Sober Techniques

ABOUT SOBER TECHNIQUES

Offering “the most holistic, comprehensive, personalized, and effective addiction treatment possible,” Sober Techniques is based in San Clemente, Calif. and provides a full continuum of care for adults struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.

Treatment spans detoxification, residential care, intensive outpatient programming (IOP), and standard outpatient programming (OP). Within the state, Sober Techniques is among 15 percent of residential, non-hospital facilities in California that offer detox services and among 33.6 percent that provide long-term (30+ days) of care. It's also among 39.4 percent of California facilities with an IOP.

TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT

At Sober Techniques, the process starts with an assessment for clinicians to determine the appropriate level of care and plan a personalized treatment plan for each client. Some begin with clinically managed detox, where they are supervised closely by professionals until they can progress to residential care.

Residential treatment is offered in 30-, 60-, and 90-day increments and, as needed, for up to six months. During this traditional 12-step recovery program, clients participate in one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and classes. Clients learn about chemical dependency, receive tools to assist in recovery, and support each other. Treatment incorporates holistic therapies such as yoga, mindfulness training, meditation, and art therapy.

The IOP is offered for 45, 60, and 90 days, as well as for up to six months. During treatment, clients attend 15 hours of group therapy per week as well as weekly one-on-one sessions with a case manager. The OP includes six hours of group therapy and two hours of individual therapy per week; clients also may receive assistance in applying to college, budgeting, and job hunting, which 46 percent of treatment facilities in California provide. If needed, the facility can stay connected with legal agencies on the client’s behalf. Aftercare services and relapse prevention training also are available.

STAFF CREDENTIALS

Sober Techniques boasts a low staff to client ratio. The professional staff includes licensed clinicians and professionals, such as therapists and case managers.

ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES

In its own words, “Sober Techniques offers upscale amenities to ensure that all of our clients can recover in comfort.” The organization operates three “luxurious housing facilities“ with 24/7 supervision and meals prepared by a chef. Photos on the website show tastefully decorated shared bedrooms with twin beds, swimming pools, fully equipped kitchens, dining areas, well-appointed common inside areas, a pool table, patios, and a plethora of outdoor seating. Clients go on outings to the beach, trampoline parks, and the movies.

Sober Techniques provides sheets and towels and storage areas. Clients should bring 10 outfits as well as outerwear, bathing suits, exercise clothing, shoes, a backpack, pajamas, and personal toiletries.

WHAT ALUMNI SAY

At the time of this writing, eight former clients who submitted reviews of Sober Techniques to Rehabs.com expressed mostly favorable feedback: six highly positive and two negative reviews. Positive reviewers praised the staff, referring to them in superlatives such as “very good,” “very knowledgeable,” and “amazing.”

They also raved about the campus and the food, referring to the surroundings as “beautiful,” “really nice,” and “awesome” and indicating that a private chef prepared all meals. In a representative review, one alumn wrote: “Great place to come to and recover. It was scary at first because I was leaving my family behind but the staff here were right when they said me getting sober was to better my family in the long run.”

However, two reviewers thought differently though, both citing financial and documentation issues, which resulted in the case of one being denied treatment.

On secondary site Google, Sober Techniques received positive coverage to date: 3.8 out of five stars based on 13 reviews. ^[1] Similar to alumni comments to Rehabs.com, reviewers here appreciated the program and the staff that helped them life-changing results, several achieving this outcome after attempts elsewhere. Five-star reviewer Clinton posted: “Amazing recovery experience. I've been to several different programs and centers before I came and they never worked for me cause I would end up relapsing. The staff here truly got through to me and I've been clean for for about a year now.”

WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY

To date, the one loved one submitted a scathing review of Sober Techniques, based on their daughter’s experience. The reviewer noted that the client participated in the program for two months, during which she did not contact the family. On returning home, the client relapsed the first night and, in the months that followed, endangered not only her own life, but also those of her young children. In all, the parent wrote: “You did nothing to help her that I saw.”

FINANCING

At the time of this writing, Sober Techniques indicates that it accepts most insurance plans, which places it among 53.4 percent of substance abuse treatment facilities in California that accept private health insurance.

^[1] GoogleReviews