with their higher power; to transcendental, where the practitioner uses a sound, or mantra, to achieve a calm, relaxed state; to mindfulness-based, which is useful in alleviating stress and negative thought cycles. Though the various forms of meditation may have different approaches, all types have at their foundation the primary objective of quieting the mind.

As more effort is directed at understanding the physiological and psychological components of addiction, and as the medical community gains a deeper understanding of the role that stress plays in addiction and relapse, the use of meditation in substance abuse recovery has gained attention for being a helpful tool.

Addiction and Stress Go Hand in Hand

When we think of the connection between stress and addiction, we may first think of a situation in which a real-time stress event triggers a substance-related coping mechanism. And while that is definitely one way that stress leads to addiction and relapse, it is not the only way, by far. The body of evidence linking stress to addiction is significant, wide ranging, and growing.

In the article, Chronic Stress, Drug Use, and Vulnerability to Addiction , Rajita Sinha outlines numerous psychological and neurobiological processes that are impacted by stress. To name just a few: acute and chronic stress can affect dopamine regulation; childhood stress brought on by adversity and mistreatment can alter the parts of the mesolimbic and prefrontal areas of the brain that are responsible for stress-related behavior control; and the act of using an addictive substance itself can activate stress pathways, creating maladaptive stress responses on the biological level.

If Stress Triggers Addiction, and Meditation Helps Control Stress, Can Meditation Also Help Control Addiction?

It would stand to reason that meditation would be useful in the context of addiction recovery, because it is a practice that has a demonstrated ability to reduce and relieve stress. Though scientific enquiry is still at its infancy, and more research is needed, studies to-date indicate that, yes, meditation is an effective tool in managing addiction and relapse prevention.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction – A Proven Methodology

One type of meditative practice in particular has demonstrated efficacy in treating addiction and relapse. It’s called mindfulness-based stress reduction, or MBSR, and it was developed by MIT-educated doctor and professor, John Kabat-Zinn . Though its use in the field of addiction recovery is still relatively new, this particular type of meditation has been the subject of several promising studies related to addiction and relapse prevention. It has been found to be helpful in craving reduction, acceptance, and stress management – in particular, it helps with the stress trigger, “experiential avoidance,” or “the unwillingness to remain in contact with unpleasant thoughts and experiences.”

In the paper, Mindfulness-Based Intervention in Context, Past, Present and Future, Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness as, “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment.”

The non-judgmental observation of thought and the practice of being in the moment without paying attention to an outcome can help people detach their thoughts or their being in the present moment from any stressful emotions that come with it – anxiety, shame, fear, anger, etc., and this is helpful because these emotions are often the triggers that send people into relapse.

What Is Mindfulness?

The Grounds Recovery and Mare’s House Provide Meditation Support for Our Members

Through our years of work with young men and women in recovery, we have found meditation to be a helpful part of the healing process. Yoga, mindfulness-based meditation, and Reiki sound bath healing are types of meditation practice we offer to our residents.

“What meditation does – in whatever form works for you – is it helps to re-regulate your nervous system and impulse control, so that you can feel calm in the present moment and release yourself from that constant feeling of wanting to escape. A life of addiction is often a life of chaos or the anticipation of chaos. When chaos is normal and comfortable, stability and calm are uncomfortable and foreign. Meditation helps us to learn how to reverse those impulses so that we feel safe and comfortable right here and right now.”

-Meghan Bosse, Reiki Sound Bath Practitioner

For more information about our teachers and clinicians, visit our Team page next:

Best Sobriety Podcasts

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 23:35:07 GMT

Understanding addiction, recovery, and long-term sobriety from multiple perspectives can help people on the recovery journey in numerous ways. Hearing about other people’s experiences can help listeners develop empathy, while the wisdom shared by people who have “been there” and made it through can be just the inspiration one needs to get through the tough days.

One way to build this type of understanding is by listening to podcasts. Podcasts offer information and insights into the disease of addiction from field experts; they offer advice on how to cope from people who are in various stages of recovery; and they can be a source of comfort for those who are feeling alone or isolated because of their disease.

Whatever kind of insights you are looking for, there likely exists a podcast on the topic ready for download. To get you started, here is a list of some of the best addiction, recovery and sobriety podcasts that we’ve found so far.

A Masterclass on Addiction and Recovery

The Rich Roll Podcast

Rich Roll hosts a wellness and personal enrichment podcast covering topics ranging from nutrition to fitness, entrepreneurship, and spirituality. He interviews the top thought leaders, influencers, and thinkers of our time, and his episode, A Masterclass on Addiction and Recovery addresses the nature of addiction through a compilation of conversations that present multiple perspectives. This podcast is a good introduction to the other episodes he devotes to addiction and recovery, which are all worth a listen.

Listen: A Masterclass on Addiction and Recovery

The Bubble Hour

A weekly podcast with more than 300 episodes, this podcast is hosted by author and recovery advocate, Jean McCarthy. Many of Jean’s interviews are with people in recovery, providing insight into the many faces of addiction, their unique pathways to sobriety and the ways they are using their experiences to help others in recovery.

Listen: The Bubble Hour

Looking for Some Good Listening Material? We’ve Rounded Up Some of the Best Sobriety Podcasts Around

Whether You’re Looking for Advice, Community or Entertainment, Podcasts Are a Great Resource.

Relevant Recovery Radio

This podcast, hosted by Heather and Donnie Mosher, covers a range of topics related to addiction of every sort. From trauma, to pain, to relapse and fellowship, they address the gamut of addiction issues and use the 12-step program as their recovery model.

