With rates of addiction continuing to climb in San Jose and throughout the United States, the need for addiction treatment programs and sober living environments is growing. This has led to more addiction treatment facilities and sober living homes opening their doors in residential areas which has spurred growing discussion and debate from neighborhood residents. Because these facilities typically have a larger number of occupants which generate more traffic, deliveries and visitors, city officials are having to address the interest of residents who want to sustain the residential quality of their neighborhoods while also balancing the rights of those obtaining addiction treatment and support from these facilities.
San Jose Lobbying For Greater Control Over Sober Living
San Jose is one city that is lobbying to obtain greater control over where these addiction treatment centers and homes can be placed. The city is joining a group of others that is also currently lobbying to gain greater control over where these facilities can be located.
Concerns Of Local Residents
The high-priced, beach city of Malibu was one of the first communities to ask California Governor Jerry Brown and state legislators for more control on the location of sober living homes and recovery centers, according to SanJoseInside.com. In Malibu, there are several dozen facilities within a population of approximately only 12,000 people. This high concentration has raised the eyebrows of many residents. With the median home price well over $1 million, there is also growing concern that these facilities could bring down the value of real estate. In San Jose, the concentration of sober living homes and recovery centers is not as high, but residents who live near them often worry about overcrowding and the potential of crime. Currently, state-licensed facilities need only a 300-foot buffer to meet legal guidelines. The 300-foot buffer doesn’t apply at all to privately run sober living homes. Under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Act which was established in 1977, people with disabilities have the right to live in the “least restrictive environment.” This means that those with disabilities, including addicts, can live in residential communities and not just in institutions. Some communities have tried to fight back with lawsuits. In 2008, a federal judge dismissed a $250 million lawsuit by a Newport Beach citizen’s group that claimed that sober living facilities were causing noise, traffic, and second-hand smoke. City officials and state legislators will most likely continue to struggle with this issue as more of these facilities are placed in residential communities like San Jose. There is an obvious need to balance the rights of residents with the rights patients.
The Benefits Of Sober Living Homes
For recovering addicts and alcoholics, there are substantial benefits to transitioning to a sober living environment. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends living in a sober home for at least 90 days, although residents are typically invited to stay as long as needed. In this semi-structured environment, residents can avoid the negative influences and triggers of the outside world while beginning their transition back into daily life at a pace that is comfortable. Residents are often encouraged to attend 12-step meetings as part of their care, and positive social relationships are encouraged to help build a support system that can be relied upon in recovery. Studies have shown that sober living programs can improve an individual’s chance of avoiding relapse and staying sober. In a study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, residents in sober living homes had significantly higher rates of abstinence than those who were not in this type of care.
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