Frequently Asked Questions - F.A.Q.
This is an evolving list of FAQ (frequently asked questions) we find that our clients tend to have prior to admission (and their families will have after they admit). Of course you can call and discuss any questions you may have with a live person 7 days a week at 866-323-5609.
What are “extra curricular activities?”
What is the Weekly Spending Allowance?
Are Bicycles allowed?
What to Bring?
What not to Bring?
What are the Curfew Rules?
What is a Daily Schedule Deviation?
What is the Dress Code?
What about Food/Meals?
How does the Gym Membership work?
What is provided in each House?
What are the Insurance Claim Procedures?
How to send Mail and Packages?
What is Money on the Books (MOB)?
What is Money Restriction?
How to Pack?
What is a Pass?
What are the personal Phone Call guidelines?
Can the resident go Shopping?
How are Sick Days managed?
What is a Write-Up?
What types of therapies are used in drug rehab?
Will I have to take medications during rehab?
How long does treatment last?
How much does treatment cost?
Will my family be involved in my treatment?
What is a typical day in treatment like?
Does entering rehab mean I have to join AA or complete a 12-Step program?
I've already tried rehab, and now I’m using again. Doesn't that mean that this process just doesn't work for me?
What are extra curricular activities?
- Extra curricular activities occur periodically for residents in our various programs
- Residents must sign up for these activities, at their own expense
- These activities can be charged to the resident’s Money on the Books (MOB) account
- Admission tickets, etc., are purchased accordingly
- After admission tickets have been purchased, residents are responsible for payment even if the resident decides not to participate in the event
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What is the Weekly Spending Allowance?
- All monies disbursed to resident should be processed by Sober Living by the Sea
- All checks are to be made payable to Sober Living by the Sea, not the resident
- Each resident can have a personal weekly allowance
- Responsible party (i.e., parent, spouse) can set this weekly limit (not to exceed $75.00)
- Individual cash disbursements are made in increments not to exceed $25.00
- The resident must complete a Money Request Form by 12:00 noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday
- Approved cash disbursements are available at the Center between 7:30am and 9:00am Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
- Cash disbursements are processed via a computerized system and money is available only to those residents who are currently maintaining a balance in their Money on Books (MOB) account
- Residents are required to maintain a minimum balance in their MOB
- MOB Statements are available Saturdays only by written request
- Money must be picked up and signed for in person. No other person is authorized to pick up a resident’s money without special circumstances and resident’s consent
- Additional money may be requested through a separate form. Financially responsible party will be contacted by the counselor or finance department for approval
- Sober Living by the Sea charges a small fee for the management of these funds call 866.323.5609 for more information
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- Each resident is given a bicycle (beach cruiser style) to use for transportation
- Please bring a bicycle helmet
- The resident is responsible for the bicycle and must lock up the bike when not in use (lock is provided)
- Replacement cost ($190) of stolen bike is charged to the resident’s MOB account
- All repairs, replacement parts, and additional accessories are charged to the resident’s MOB account
- Bikes are not allowed in the houses
- Resident must bring their bike to the weekly bike inspection
- Residents are required to follow all Newport Beach traffic laws
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Pack enough for two (2) weeks. Bring both indoor and outdoor clothing appropriate to the season. Keep in mind the Newport Beach has a year round Mediterranean climate with average temperatures between 65-75°. Temperatures can dip lower at night and higher during the summer.
- Medical and Rx Insurance Cards
- Bicycle Helmet
- All personal hygiene articles including bath soap, deodorant, shampoo, razors, toothpaste, toothbrush, and tampons
- Blow dryer/curling iron
- Casual clothes
- Walking shoes/tennis shoes
- Socks (several pairs)
- Sweats
- Jacket, sweatshirt or heavy sweater
- Bathrobe, slippers and pajamas
- iPOD with earphones
- Gym clothes and bag (shorts, t-shirt, shoes, etc.)