Listen: Relevant Recovery Radio

Seltzer Squad is hosted by two friends, Jes Valentine and Kate Zander, who use their podcast platform to discuss topics related to sobriety including maintaining sobriety through breakups, managing anger and more. Their approach is casual (they don’t claim to be experts), and the intent is to provide a sober community of liked-minded people, rather than a place for professional advice.

Listen: Seltzer Squad

Seltzer Squad

Sobriety Unl eashed – An Alcohol-Free Podcast

This podcast ,focused more specifically on alcohol-recovery, is hosted by Ellen Woods and Simon Chapple. The podcast offers tips and advice on maintaining sobriety, inspiration, motivation and interviews with guest who lend insights helpful to those in recovery.

Listen: Sobriety Unleashed

Whether it’s listening to podcasts, reading books on recovery, participating in art or music therapy, building a support network through surfing, work training, 12-step participation, or group meals, we at The Grounds Recovery believe it’s important to address all aspects of a person’s health and well-being. Our program is designed to help young men build the skills necessary to live a fulfilling sober life and our mission is to provide insight and access to the many dynamic resources that exist to support that goal.

At The Grounds Recovery, We Address the Whole Person, Not Just the Substance Use

The Grounds Recovery – Transitional Living for Young Men in Recovery

The Importance of Nutrition

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 00:27:47 GMT

In order for transitional living to be an effective step on the path to long-term recovery, it needs to provide comprehensive nutrition education, hands-on instruction on how to maintain a healthy diet, and counseling where necessary. This is because people who struggle with addiction also often battle one form or another of disordered eating, and those that don’t are frequently malnourished and suffering from biochemical, nutritional and metabolic disorders caused by their addiction.

The Connection Between Addiction and Eating Disorders

According to NationalEatingDisorders.org , “Up to 50% of individuals with eating disorders use alcohol or illicit drugs, a rate five times higher than the general population. Up to 35% of individuals who were dependent on alcohol or other drugs have also had eating disorders, a rate 11 times greater than the general population.”

In an SAMHSA Advisory , the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that substance abuse disorders and eating disorders share similar characteristics. Those affected by one or both issues exhibit loss of control and compulsive behavior that they cannot stop despite negative consequences. Importantly, eating disorders can occur before, during or after a substance abuse issue presents itself, which means those residing in transitional living situations should be observed for signs of disordered eating that develop after (or in replacement of) initiating recovery from drug or alcohol addiction.

Nutrition, Eating Disorders and Transitional Living

Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse

Research suggests that suppressing food intake in any way can lead to substance abuse because deprivation may alter the central nervous system’s reward pathways, “increasing the consumption of reinforcing substances (e.g. alcohol).”

Though eating disorders are commonly associated with women, they are an issue that affects both women and men. In fact, men account for 10% of cases of bulimia and anorexia , but as much as 25% of those suffering from a binge eating disorder. Because substance abuse and eating disorders happen in tandem with such frequency, transitional living facilities hoping to deliver long-term results should acknowledge the prevalence of the issue and provide support for residents where necessary, and at a minimum should be on the lookout for signs of disordered eating within their populations.

Prioritizing diet and nutrition education for all members of a transitional living facility – even those without a diagnosed eating disorder – is a crucial part of recovery. People with active addictions often become nutritionally depleted, which can then lead to a number of health problems that must be resolved in the months after detox.

Nourishment for Recovery

Recovery during the transitional living phase is a time for rebuilding one’s body and mind, by giving it the tools it needs to repair itself. Many people with histories of substance abuse have poor diets and eat an excessive amount of junk food and sugar either as replacement foods or as habit foods brought with them from their time as addicts. This is an issue for people in recovery not only because healthy eating is vital to healthy living, but also because many people in recovery are working through medical issues brought on by their addictions.

Common Medical Issues Associated with Substance Abuse

According to the report, Nutrition and Addiction Recovery, by Rebecca Place Miller, common medical issues associated with substance abuse recovery include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), adrenal fatigue, allergies (environmental & food), leaky gut, and yeast/candida. A second report details the ways in which drug and alcohol abuse significantly impacts the functioning of the digestive tract and leads to problems absorbing vitamins, minerals and amino acids, and the ways this impacts brain health and functionality.

Maintaining a healthy diet filled with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and proteins is vital to long-term recovery because it will help the body to correct the neurotransmitter deficiencies and mis-regulations that developed over the addictive period. Neurotransmitters including serotonin, endorphins and dopamine are crucial to the proper functioning of both the body and the mind.

Good nutrition combined with healthy exercise, and plenty of sleep can help repair damaged reward pathways in the brain, help improve cognitive function, memory, and general mental wellness.

At The Grounds Recovery Our Focus is on Whole-Person Wellness

At The Grounds Recovery, we emphasize nutrition as part of our comprehensive men’s transitional living program.

We employ registered dieticians to help develop goal-oriented, customized nutrition plans for our residents. Plans are created based on individual counseling sessions in which we explore the resident’s relationship with food, and their food history.
We have a chef on-site who leads classes in how to prepare healthy meals.
Our cadre of therapists are trained in how to spot eating disorders and they are prepared to suggest pathways to higher levels of care if necessary.

