Sober Living for Veterans and Active-Duty Military In California
Our veteran-owned and operated sober living homes provide transitional housing and a supportive community to veterans and active-duty military personnel as they rebuild their lives on the path to recovery from substance abuse and mental health disorders.
Veteran and Active-Duty Military Sober Living Program
Service to our country is a sacrifice that often comes at a high personal cost. It’s not uncommon for those who have served in the military to return home with substance abuse or mental health challenges.
Our sober living home and extended care program help clients maintain their efforts toward recovery while living in a safe and structured environment, designed with the comforts of home. Sober living allows clients to regain their independence as they transition back to their community and civilian life.
We believe veteran and military mental health care should be informed by military culture, which is why many of our team members are veterans. Our clinical team uses a multidisciplinary approach to provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based, and effective treatment.
What Is A Sober Living Program?
Sober living homes are places where clients in recovery can find independence while obtaining community resources necessary for long-term recovery. They are designed to help veterans and active military members ease back into everyday life, returning to daily tasks and responsibilities.
These are less restrictive than typical inpatient treatment programs, but still have rules that residents are expected to follow such as participating in recovery programs and taking accountability.
Clients will connect with other veterans or active military to foster a community of support and mutual understanding. Sober living focuses on teaching clients to take accountability, increase essential life skills, and the power of peer support.
Who Can Benefit from A Sober Living Program?
We understand that no recovery journey is the same and strive to provide each client with a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment to heal. Sober living can be beneficial for veterans and active military personnel who:
- Struggle with a substance abuse disorder (SUD)
- Experiencing challenges transitioning from military to civilian life
- Have exited a residential treatment program and are looking for a safe and structured living environment to rebuild their lives
Supporting Veterans and Active-Duty Military in Long-Term Recovery
Substance Abuse Disorders
- Alcohol
- Stimulants
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Opioids
- Marijuana
- Fentanyl
- Prescription Drugs
- Methamphetamines
Mental Health Challenges
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Acute Stress Disorder
- Combat and Operational Stress
- Depression and Anxiety
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Personality Disorders
Sober Living for Veterans: What to Expect
Structured Independent Living
Sober living offers a balance to clients in recovery between transitioning back to full independence and still having structure. We help veterans get back on their feet by connecting them to case management services, outpatient treatment and positive social supports.
Trauma-Informed
Access to Therapy
Life Skill Training
Sober living focuses on helping clients in recovery build the necessary skills to return to independence, such as updating their resumes, repairing relationships, and sharing household chores. Through guided workshops, mentorship programs, and skills training—we make it easier for veterans to transition back to civilian life.
Positive Social Supports
Key aspects of sober living are group therapy and developing a peer support network. Current and former members of the military can find comfort and community with others in a sober living home through sharing and hearing stories of similar experiences. This gives them common ground and can be a powerful method to facilitate healing.
Take The First Step
Access to Recovery Tools and Resources
Miramar Health Sober Living Homes provides access to comprehensive therapies, support services, and structured activities designed for healing.
Therapies and programs that residents in our sober living homes have access to include:
- Trauma-Focused Psychotherapies
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Group Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Medication Management
- Life Skills Workshops
- Case Management
- Mindfulness-Based Activities and Meditation
- Relapse Prevention
The Benefits of Specialized Treatment for Veterans
Veteran treatment centers offer a tailored approach that understands the unique challenges of those with military experience. This focused care benefits veterans in several ways:
Military Trauma-Informed
Our team of therapists and staff understand the specific kind of trauma and stress that veterans often struggle with, and many members of our team have served in the military themselves.
Holistic Approach
We approach addiction with the understanding that it is often influenced by underlying mental health problems. Our specialized programs include a blend of holistic treatments that focus on physical, mental, and spiritual healing to treat both substance abuse and mental health challenges.
