For recovery to stick, it needs to be about more than just sobriety.

At The Grounds, we believe that there is more to recovery than abstaining from drugs and alcohol. Recovery is also a matter of recovering one’s sense of self. It’s about building confidence, capability, and autonomy. It’s about creating a life worth protecting. As Victor Frankl said in his seminal work, Man’s Search for Meaning, “those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’.” To recover fully, one must cultivate a life of meaning and purpose. This is accomplished through things like relationships, community, faith, work, hobbies, habits and routines, and short- and long-term goals.

San Diego – A Resource-Rich Environment Perfect for Finding Meaning and Purpose

We chose San Diego as the location of our transitional living homes because it is a resource-rich environment conducive to the development of meaning and purpose.

Purpose and Meaning Are a Vital Part of Recovery

The process of building a meaningful life involves confronting trauma and overcoming obstacles. Committing to this journey can help those in recovery better understand the nature of their addiction and can help develop the healthy coping mechanisms necessary to resist relapse. Meanwhile, investing in long-term goals can help those in recovery find the “why” they need to maintain their sobriety. Meaning and purpose are often developed around relationships with healthy people, and these relationships provide stability and support during challenging moments.

The Health Benefits of Pursuing Meaning and Purpose

Having meaning and purpose in life directly impacts well-being. In fact, studies suggest that living a purposeful life positively impacts sleep and eating habits, and even improves biological functioning, leading to lower levels of inflammation and lowered risk of chronic diseases including Alzheimer’s. Building meaning makes life worth living and sobriety worth protecting. Engaging in purposeful activities can help reduce stress, improve self-confidence, and contribute to a sense of deep fulfillment that provides strength during times of trouble and temptation.

The Grounds Provides Opportunity for Holistic Self-Improvement

At The Grounds, our mission is to provide our residents with the opportunities and experiences that can help them build meaning and purpose in their lives. From surf therapy, to culinary classes, to our partnership with Rock to Recovery, our program is dynamic, experiential and community-based.

Because we know that this type of skill-building takes time, our program is progressive and achievement-based. As our residents work on developing personal responsibility, self-confidence, emotional regulation, and, ideally, greater meaning and purpose, they are rewarded with more freedom and more opportunity, with the ultimate goal being full independence.