Common Types of Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa

People with anorexia nervosa restrict food intake and maintain a calorie restricted state in order to maintain low body weight. According to SAMSHA, there are two subtypes of Anorexia Nervosa – restricting and binge eating/purging. A study from the National Institute of Health suggests that substance abuse is up to six time more prevalent in the binge/purge sub-group as compared to the restrictive sub-group.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is typically characterized by binge eating followed by fasting and/or excessive exercise, or binge eating and purging. People suffering from this disorder often abuse laxatives, diet pills and enemas. In an article from the Journal of Mental Health Counseling, titled Comorbidity of Bulimia Nervosa and Substance Abuse, bulimia and substance abuse may originate together through the same risk channels including “addictive personality type, a family history of drug abuse, parental characteristics, [etc.]”

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder presents as a chronic, often secretive over-consumption of food, followed by episodes of shame and distress. In, The overlap between binge eating disorder and substance use disorders: Diagnosis and neurobiology, the authors suggest a link between the two, noting “males with BED, however, are about two times more likely to have a SUD compared to females; yet, higher rates of specific addictions, such as cocaine, psychotherapeutic drugs, and persistent alcohol use disorder have been noted in females.”

Addiction, Health and Nutrition

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE GROUNDS RECOVERY PROGRAM

12 Steps and 12 Traditions

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 23:47:49 GMT

Accountability, responsibility, goals, and achievement. Life at The Grounds is filled with challenge and growth, decisions and consequences. In order to help our residents’ gain the skills and agency required for long-term sobriety and independence, our program is built to address the whole person. From jobs skills training to financial literacy to guidance for a healthy diet and exercise, our program is comprehensive. And while all of these elements are critical, one of our most important requirements relates to directly to sobriety maintenance, and that is active participation in a 12 Step program and regular communication with a sponsor.

12 Steps and 12 Traditions is the book outlining the 24 basic principles of Alcoholics Anonymous . The book was written in 1953 by AA co-founder, William Griffith Wilson, or, as he is more commonly known within the AA community, Bill W. Today’s Anonymous programs address many forms addiction beyond alcohol – from narcotics to gambling to food to the Internet and technology , but all of them follow the basic tenets that can be found in this book and have been guiding addicts through recovery since the program was first developed in 1935.

The 12 Steps of anonymous programs are designed to build fellowship among members, while guiding individuals through the stages of recovery.

To admit one’s powerlessness over the substance in question.
To acknowledge that there is a power greater than one’s self that can help.
To make the decision to turn over one’s life and decisions to that higher power.
To make “a searching and fearless moral inventory” of one’s self.
To admit to one’s higher power and to another individual the nature of one’s wrongdoing.
To be ready to allow the higher power to “remove all these defects of character.”
With humility, to ask the higher power to work in one’s life to remove the shortcomings.
To identify the individuals one has harmed and be willing to make amends.
To make amends to people one has harmed without doing more harm in the process.
To review one’s behavior on a regular basis and quickly admit wrongdoing.
To make a continual effort to connect with one’s higher power and be open to the guidance found therein.
To help other’s in recovery and to apply the 12 steps to all areas of one’s life.

The 12 Traditions of anonymous programs concern the management of anonymous groups and how each should be operated and interact with one another and larger society.

In order to create an organization that lasts into the future, the welfare of the group is prioritized, followed by the welfare of the individual.
The higher power, which is a loving god, is the ultimate authority and leaders within the group are servants to that power.
The one requirement for membership is a sincere desire to stop the addictive behavior in question.
Each individual group is autonomous.
The main purpose of the groups is to promote the message to addicts who have not yet entered recovery.
AA groups are not permitted to finance, endorse or otherwise lend their name to other enterprises so as to avoid detracting from AA’s mission.
Individual AA groups must be self-supported and not receive outside funding.
AA is a non-professional organization.
AA is not an organization but may have committees or boards to facilitate operations that are responsible to membership.
AA does not hold opinions on public issues and is not controversial.
AA members retain personal anonymity when it comes to public relations efforts.
“Principles before personalities.” AA is an anonymous organization.

The 12 Traditions As Presented by Alcoholics Anonymous

The Program that Makes Long-Term Recovery Possible

12 Steps and 12 Traditions (The Big Book)

The 12 Steps As Presented by Alcoholics Anonymous

A Program that has Helped Addicts in Recovery for Decades

According to an analysis conducted by the Stanford School of Medicine , Alcoholics Anonymous is almost always more effective than therapy alone in helping people achieve lasting sobriety. The communal support of a group of people who’ve “been there” cannot be equaled in helping people abstain over the long term. The help of a sponsor, combined with the 12 Steps is so powerful, it has been proven effective regardless of age, gender or social status.

As many members of our own team have struggled with addictions and have relied on the 12 Step program to help us maintain our recovery, we believe in its ability to change lives and we believe no recovery program is complete without it.

For More Information About 12 Steps and Recovery at The Grounds.

Transitional Living

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:00:42 GMT

Having a job is an important part of life at The Grounds – so much so— that it is a requirement of residency. We take this aspect of our program very seriously because we believe being employed opens the door to acquiring and developing the vital life skills like communication and financial literacy that are necessary for successful long-term recovery.

Engaging with customers, being helpful, developing specialized knowledge, and collaborating with co-workers helps individuals learn how to effectively engage and connect with others, problem solve and become more comfortable with varying communication styles. Taking ownership of one’s work and being rewarded for a job well done helps build self-confidence and personal pride. Meanwhile, controlling a bank account and managing personal finances is both empowering, and illuminating. For many residents, employment during transitional living represents the first time they have been responsible for earning their own money and paying their own way. This gives them a better understanding of the value not only of money but also of the value of education and occupational training.