Reducing Stigma
Clients with military backgrounds are often hesitant to reach out for help or speak with loved ones about their struggles with addiction or mental health stigma. Veteran-specific therapies create a safe space to share experiences, develop positive coping skills, and connect with others who understand the unique challenges of recovery.
Peer Support
Insurance Coverage Options for Veterans and Active-Duty Military
At Miramar Health, we believe financial concerns should not be a barrier to recovery. We’re committed to making our comprehensive treatment services accessible to all active-duty personnel, veterans, and their spouses.
We accept the VA-eligible insurance plan, TriWest. Our dedicated admission specialists are here to assist you in understanding the details of your coverage and will help you navigate the complex process of insurance claims.
Sober Living FAQs
What is a sober living home?
Sober living homes are spaces where clients in recovery can live independently while still receiving therapeutic support and assistance. They are designed to help veterans and active military members struggling with substance abuse disorders ease back into everyday life, while they return to daily tasks and responsibilities.
How does sober living differ from residential treatment?
Unlike inpatient treatment, sober living focuses on supporting clients to regain their independence rather than providing daily treatment. Sober living homes often help clients receive peer support, education or employment opportunities, and stable housing.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. Miramar Health is a VHA “in-network” Community Care Network (CCN) Provider through TriWest Healthcare Alliance, and we are contracted by them to provide Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Treatment on behalf of every Veterans Affair Medical Center in CCN Regions 4 and 5. These regions include all US States in the Pacific Time Zone, Mountain Time Zone, Alaska, Hawaii, and the US Territories of Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Marianas Islands.
VA Providers looking to submit a consult/referral on behalf of a Veteran through their VAMC’s Community Care Department can do so using our primary National Provider Identifier (NPI) Number: 1225321185
What are your operating hours?
Does the sober living home allow cell phones?
Can you receive medication in Sober Living?
Clients who are prescribed medication by their medical doctor, psychiatrist, or substance abuse treatment team can continue taking medication as prescribed. Sober Living helps clients with transportation services to and from their medication appointments. Sober living homes do not tolerate illicit drug use or the consumption of alcohol.
Stories of Hope
Brian Johnson, USMC
So, I’ve been to Miramar twice now. Once for a weeklong detox, and a second time for detox and actual residential rehabilitation. Before coming to Miramar, I was at my lowest point when I came to my drinking career. What initially started out as only drinking on the weekends soon transitioned to drinking every day, before work, on my lunch breaks and as soon as I got home. The first time I came to the detox program, I only wanted to physically detox and when I refused to stay at the request of the staff, I went home and went right back to drinking. Over the next few months, I lost my job and everyone around me was starting to distance themselves. I knew I needed a change and because I knew Miramar existed, I went back. It was the best decision I could have ever made. I admitted I was powerless and followed the guidance of the program best I could. I first found out about the Miramar program from while in the ER at the West LA VA Hospital. I had uber’d to the hospital because I was depressed, heavily drinking, and desperate for help. The hospital offered to send me to this program where I was well taken care of, given all the food, medicine, and help I needed physically and emotionally. Like I said, the first time around I was impatient, overconfident, and thought I could get a handle on my drinking alone. When I finally committed to sobriety, that’s when things inside me and around me started to change for the better. Being the person I am, the structure of the program really helped me focus and take each day as it came in increments. In each class, I learned not only about alcoholism and addiction, but also looking back at my life, all the things that led me to this moment in time. The therapy I received at Miramar also helped me make emotional breakthroughs that I never even knew I was capable of. The staff from top to bottoms focus is veterans’ health, happiness, safety, and recovery through and through. I don’t plan on coming back, but if I ever need help again, I know I have a safe place to call my second home. Shout out to each and every staff member for their selflessness, and continued desire to see us all succeed in life. As veterans, a lot of us struggle with healthcare and disability issues. Miramar made it a top priority to help coordinate and manage my medications, doctors’ appointments, disability ratings, and extended care after leaving. Trust the program, help uplift your fellow veterans and keep fighting the good fight!