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- Any medications not pre-approved or without prescriptions
- Over the counter medications
- Alcohol based mouthwash, hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohols or any items that contain alcohol
- A car
- Scissors (of any type), mace, pepper spray, knives
- Portable Stereo
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- Curfew is 10:00pm Sunday-Thursday and 11:00pm Friday and Saturday
- All residents are required to observe the curfew rules
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What is a Daily Schedule Deviation?
- A deviation from the daily schedule can be requested when the resident has been at our facility for at least 30 days
- A deviation can be requested for a resident:
- to attend an alternate recovery meeting
- to meet with his/her sponsor
- to have lunch or dinner with a family member
- A resident may have two (2) deviations per week
- A deviation request must be turned in 24 hours (1 day) in advance to Jeff H (Community Director).
- The deviation must be approved by the Community Director, Case Manager and Executive Director. If approved, the deviation request will be returned to the resident
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- Residents will dress appropriately, and will be monitored by the staff
- The following is the Dress Code for the Center:
- No undershirts (for men or women)
- No low-rise pants or short skirts
- No sleepwear
- No provocative clothing
- Billed hats must be on straight (bill facing front)
- No bare feet
- Men must be shaven daily
- Headphone use is prohibited at the Center
- No facial piercings are permitted
- No new tattoos, body piercing, or other forms of drastic change are permitted. This includes extreme hairstyles and color
- All piercings must be removed for first ninety days
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- When residents arrived they are assigned to live in the intake house
- While residing in the intake house, all food is purchased and supplied for the residents
- Menus are designed for the intake residents and are varied, healthy, imaginative, and easy to prepare. These meals fulfill the various dietary requirements of our residents
- When and if the resident is moved from the intake house to another house they are given a weekly food allowance of $75.00
- This allowance is provided in the form of a food card valid only at the local Albertsons Market
- The food card cannot be used for tobacco or alcoholic products
- The food card allowance serves to teach important life skills of responsibility, budgeting, and meal planning
- Residents are encouraged to plan, prepare, and enjoy meals with their housemates
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How does the Gym Membership work?
- All residents are required to participate in some form of physical activity to enhance their recovery
- Residents are encouraged to join 24 Hour Fitness; however, this is optional
- 24 Hour Fitness membership fee is $100 for three months, minimum, non-refundable
- The membership fee is charged to the resident’s MOB
- If the resident is already a 24 Hour Fitness member from another city or state, then their membership card will be welcomed at the Newport Beach club location. Resident should remember to carry their membership card
- Gym time is scheduled four times per week
- Residents are transported to the 24 Hour Fitness facility
- Residents are required to bring their own work-out towel to the gym
- Residents are not allowed to go shopping during time allotted for the gym
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What is provided in each house?
- Each house has a House Parent
- Each resident is assigned to a house and may share a bedroom with another resident
- The average bedroom size is 10ft x12ft; the resident must confine their personal belongings to ½ of the bedroom and closet
- Each resident is provided the following house ware items:
- Bed Linens
- Bath Towels
- Comforter
- Pillow
- Laundry basket
- Hangers
- Alarm clock
- If a resident is moved from one house to another they will take their linen items with them
- Each house kitchen is outfitted with needed appliances, dishware, and cooking utensils.
- Each house is equipped with a television, which is allowed only in the living room.
- Residents are only allowed to watch TV between the hours of 5:00PM – 11:00 PM, with the following exceptions: after the 9:30AM meeting on Saturday and Beach meeting on Sunday
- TVs are not to be used for gaming
- Residents are required to use headphones when using their personal stereo/iPOD so as to not disturb their roommate(s) or neighbors
- Residents are responsible for assisting in keeping the house’s common areas and their own room clean. Each resident is assigned daily chores
- Beds must be made first thing in the morning
- No smoking is allowed inside the houses, no cigarette butts on the property
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What are the Insurance Claim Procedures?