Managing an addiction is all-consuming, and people with substance use disorders often develop behavior patterns that put their addictive needs first at all costs and often at the expense of others. Living a healthy life requires understanding boundaries and having respect for other people’s time and needs. Having a job can help our members reset these unhealthy patterns because it forces them to put the needs of others first. Showing up at a prescribed time, working when others are enjoying time off and managing daily house and therapeutic requirements around work schedules can help our members build self-regulation skills as well as set responsibility boundaries that are necessary for long-term success. Respecting other people’s time and property, and putting the needs of their employers first helps our members develop self-respect as they learn to treat people the way they want to be treated.

Being unemployed has been linked to depression , and too much time on one’s hands can lead to boredom and trouble. Staying busy is an important part of the recovery process and working helps our members feel valuable, needed and worthwhile. Having a job also makes time off that much more enjoyable. Working helps our residents cultivate a deeper appreciation for free time, rest, relaxation and fun. Our objective is to help our residents cultivate balance in their lives in order to develop patterns that hopefully will deliver the perfect mix of work and play, business and downtime that lead to fulfilling, enjoyable, healthy lives

Transitional living provides the space and time for young people in recovery to take what they’ve learned and accomplished in detox and rehab and put it into practice for an extended period of time before moving fully into independent living. It is an important next step for many newly sober individuals because it provides a safe place to engage with “everyday life,” and can serve as a buffer between the triggers, temptations, and people that can lead to relapse. But at The Grounds, we believe that a quality transitional living program should provide more than a place to work on recovery. We believe that transitional living should also be a space for cultivating personal development. One of the ways we encourage our members’ personal development is through mandatory employment.

Through Employment Our Residents Build Confidence & Learn Important Life Skills

Communication and Money

Time Management and Respect

Rest, Relaxation and Excursion

The Grounds Provides its Residents with Career and Vocational Training. Find Out More:

Best Sober Quotes to Sum Up Life in Recovery

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 23:47:44 GMT

In need of a little inspiration? Check out some of our favorite sober quotes – words of wisdom that help get us through the tough days and remind us that we are not alone.

Making the commitment to stay sober is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself and to your loved ones. When you decide each day to walk a bit further down the road of recovery you are deciding that your health and well-being matter. You are deciding that YOU matter, and that you deserve a life free from the shackles of addiction. But just because choosing sobriety is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself, that doesn’t mean the path is always going to be easy.

If, at times, you’re feeling overwhelmed with the process, it can help to remember that you are not alone. In fact, a recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 27.5 million (one in ten) US adults have grappled with substance abuse in their lifetime, with 20.5 million (nearly 75% ) of those individuals reporting they are currently in recovery. Some of these people are on day one of sobriety, some of them have been sober for decades, some of them are exactly where you are at today. What these numbers show, is that more people beat addiction than succumb to it, and what these numbers mean is there is a lot of hard-won wisdom out there from people who understand exactly what you are going through.

Long-term recovery is a journey that requires prolonged effort, even in the face of failure. Research indicates that it can take up to eight years or more , sometimes with multiple relapses before the average person arrives at a place of lasting sobriety. And while this may seem like a disappointing statistic, the reality is quite the opposite. What this means is that, even though it may take a while, the odds of achieving lasting sobriety are in your favor. The numbers indicate that the vast majority of people with substance abuse issues do gain control of their addictions, and the secret is to never surrender – to keep going even after a setback and to be willing to get back up after a fall.

When we talk about sobriety, we speak in terms of walking on a path and embarking on a journey, because choosing a life free from addiction is a matter of moving through the lifetime of small choices and big decisions that result either in recovery or relapse. Each day – sometimes each minute – presents the opportunity to say yes to a clean, healthy life. There will be good days. There will be hard days. It is a lifelong commitment on a road that is, itself, the destination.

Here at The Grounds Recovery, our residents are required to participate in a 12-step program . We are advocates of the 12-steps because they have helped millions of people maintain their sobriety, including many of our own staff members. One of the most empowering steps in this program is step 12 – service to others – turning your wounds into wisdom. Sharing your story, being of assistance to others, inspiring other addicts to make a move toward sobriety – these are the ways we can bring meaning to the darkness that we’ve emerged from, and give hope to others still struggling with getting clean.

It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.

-Confucius

If you're brave enough to start, You're strong enough to finish.

-Gary Ryan Blair

The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.

-Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.

-Frank A. Clark

Turn your wounds into wisdom.

-Oprah Winfrey

The Grounds Recovery – Transitional Living for Young men in Recovery

Surf Therapy

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 23:29:11 GMT

Social connection. Establishment of a routine. Distraction from cravings. The alleviation of depression and anxiety. These are just a few of the benefits of incorporating regular exercise into an addiction recovery plan . Though more research is needed, when it comes to sobriety, regular exercise, in combination with other treatment protocols including therapy and 12-step programs, has been found to be effective in helping men in recovery build lifestyles that lead to long-term success.

At The Grounds, we believe that establishing good habits is essential to lasting recovery, and regular exercise is at the top of the list. Combined with a wholesome diet, a supportive social network, and the development of job skills, exercise is essential to building a healthy lifestyle. That’s why, in addition to a fully-equipped onsite gym, we encourage residents to integrate exercise into their daily routine with numerous opportunities for physical activity including basketball, skateboarding, road biking, mountain biking, and beach cruising.

But what makes The Grounds truly unique among transitional living houses, is our use of surf therapy. More than just exercise, surf therapy fosters the personal development and life skills required for a fulfilling sober life.

What is Surf Therapy?