Fady F
My life before connecting with Miramar Health could only be described as chaotic. I was like a roaring tornado, destroying everyone’s lives if they ever got close enough to mine. I only cared about using drugs — whichever came my way — and I didn’t care who I had to screw over or manipulate to get my fix. Everything else in life, including my sister and my parents, came second to drugs. I was homeless, broke, selfish, self-centered — a manipulator, a liar, a cheat, and a thief. I couldn’t — or wouldn’t — do anything without first making sure I had enough drugs to complete the task. I was completely dependent on drugs, shackled by the handcuffs of addiction.
My emotional bottom came crashing down when my parents — the very people who had loved and supported me through everything — finally told me I was dead to them. Those words hit harder than any withdrawal, any cold night on the streets, or any betrayal I had ever faced. It was as if the last thread tethering me to the world had been violently cut. I had become a ghost — invisible, unwanted, and utterly alone. The loneliness was suffocating, a dark, endless pit that swallowed me whole.
For the first time, I realized that if I didn’t change, there wouldn’t be anything left of me to save. A part of me — the part that still remembered what love felt like, what family meant — whispered that a different life was possible. That whisper was enough. In that emptiness, in that unbearable silence, the seed of change was planted. I knew something had to give — and this time, it had to be me.
I called the VA, desperate for help. With the support of my social worker, Nathalie, and by constantly advocating for myself, I was able to secure a referral to Miramar Health in just one week — something that normally would have been almost impossible. It was the first real step toward saving my life.
At Miramar Health, I finally felt supported — truly seen for who I was, not just my mistakes. The groups gave me the strength to open up and the courage to start healing. Individual therapy helped me face the wreckage I had caused and begin rebuilding from the inside out.
I’ll always be grateful to the staff who never gave up on me. Special thanks to Emily, Jeff, Christina, Cindy, George, Annalisa, and Gianna — you helped me find hope when I thought there was none left.
Miramar Health helped me stay connected to the VA by making sure I had a plan for after treatment. They worked closely with me to arrange my transition into the VA CORE Program, ensuring I had stable housing and support — so I wouldn’t end up back on the streets. They didn’t just help me get clean; they helped me build a real future.
To any veterans out there who feel lost: There is hope, and there is help. You have fought for your country, now it’s time for you to fight for yourself. It’s never too late to change your story and take your life back — one step at a time.
Johnny Trammell
I should’ve been dead by now… Hold on, I should go back to my life before Miramar. My name is Johnny Trammell, and I was a homeless junkie for many years. Every aspect of my life revolved around using drugs, and individuals to get those drugs. It started with doctor prescribed Vicodin which led to shooting up meth and fentanyl in the same needle. As far as my mental health went, I used drugs to mask all the trauma I went through as a kid and while in combat. Of course, I see now all that the drugs did was deteriorate my mental and physical health.
When I was ready to get clean, I told my family members along with the homeless liaison from my hometown. It took a village all together and by the grace of God, Jen Loa the liaison and her work partner, drove about 10 hours to get me to Miramar Health. Miramar Health has now helped me transfer from Fresno VA to Loma Linda VA.