- We do not accept insurance as payment
- We will courtesy bill your insurance company for you
- Coverage is dependent on your individual or group policy
- Residents should bring their insurance identification card (or a legible copy of the front and back) with them
- A copy of the resident’s insurance card will be faxed to the local pharmacy to facilitate the filling of approved prescriptions and processing insurance payment for approved prescriptions
- We will call the insurance carrier to verify benefits and any pre-certification requirements
- We will send a bill to the insurance carrier after the resident has completed 30 days of treatment and every month thereafter as needed
- If the insurance carrier forwards payment to and payable to us, then the payment will be applied to the resident’s MOB, for disbursement after ten (10) business days
- The responsible party should advise us if any insurance payment funds should remain on the resident’s MOB beyond ten (10) business days
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How to send Mail and Packages?
- Residents may receive mail any time after arrival
- All packages are inspected for alcohol, products containing alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, drug paraphernalia, and pornographic material
- The following address can be used for residents:
Resident’s name
SLBTS
2811 Villa Way
Newport Beach , CA 92663
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What is Money on the Books (MOB)?
- Resident’s account for personal expenses that are not included in fee structure
- Due to delayed billing from some vendors, a cash out refund is delayed 30-45 days
- Each resident has a MOB account and the following are examples of items charged to the resident’s account:
- Weekly spending money
- Special counseling/medical checks
- Extra curricular activities
- Drug and alcohol screening after Pass
- Medication
- Gym (monthly, three month minimum)
- Cigarettes (Sunrise Recovery Ranch only)
- Phone cards
- Detoxification fee
- Shopping
- Lost bike
- Bike lock
- Bike Parts (tires/lights/basket/bell)
- Haircuts
- Bike repairs
- Personal Services (nail, hair, other)
- Lab charges
- Movies/Theater
- Property Damage
- Sober Living by the Sea charges a small fee for the management of these funds call 866.323.5609 for more information
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- See weekly spending allowance
- If a resident receives a write up during the week, then they will be restricted from requesting and receiving their next personal spending allowance disbursement
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- If the resident is arriving by plane, please make sure to check with the airline(s) for weight restrictions
- Baggage handling by the resident or staff member will less likely cause injury if each suitcase’s weight does not exceed 35-40 lbs.
- Remember to put identification tags on each piece of luggage
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- A pass to leave the community can be requested when the resident has been at our facility for at least 30 days
- A pass can be granted every other weekend
- A pass request must be turned in 48 hours (2 days) in advance to Jeff H (Community Director)
- The pass request must indicate who the resident will be staying with (relationship), that the environment is clean and sober, the date and time leaving, the date and time returning, and a telephone contact number.
- The pass must be approved by the Community Director, the Case Manager, and the Executive Director.
- All passes end Sunday 4:00PM
- The resident must call John D. when returning from a pass (they can call the Center 800-647-0042 to be connected)
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What are the phone call (for house land lines) guidelines?
- New residents have house phone (land line) restriction for the first week
- Out of respect for other residents, phone calls should be limited to ten minutes
- Long distance phone cards can be purchased and charged to the resident’s MOB account
- Residents may take a phone message for another resident, but should not give out any information about other residents
- Phone hours are 6:00AM – 11:00PM
- All houses have an answering machine, so family members can leave a message
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- Residents are allowed to go shopping for personal items, above and beyond their weekly spending allowance
- Resident’s shopping trips must be approved by the case manager and the responsible party
- MOB funds must be available for these shopping trips
- Resident must complete a separate Money Request which is signed by the Case Manager after being approved by the responsible party
- Shopping trips are only on Saturdays
- Resident is accompanied by a staff person, who will be in charge of the approved funds
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- If the resident is not feeling well, they must call in to the Center immediately
- The resident will be picked up to see the nurse
- If medically necessary, the resident will be instructed to stay home in bed all day, without TV privileges
- If necessary an appointment with the doctor will be made by the nurse
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- Each resident, after arrival in individual assessment, attends an orientation meeting
- The resident is given a copy of Sober Living by the Sea’s Living in Recovery Standards of Conduct to review and sign, indicating their understanding of the living guidelines
- Violation of these standards will result in write-ups
- Multiple write-ups in one week’s time will result in a meeting between the staff and resident’s case manager to decide final consequences.