The International Surf Therapy Organization defines surf therapy as, “a method of intervention that combines surf instruction/surfing and structured individual and/or group activities to promote psychological, physical and psychosocial well-being.” In addition to addiction, surf therapy is also used to treat disorders ranging from PTSD to autism.

Rather than being a therapy that aims to reduce the symptoms of addiction (a therapy designed to “take away” behaviors or impulses), surf therapy is developmental, meaning it is used to add, enhance and build up the new skills and habits that lead to lasting change. Surfing is effective in this way because, in addition to being an excellent form of exercise, when used in a therapeutic manner, it can also serve as a platform for emotional growth, problem-solving, and community building.

Surf Therapy is Associated with the Following Benefits:

Many of The Grounds’ staff are avid surfers, and residents have the opportunity to engage in weekly surf therapy sessions as time allows. Surf therapy is part of the Grounds’ comprehensive clinical and life-skills development program, which includes 12-step program participation, group and individual therapy, career and vocational training, health and wellness education, equine therapy, and music therapy.

At The Grounds, all of our residents to participate in surf therapy, as it is an integral part of our program.

What is Surf Therapy? And How Does The Grounds Use It as Part of the Long-Term Addiction Recovery Journey?

Community Building
Positive Role Modeling
Trust Building
Engagement with Nature
Stress Relief
Mindfulness and Focus
Resilience
Patience
Determination
Self-Confidence
Meaningful Connection with Others

Much like life, surfing is individualistic on one hand and community-centric on the other. This makes it an ideal pathway to helping those in recovery build the internal resilience needed to weather life’s storms, while also developing the social bonds and trust of others necessary for a satisfying quality of life. Building strength and capability through an activity that is both exciting and restorative can help young men in recovery build their self-esteem, while also helping them develop an appreciation for life without drugs and alcohol.

How Does The Grounds Use Surfing as Part of Its Transitional Living Program?

Find Out More About The Grounds Recovery Program

Sober Living in San Diego – Living Your Best Life in “America’s Finest City”

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 23:15:44 GMT

With twenty-nine four-year colleges in and around the city, and the Mexican border just a stone’s throw away, residents of San Diego have plenty of opportunity to party. With this in mind, it may seem like San Diego would be one of the last places a young man in recovery would want to be. Too much temptation. Too many easy opportunities to slip up. But we’re here to tell you that San Diego is actually a wonderful place to build a satisfying and fulfilling sober life. The city and its surrounding communities have ample resources for young men looking for support, and the opportunities to build a healthy lifestyle are everywhere. Read on to find out more.

For Successful Sober Living, San Diego Has the Support Networks to Help Get You Through the Tough Times

Lasting recovery is much more difficult to achieve without the help of professionals and friends, and cities like San Diego are filled with organizations and support groups designed to share the load. Any day of the week, morning, noon or night, San Diegans have access to alcoholics anonymous and narcotics anonymous meetings at various locations across the county. Numerous organizations within the county offer classes for life skills and financial literacy, and there are plenty of entry-level job opportunities to help develop foundational skills and experience.

In addition, transitional living programs and sober living houses in San Diego – like The Grounds Recovery – can provide up to a year’s worth of professionally-guided support. Our program offers increasing levels of earned freedom and responsibility for young men who are committed to sobriety but need more structure to their recovery after rehab. Providing community meetings, weekly therapy, and life skills instruction, programs like ours are designed to help young men succeed over the long-term.

San Diego’s Warmth, Sunshine and Outdoor Recreation are Great for Body and Mind

Surfing, hiking, biking, skating…when it comes to building a healthy lifestyle, San Diego can’t be beat. With a mild Mediterranean climate and 146 days of sunshine per year, there is opportunity almost every day to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. At The Grounds Recovery, we believe that living each day filled with physical activity, plenty of sunshine, healthy food, and recreation with like-minded friends is critical to walking the path of long-term recovery.

We don’t view sobriety as giving up the fun and excitement of life. Much to the contrary, we see sobriety as the key to letting in the experiences and people that provide authentic connection and lasting fulfillment. Being awake to the wonders of the natural world, being physically healthy and capable of catching that first wave at daybreak, being present and part of a genuine community – these are the foundational elements of a willing and engaged sober life. In San Diego, the opportunity for creating this type of healthy lifestyle is everywhere.

Mental health issues, loss and trauma, learning difficulties, and instability at home can all contribute to substance abuse and cause difficulty in meeting academic expectations. But just because your life didn’t follow the traditional path of high school to college to career, doesn’t mean those opportunities are lost. In fact, building job skills, going to college or a technical school, even opening your own business are still very real possibilities, and San Diego has the resources and economy to make those dreams come true.

At The Grounds, our program includes life skills development, employment coaching, and Greenwood career matching assessments to help our members discover their passions and determine next steps for career, school or certificated programs. Because San Diego is so heavily populated there are plenty of entry-level job opportunities, and because of the non-traditional lifestyles of many of its residents, there are numerous unique businesses catering to recreation, food, music, etc. for individuals not looking to take a traditional career path.

Creating Good Habits and Living Your Best Life in “America’s Finest City”

All Those Colleges and Trade Schools Offer Way More than Just Partying

“No Matter Where You Go, There You Are”

Confucius said it nearly 2,500 years ago, and it’s as true today as it ever was, especially when it comes to recovery. At The Grounds Recovery, we absolutely believe that in order to get clean and stay clean, removing yourself from the old friends and old habits is critical. Sometimes moving away from your hometown and prior life is absolutely necessary to break long-entrenched behavioral patterns. But the sad truth is that just about every town and city in every state in America has some level of substance abuse occurring among its populace – whether it’s alcohol ( Nearly 25% of North Dakota’s population drinks excessively ) or opiates ( West Virginia had the highest adjusted rate of overdose deaths in 2018 ).