From the very first day staff didn’t just tell me I had support here but showed me by their actions every day that I had the full support system for someone with such a troubled past would need to be able to get and stay sober. Both individual and group sessions were crucial components in my treatment plan. One-on-one with my therapist was beneficial in learning how to plan out my next steps; while groups were good for me to learn to open up and not be ashamed of my past decisions or myself. Meeting with Dr. Desanto helped me realize I do not have to be on medications for the rest of my life to stay sober or to stop the cravings or the hold opioids had on me and my mind. I can honestly say each and every staff member deserved credit for helping me with my recovery. Due to limitations from the length of my legacy letter, I can’t shout out everyone but a special thanks to the following: Bobby for always driving us around without complaining. Doug for cleaning up my “special mess.” Lisa, for cooking breakfast for me on so many occasions. Chad for always being chill. Felipe for being a fellow devil dog. The twins Anna and Gianna, Anna for baking the best cookies, Gianna for introducing me to the funniest things on tv, and together for all the laughs we shared. Jorge, for getting me back into working out again and trusting me enough to sponsor his brother“ whenever he’s ready. Will, for laughing at all my jokes. Linda, for being the only one who could crack jokes on my level and the only one who could get on my level in basketball “NOICE!” Jeff, for teaching me patience, tolerance, and obedience. Emily, for cracking the whip and helping me gain more tools and insight than I knew existed to help me in all aspects of staying sober. My case manager Cindy, who put up with my laundry list of to do’s and taught me to be a grown man again like a true mom would, which is why I call her mom now. Christina, who since day one, has seen to it that I have not only a goal but also a plan for my future as well as giving me the idea of writing a book one day. To everyone I did not get to, thank you all for being a steppingstone towards a better future in my sobriety. I love you all and will never forget what you’ve done for me here at Miramar.
To all my fellow vets here, remember the determination and strength you used to serve this country. Put that towards your sobriety. If you put ONLY half that energy into your sobriety then you are the only one who could make yourself fail. Give it everything you got, you all got this!
Michael H
Before getting connected with Miramar I was in total darkness and ignorance. I thought I knew about life! I discovered I knew nothing at all. I got in touch with the Loma Linda VA representative, a retired admiral who treated me like a son and helped me get into treatment. I felt supported at Miramar and my counselor saved my life!!! Miramar has helped me by writing letters and taking me to my appointments. Thank God for the VA! I would recommend Miramar to anyone struggling, they saved my life!! God bless Miramar Recovery!
Scott Wolfe
Before I got connected with Miramar Health, my life was stressful. Every minute of every day revolved around getting money by whatever means to get drugs and gamble at the casinos. I had zero hope and was literally killing myself. I developed an unbelievably bad case of Pneumonia and was on a ventilator for 3 weeks. I had a 30% chance of survival. That means that I had a 70% chance of dying at the age of thirty-seven from Pneumonia caused by my drug use. Not a great legacy story. I got in touch with Loma Linda VA and this is my second time at Miramar Health. The time I was here in 2022, I left having reservations to smoke weed and drink wine with my family and friends. That was a bad thing. This led to a relapse shortly after completing my 90 days. Those reservations have left me, and it gives me hope. I am working with a sponsor who is a fellow Vet and Meth/Heroin user in recovery. He resides in San Diego and that is where I will be living after discharging from Miramar. Being able to be a part of my son’s life now is a dream come true. Being grateful and content is my current state. Thank you to Shireen, Kristal, and Kianah. Kianah helped me stay happy and positive while being here at the center. Shireen is by far the easiest therapist to talk with and helped me so much. Kristal helped me with getting important things done and I am moving on feeling complete. Thank you to Annalissa and Giannah for helping me feel like it is OK to be here again, and to not be embarrassed about my relapse. My future will be beyond great. Thank you, Miramar.
Trent M
My drinking career started around the time I was 20 years old. Although I was a heavy drinker, I never considered it a genuine problem. It wasn’t until I was discharged from the army in 2022 that my habitual drinking turned into physical dependency and blacked out isolated nights. The overwhelming transition back into civilian life was a problem and liquor was my solution. Soon, I was having to visit the ER frequently and my addiction became blatantly obvious to my girlfriend. A few months and a DUI later, I decided to give treatment a try. I figured a break from liquor and a reality check might do me some good. On my last hospital visit, a social worker approached my hospital bed and asked if I was willing to go to treatment. I had given the STAR program a brief attempt a few weeks earlier but came to the quick realization that video conference calls with someone who had no “real” experience with alcohol wasn’t going to resonate with me. The social worker told me about a residential treatment program in Laguna Hills called Miramar Health. Fearful of my bad health and quick to prove myself to my family and girlfriend, I accepted the offer.