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What types of therapies are used in drug rehab?
Depending upon the nature and severity of an individual’s addiction, therapies completed during drug rehab may include counseling, psychotherapy, group therapy, 12-step support groups and family therapy.
Some drug rehab programs use expressive arts therapies such as music therapy and art therapy, while others employ more traditional therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Will I have to take medications during rehab?
The use of medications during rehab depends upon two factors: the needs of the client (you) and the philosophy of the program. Some programs use no medications whatsoever; others provide medically assisted detox services (as quitting some drugs “cold turkey” isn’t only difficult, but dangerous); while still others others provide medications to support long-term sobriety (such as methadone maintenance programs for recovering heroin addicts).
Because addiction recovery often involves the treatment of co-occurring disorders such as depression or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, certain medications may be prescribed to treat these conditions during rehab.
However, you will never be forced to take any medications that you do not want to take. When you enter rehab, you do not give up your rights as a person or a patient – in fact, one of the primary objectives of effective rehab programs is to allow you to take greater (and more positive) control over your life.
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How long does treatment last?
Drug rehab treatment can vary from a few days to many months. Research shows that the longer a person remains in treatment, the greater the likelihood that long-term sobriety will result. As with most aspects of treatment (such as therapy types and program structures), determining ideal length of stay involves an analysis of a number of personal factors.
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How much does treatment cost?
Drug rehab treatment is a highly personal experience, and the costs associated with this process may vary considerably depending upon a number of issues, such as location, type of care (i.e. residential, outpatient, or partial hospitalization), specific nature of problem being treated, length of stay, presence of co-occurring disorders and whether rehab is conducted at a public treatment facility or private program.
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Will my family be involved in my treatment?
Family involvement is an integral component of an effective drug treatment program. In many cases, the difference between long-term sobriety and relapse is the ability of a recovering individual’s loved ones to offer the necessary support (and to make the necessary changes) to promote healthy living. Though every recovery experience is unique and personal, most effective treatment programs will encourage strong family involvement in the recovery and aftercare process.
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What is a typical day in treatment like?
Every program operates according to its own rules, policies and procedures, so a specific “day in the life of a treatment client” will vary from program to program. However, in general, most effective treatment programs offer highly structured schedules that combine individual and group therapies, addiction education, relapse prevention training, recreational activities, meals and time for personal reflection.
Some programs take clients into the community for recreational activities or to attend off-campus support groups, while others prefer clients to remain at the facility at all times. In most cases, clients start by following a more highly structured schedule (which allows them to focus entirely on their initial recovery). As they progress through the program, they have more freedom and more options – a development that slowly prepares them for productive return to their homes, communities and places of business.
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Does entering rehab mean I have to join AA or complete a 12-Step program?
Many drug and alcohol treatment programs incorporate the 12-Step principles into their recovery plans, while others do not. Some programs require participants to participate in Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous programs, some give clients the option to participate or not, and some don’t have any AA/NA association.
As with every aspect of treatment, the important thing is finding a program that is ideally suited to you. The 12 Steps have helped tens of thousands of men and women achieve and maintain long-term sobriety – but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect for everyone. Talk to an advisor, educate yourself about your options, then find the program that’s right for you.
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I've already tried rehab, and now I’m using again. Doesn't that mean that this process just doesn't work for me?
Not by a long shot. If anything, previous rehab experiences may mean that you’re closer to your goal of achieving and maintaining long-term recovery. Some people respond well to their initial treatment, while for others a more cumulative process is necessary. You have the benefit of knowing what did and did not work for you in your previous rehab experiences – now it’s just a matter of taking those lessons and applying them to your current situation in order to find the program that is best designed to meet your unique needs.