Because of the prevalence of drugs and alcohol in our society, it’s nearly impossible to remove all temptation and all access. That’s why efforts toward self-improvement and building a solid support network are so important. Developing healthy eating habits, exercising regularly, working at a fulfilling job, and nurturing friendships with like-minded people are critical to lasting recovery.

Once you do the work to change your outlook and once you develop the coping and life skills to get you through the rough patches, you’ll be better equipped to sidestep the temptations. You’ll be working toward building a fulfilling life worth protecting. And despite its party reputation, San Diego is one of the best places to make this happen. We’re here to help you develop the skills that will help you live sober and fulfilled in San Diego or anywhere else life takes you.

Find Out More About Daily Life at The Grounds Recovery

Check out Alex and Scott’s Interview on the SD Local Podcast

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 00:58:14 GMT

This past May, Alex Zemeckis and Scott DeLeau joined host Steve Levenson on the SD Local podcast to discuss The Grounds program and recovery. During the show, Alex and Scott covered a range of topics including transitional living program structure, realistic expectations for parents, and the reasons why long-term recovery requires at least one full year of treatment. They share their own stories and discuss the importance of a strong support network during an often ignored, yet critical stage of recovery – the stage in between treatment and re-entry to normal life.

With the American Psychological Association reporting a sizeable uptick in substance abuse and overdoses related to pandemic stress – particularly among young people — the information in this podcast is more important now than perhaps ever before. As a transitional living provider for young men exiting a 30-, 60- or 90-day rehabilitation program, The Grounds provides long-term support during that critical “in-between” recovery phase. Throughout the duration of our program, members build confidence and self-esteem while learning new, healthy lifestyle habits and skills to help them navigate work and personal stress without resorting to substance abuse when times get tough. Members learn how to enjoy a life of sobriety through hobbies and activities that are fun, exciting and rewarding, while also learning critical life skills related to money management, conflict resolution, and time management.

This podcast is a great listen for parents and for young people considering treatment because it provides an initial roadmap of the recovery process that includes realistic expectations and timelines.

Thank You SD Local!

Thanks to host Steven Levenson as well as our friends and business leaders in the San Diego area who made this collaboration possible.

Pierce – A Grounds Recovery Alumni Shares His Story

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 00:05:02 GMT

Pierce came to The Grounds from Virginia after completing substance abuse treatment. He chose The Grounds because it gave him the structure and momentum he needed to motivate, set goals and live a satisfying, sober life.

Pierce is moving up the ranks at his place of employment, he is continuing to work with his therapist, and as of this recording, he is eleven months sober.

For more information on The Grounds program, visit The Grounds Program page.

Meet Pierce

A Grounds Recovery Alumni Shares His Story

Surfing and Recovery: A Pathway Toward Community Engagement, Personal Empowerment and Healthy Living

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 00:12:15 GMT

Young men from across the country come to The Grounds transitional living program with the intent of building the life skills necessary to maintain a sober life. One of the more unique aspects of The Grounds program is its use of surfing throughout the recovery process. Many of The Grounds’ residents have never been on a board when they arrive, and surfing is by no means a requirement, but for most, it becomes an integral part of their recovery – as a form of therapy, and as an introduction to a supportive community and healthy lifestyle.

For more information on The Grounds program, visit The Grounds Program page.

Surfing and Recovery:

A Pathway Toward Community Engagement, Personal Empowerment, and Healthy Living

Overview: The Grounds – California Transitional Living Program

Sat, 13 Oct 2018 23:59:10 GMT

For young men in need of additional support, as they transition from rehabilitation to independent sober living, The Grounds provides structure and helps residents build life skills through manageable steps.

Located in San Diego, California, The Grounds features the main house and a step-down house. Over the course of the program, residents work with sponsors, attend 12-step programs, attain employment, and learn to manage their finances. Throughout their time at The Grounds, residents gain the skills they need to maintain a sober life, while also enjoying their free time in a healthy manner – pursuing hobbies such as surfing, hiking, biking, and other activities.

For more information on The Grounds program, visit The Grounds Program page.

Overview: The Grounds

California Transitional Living Program

Career Moves in Recovery

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 00:18:57 GMT

Patrick is one of those guys where you hear the slogan…”What a miracle”. It’s often used when referring to people who have recovered from a state of hopelessness and are now “killing-it.”

Patrick’s addiction kept him from pursuing his culinary dreams. A year later & sober, he’s working in a 5 Star restaurant! He wasn’t given this job on a silver platter (pun intended). He had to earn it, just like everything at The Grounds, just like life.

Early in his recovery, Patrick started working in a dirty kitchen at a breakfast place. It was a hard go but he stuck with it and kept his dream alive. After a few months, he landed a job at an upscale Pizza/American Fusion restaurant where he quickly became an instrumental leader. Patrick took risks by providing new menu items and learning new management skills. As a token of gratitude, he prepared a delicious meal for all of the members and staff at The Grounds. It was a great night!

Recently, Patrick was hired at a very upscale restaurant (5 Stars!) in the “foodie” part of downtown San Diego. With some help from his family; he purchased a vehicle and started paying his own car & insurance payments.

True independence is taking shape in strong and tangible ways and running parallel to Patrick’s increased strength within his sobriety. The metaphors are endless.

