For over 40 years we’ve been helping people find the road to RECOVERY.

Addiction

People who come to us seeking our services have been broken by addiction. They may be using drugs or alcohol to mask deep shame, feelings of inadequacy or pain. They may have lost friends, family, jobs, and above all–their dignity and self-esteem. They may also feel shamed and wracked with guilt for what they have put loves ones through. And, shame fuels addiction. Guilt, embarrassment, hopelessness, and depression are all part of this toxic cycle. People in the grip of addiction will do things that add to feelings of shame like hiding their substance misuse, lying, isolating, and maybe even stealing from loved ones. And the cycle continues.

“I was abused as a child…Things happen to you when you’re young that are not right. And, when you’re 13 or 14, you realize what happened when you were 7 or 8 was wrong…you feel ashamed, but you didn’t understand that when you were younger because it was an adult who did it to you. And then you carry the shame. It goes everywhere with you until you find a way to escape from it. I was a freshman in high school the first time I drank. It was a beer and I didn’t like it. I didn’t like anything about the taste of alcohol. The next time I drank I was a sophomore. I blacked out. When I hit 20, 21, I was drinking every day. I was a 21-year alcoholic…I had this hole inside me and that’s how I chose to fill it.

I was successful. And then I lost everything. I hit rock bottom. I was devastated…my friends and family didn’t want to have anything to do with me. I ended up homeless…I would sleep under lifeguard stands, shower in public bathrooms, take cushions from the patio furniture of restaurants and find a secluded place to sleep in carports. I was devastated…I had nothing left. I came to Phoenix House…” – Paul A.

At Phoenix House California, we celebrate the bravery it takes to acknowledge you need help. It takes a special kind of fearlessness to really look at yourself and make the changes to have the life you’ve always dreamed of. We will be with you every step of the way.

“…and this place changed my life. I had no idea there were programs like this. I cried for the first time about what happened to me as a kid. I didn’t want to be here, but I told myself to shut up and trust…there were smarter people here than me. And so, I did and every day I stayed sober, I got more clarity. – Paul A.

Treatment

People suffering from substance use disorders deserve and need treatment that is backed by scientific evidence in an environment that offers privacy and dignity. Our team of experts address underlying causes of substance abuse and behavioral patterns to give patients the best chance for long term recovery. Our treatment approaches are time-tested and have consistently proven successful in the most difficult substance abuse cases.

We provide a full range of programs and services, from assessment to treatment planning, to recovery support. Patients may progress from medical detoxification and stabilization, to residential treatment, to outpatient care, to sober living housing—or they may enter treatment at any point along our continuum of care. We assess your individual needs and formulate a plan based on who you are, where you are in your recovery journey, and what we believe will work for you here and now.

Our goal is to do whatever it takes to give you or your loved one the best chance for lasting recovery.

Recovery

“Physical activity is a big part of my recovery and it gives me back my self-esteem. I live a healthy life now…I live a very positive life and I feel blessed that people trust me, and they come to me. …Now, I have my own place and I started my own business. I come back and I bring the guys [in treatment] clothing. I want to give back. I go out and feed the homeless on skid row. I want to help kids and I want them to be aware that if something bad happens to them when they’re little, I want them to know it’s not their fault. You have to deal with things when you’re young and not be embarrassed or ashamed because if you are, you’ll carry that around with you and you’ll try and cover the shame and become an addict.

I work on myself every day, mind, body, and spirit. It’s a journey. I’m not gonna lie, I still have work to do…” – Paul A.