Drug and Alcohol Testing Must be Therapeutic

At Sober Living By the Sea alcohol and drug testing is an important part of what keeps our community healthy, clean,  sober, and safe. Sober Living by the Sea is one of the oldest extended care treatment facilities on the West Coast.

In Newport Beach, there is a thriving community made up of people in recovery.  There are also distractions to recovery - like bars and restaurants and vacationers who visit here to let off steam. Our treatment center has been in operation since 1986 and many of the clients that have come to us over the years fell in love with Newport and decided to stay and live here.

We have different phases of freedom to help our clients integrate back into society. Usually after the primary care period ends (1-3 months of highly structured treatment) clients come here for extended care during which they will earn the freedom of riding their beach cruiser around to get to meetings, the beach, shopping,  coffee, the movies, and the gym.

Testing During Treatment

The alcohol and drug testing process is handled in a nonchalant manner but it is very thorough and frequent. Our facility spends thousands of dollars on testing each month. Some of the substances that are screened during out test include:

• alcohol
• opiate
• cocaine test
• amphetamine
  
• benzodiazepene
• suboxone
• barbiturates
  
• spice
  

The testing has become somewhat of an art form. We never want a client to feel as if they are being harassed or picked on or not trusted. Good communication skills before a test and supportive communication after a test  set the tone for regular testing during the 3 to 6 months of treatment.

Once a client has begun passing drug test after drug test becomes a very important part of the reconstruction of their self esteem and confidence about themselves. This strengthens their recovery.

Rhythm, tempo, timing as well as setting a tone of sensitive communication are part of the magic that often takes place at Sober Living by the Sea.

 - Kelly K.