None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for his commitment to his recovery- FIRST. It opened the doors to long-dormant dreams and goals. At The Grounds, we are so grateful for guys like Patrick who prove that young adults can recover with the help of a safe, structured & supportive environment.

It reminds each of us how awesome life can be.
Independence worth celebrating!

Case Management at The Grounds Transitional Living

Sun, 30 Sep 2018 00:17:37 GMT

Case management at The Grounds involves preparing residents for success over the long term. Case managers assist residents with financial planning and accountability development. They also help with job skills including resume building, interviewing, workplace behavior, and career selection.

Case managers make sure their clients are attending their meetings, communicating with their sponsors and therapists and are generally thriving within the program. They build reports for weekly communication with family members, and provide status updates to insure their clients are meeting their goals and addressing any issues along the way.

For more information on The Grounds program, visit The Grounds Program page.

Case Management

The Grounds Transitional Living

Art and Activities at The Grounds – San Diego Transitional Living

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 00:30:29 GMT

Employment, school, continued therapy, ample amounts of free time and a plenty of fun activities make San Diego’s The Grounds’ transitional living program one of the best in the country for young men in need of assistance as they move from rehabilitation to independent living.

For more information, about The Grounds program, visit The Grounds Program page.

Art and Activities at The Grounds

San Diego Transitional Living

The Grounds Step Down House – Maintaining Sobriety on the Path to Independent Living

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 00:35:46 GMT

Located a few blocks from the main house, The Grounds step down house is the final transition to independent living. Members spend approximately 90 days here, where they manage their own schedules, maintain employment, pay for the majority of their living expenses and learn how to budget their money for when the transition to fully independent living.

For more information on the step-down house and The Grounds program, visit The Grounds Program page.

The Grounds Step Down House

Maintaining Sobriety on the Path to Independent Living

The Grounds Main House – Southern California Transitional Living for Young Men in Recovery

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 00:33:21 GMT

Young men who have completed detox and primary rehabilitation treatment, wilderness therapy, boarding school or other intervention programs are eligible for The Grounds’ transitional living – a program that teaches structured, progressive independence. Developing the life skills necessary for independent living begins at the main house, where members spend an average of 90 days in a structured environment that helps them progress toward independence in manageable steps.

For more information on the Main House and The Grounds program, visit The Grounds Program page.

The Grounds Main House

Southern California Transitional Living for Young Men in Recovery

The “Wild Life” Inyo National Forest

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 23:50:09 GMT

Alex Zemeckis Pays it Forward at Santa Barbara Middle School

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 01:10:56 GMT

Are you smarter than an 8th grader? Definitely not!

Before school ended, I had the opportunity to speak with the 8th & 9th-grade classes at Santa Barbara Middle School. “My talk”, is my story growing up with drugs & alcohol combined with an interactive discussion regarding all types of addictions & addictive behavior. I let the students facilitate the group; engaging each other in a safe, supportive manner. I’m always amazed at how knowledgeable on this subject they are.

Year after year, I’m reminded that these kids know so much more than me. Time & time again I’ve heard parents, teachers, clinicians, “adults” in general talk about how kids “know everything”. That’s nothing new, we’ve all had that discussion and we’ve all been that adolescent that knows way more than our parents- right? It’s the natural cycle. But, it scares us that on this subject, maybe they do know it all. In my opinion, we often discuss this topic from a place of FEAR. Why are we so terrified that kids know more than we do about tough issues & how can we keep up??? OMG! That’s just it. We will never keep up. We need to try to say educated yet surrender to the fact that we may never get ahead. How could we keep up with new synthetic drugs on the market, Craigslist code names/aliases to score drugs, etc.? We can’t. What we can do is share our experience, stay aware and take action when necessary. Most of all, we need to keep talking about it so they know it’s safe and ok to not have all of the answers.

Every year going into my presentation I think to myself, “What are these kids going to learn from me? How is a 31-year-old relatable to a 13 & 14-year-old? They’re not going to take me seriously!” But then 2 weeks later, I start getting these amazing handwritten letters from students. Not only thanking me but sharing their personal experiences with an older brother, a cousin, mom or dad, etc. Often, seeking guidance, suggestions & advice. Showing clearly that they are in the thick of it and that this problem is definitely not going away. That’s when I know I’ve connected.

The Grounds and Bono

Tue, 26 Sep 2017 23:53:38 GMT

Recreation at the Grounds

Thu, 25 May 2017 23:58:40 GMT

Celebrating Earth Day

Sat, 22 Apr 2017 00:21:32 GMT

The Grounds members celebrated Earth Day this year by joining over 100 local citizens in cleaning up trash-ridden homeless camps along several of San Diego’s arroyos & riverbeds. Offering the important parallel messages of the importance of keeping our water sources clean and gratitude, it was a clear reminder of the often results of untreated mental illness and heavily progressed substance abuse. It was humbling and eye-opening for all.

The Grounds requires all members gain employment and work 30+ hours per week along with their multiple clinical commitments and programmatic responsibilities. Even still, service is a foundational value and significant priority. We believe that there is no better feeling than getting outside of oneself- not a typical default behavior for most of us.

We hope you were able to participate in giving back to our planet in your own way within your community.

La Jolla Kayak Tour

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 00:36:34 GMT

When you’re living in San Diego, it’s easy to find fun, healthy activities every day! This video is a recent Grounds Recovery activity, highlighting the fact that you can have this much fun and be sober.

Equine Therapy

Mon, 31 Oct 2016 00:49:41 GMT

What Makes The Grounds Different

Mon, 31 Oct 2016 00:44:58 GMT

Surfing at Dusk

Mon, 31 Oct 2016 00:05:48 GMT

Team Building

Mon, 31 Oct 2016 00:03:45 GMT

Climbing and Self Reliance

Sun, 30 Oct 2016 00:13:31 GMT

The Grounds Recovery and the Feds Fight Addiction Together!

Sat, 25 Jun 2016 01:29:53 GMT

Featured Speaker- Cannon Kristofferson- The Grounds Recovery

The San Diego DEA headquarters hosted an essential event focusing on the nation’s opioid epidemic . The featured speaker was Cannon Kristofferson, Program Director at The Grounds Recovery . Cannon shared his experience of treating addicts in recovery and the importance of addressing opioid addiction on a grand scale. Along with an esteemed panel of Special Agents, Medical Examiners and other officials, the opioid addiction problem being faced by every community in the United States was discussed. The Feds are acknowledging this problem as a National State of Emergency. People from all walks of life are dying and we all need to be educated about the relation and progression from pharmaceutical opioids to IV heroin usage. The Grounds Recovery is honored the DEA invited us to be part of such an important discussion. We continue to focus our contribution on recovering young adult males in need of transitional living, vocational experience and clinical supports.

The Grounds Media

From the Surf to the Dirt

Trading surfboards for hiking boots, members at The Grounds headed up to the Eastern Sierras for a weekend of: hiking, fishing, and a whole lot of fun!

Are you attending YATA 2025?

We Want to Connect With You! ﻿

The Grounds and Mare's House - Hello Summer 2025

While The Grounds and Mare's House teams are excited for Summer, we want to first take a look back at the amazing Spring season we had!

Before our staff appreciation day, the Outreach team headed to the desert for the West Coast Symposium!

Before our staff appreciation day, the Outreach team headed to the desert for the West Coast Symposium!

Looking to gain insight into what life looks like before, during, and after The Grounds?

Listen to the Postcast featured on Spotify:

What Does it Mean to Be California Sober?

And Should You Try It?

California Sober Sounds Good…But Does it Work?

From California Sober to Absolutely Sober – Why “Sober Sober” is the Way to Go

The Grounds Advocates for Full Sobriety, No Exceptions

Find Out More About Recovery at The Grounds

The Importance of Mentorship in Recovery

You Don’t Have to Walk the Path of Recovery Alone…In Fact, You Shouldn’t.

Harness the Power of Influence with Positive Relationships

Mentorship – An Important Part of Long-Term Recovery

Support and Guidance

Accountability

Role Modeling

Confidence Building

Successful Long-Term Recovery

Mentorship is Part of Recovery at The Grounds

Find Out More About Recovery at The Grounds

Finding Meaning – What Makes San Diego an Ideal Place to Develop a Purposeful Life in Recovery

For recovery to stick, it needs to be about more than just sobriety.

San Diego – A Resource-Rich Environment Perfect for Finding Meaning and Purpose

Learning and Self Improvement

Exploration and Adventure

Service and Support

Professional Care and Services

Friends, Community, Culture

The Health Benefits of Pursuing Meaning and Purpose

The Grounds Provides Opportunity for Holistic Self-Improvement

Purpose and Meaning Are a Vital Part of Recovery

Community Involvement

Personal Responsibility

Health & Fitness

Goal Setting & Follow-Through

Find Out More About Recovery at The Grounds

Transitional Living Programs for Young Adults – Location Matters!

The Grounds Transitional Living Aims to Help Our Residents Develop A Healthy Lifestyle that Can Go the Distance

The Grounds Merges Transitional Living with the Best of San Diego Lifestyle

San Diego Has Ample Education Opportunities

San Diego Has Access to Nature and Adventure

San Diego Has a Diversity of People, Food, Art, and Culture

San Diego Has Employment Opportunity

San Diego Has a Robust 12-Step Support Network

We’re Here to Help You Build the Life You Want

Find Out More About The Grounds

Hiking Towards Healing: Exploring California’s Trails for Physical and Mental Well-Being

Hiking – An Accessible Way to Connect with Nature & Build Self Reliance

California Trails Provide Some of the Best Hiking Opportunities in the World

Why Hike? Here Are Seven Good Reasons…

A List of Some California Trails Worth the Hike

San Diego Local – A Coastal Hiker’s Paradise

Annie’s Canyon Trail

Three Sisters Falls Hike

Potato Chip Rock

Peak Bagging California Style

California Desert Hiking Delivers

California Parks Can’t Be Beat!

Hiking Heals the Mind, Body and Soul

Find Out More About Our Program

Cultivating Healthy Habits – How San Diego’s Food Scene Nourishes Body and Soul

Abundant Fresh Produce and Seafood

Diversity, Community, Opportunity

Cooking Classes, Group Dinners & Accountability

Find Out More About Our Program

Alex’s Take on Loneliness & Isolation. Public Enemy #1

Find Out More About Our Program

Prozac and Marijuana – Why It’s a Bad Idea to Mix Medications, Even if They Are Prescribed and/or Legal

Mixing Medications & Marijuana Is Not a Good Idea

CBD-Only Products Can Also Cause Issues When Used with Prescription Meds

What Happens When You Use Prozac and Marijuana Together?

What About Alcohol and Antidepressants?

We Want to Connect With You!

How Art and Music Stimulate the Brain’s Reward Systems

Addiction and Stress Go Hand in Hand