Admissions & Cost for Sober Living

No pressure, no runaround. Talk with our team about fit, pricing, availability, and the next right step toward structured sober living.

We Want to Speak With You Honestly Let Us Be Straight With You

What Move-In Really Is at By the Sea Recovery

This starts with a direct conversation with our team about what's really going on and what's going to help. By the Sea Recovery is Structured Sober Living for men who are ready to live in a substance-free home and follow the structure of the house. We are not a detox or treatment center, and we do not provide therapy, medical care, psychiatric care, or crisis services. If someone needs clinical care, it must be handled by an independent licensed provider. Routine, accountability, and stability grow through clear expectations , after treatment or when those things haven't been in place yet.

This Is For Men Who…

• Can safely live in a shared, substance-free home
• Are willing to participate in the home's expectations
• Need accountability, routine, and a real environment for change
• Are ready to discuss whether structured sober living fits

This Is Not For Someone Who…

• Needs detox, withdrawal management, or emergency care
• Needs clinical stabilization or another level of care
• Is completely unwilling to participate at any level

If that's the case, we'll tell you directly and help point you in the right direction.

How This Process Works

We keep this simple because you don't need another complicated system.

Step 01

We start with a conversation.

Call and tell us what’s going on. Mark will answer your questions about structure, cost, and availability, and talk through whether sober living may be an appropriate next step.

Step 02

You visit the house.

Meet Mark, see the rooms and shared spaces, and discuss recovery expectations. Families can visit, too. If a family member comes without the prospective resident, Mark will also need to meet and speak with him before making a decision.

Step 03

Mark decides whether the fit is right.

BTS is a shared home with clear expectations. Mark considers whether the prospective resident can participate safely and willingly in that environment.

Step 04

Mark offers a bed, when appropriate.

If the fit is right and a bed is available, he will review the room, pricing, and next steps with you. You do not have to decide during the tour.

Step 05

You accept and schedule move-in.

Once you accept the offer, we’ll set a date, review the agreements and payment details, and tell you what to bring. Your place in the house begins when the move-in process is completed.

Why This Step Is Where Things Either Work or Don't

Here's what I see all the time:

Someone completes treatment… goes back home… and within weeks or months, everything starts slipping.

It's not because treatment didn't help, it's because there's no structure afterward.

Or this:

Someone never fully launches. They stay in the same environment. Same patterns. Same lack of accountability.

Nothing changes because nothing around them changes.

"That's what structured sober living is designed to fix."

What Makes By the Sea Recovery Different

There are many sober living homes in San Diego. Very few operate with real structure. This is not a crash pad. This is not "come and go as you please."

What we actually provide:

• Clear structure and expectations
• Accountability that is enforced, not optional
• A peer environment that supports forward movement
• Owner-led, staff-supported accountability

Our leadership and staff stay involved. We know what is happening in the house, and that matters more than people realize.

Let's Talk About Cost Because It Matters

You've probably already spent a significant amount on treatment. And it's fair to ask: "Why pay for this too?"

Here's the reality: when there's no structure after treatment, people often repeat the cycle. That's where the real cost adds up, both financially and emotionally.

Structured sober living is a separate housing choice that can give a man time to practice routine, accountability, and responsibility after treatment or alongside outside support.

At By the Sea Recovery:

• Current monthly pricing is $1,350–$2,000, depending on the room arrangement and approved support
• Clear explanation of what is included, room options, and what approved supports may cost extra
• We review the full cost before move-in so residents and families know what to expect

Some residents may use optional medication storage and accountability support. Residents take their own medications as prescribed by their outside licensed provider. BTS does not prescribe, dispense, administer, or change medications. When this additional house support is provided, the fee is $300 per month.

How Move-In Works

A clear, step-by-step look at what happens from the first call to move-in day, so you know exactly what to expect. No confusion. No guesswork.

"When there is availability and the fit is right, move-in can often happen quickly. We'll walk you through timing during the call."

What to Bring to Sober Living

If you're getting ready to move in, here's exactly what to bring, what's already provided, and how to keep things simple.

Where This Fits in the Bigger Picture

Recovery isn't just one step. It's a sequence that has to be aligned.

Most breakdowns happen between treatment and real life. That's exactly where this fits.

If your loved one needs detox, stabilization, or treatment first, we'll say that clearly. If structured sober living is the right next step, we'll walk you through what that looks like.

Schedule a Tour

The best way to know if this is the right fit is to see it in person. Walk through the house, meet the team when available, and ask anything you want.

Tour timing depends on availability. Reach out and our team will talk through what is possible. Families, referral partners, and prospective residents are all welcome.

Common Questions About Admissions

Who is a good candidate for sober living?

By the Sea Recovery is Structured Sober Living for men who are ready to live in a substance-free home and follow the structure of the house. We are not a detox or treatment center, and we do not provide therapy, medical care, psychiatric care, or crisis services. If someone needs clinical care, it must be handled by an independent licensed provider.

Who may not be appropriate for sober living?

Sober living may not be appropriate for someone in active withdrawal, medically unstable, experiencing an acute psychiatric crisis, unwilling to remain substance-free, or unable to follow basic community expectations. Those situations may require detox, treatment, hospitalization, or another level of care. Clinical readiness should be discussed with the person's licensed providers.

How fast can someone move in?

We speak directly with each prospective resident to make sure the house is the right fit. Move-in timing depends on bed availability and completing the admission, paperwork, and payment steps. If outside clinical care is needed, it must be arranged separately with a licensed provider.

How long is the minimum commitment?

Residents commit to a minimum stay of 90 days. Most men stay about four months, giving them time to settle into the structure, build healthy routines, work, attend meetings, and practice daily recovery responsibilities.

Can families tour before move-in?

Yes, tours can be scheduled when appropriate and availability allows. Both in-person and virtual tours are available. Call 760-216-2077 to schedule. Schedule a tour

What if he doesn't really want to do this?

That's more common than you think. We look for willingness, not perfection, but there has to be some level of buy-in.

Can he work while living there?

Yes. Structure includes responsibility, work, routine, and accountability. See work expectations in detail

Does insurance cover sober living?

BTS is private-pay Structured Sober Living and does not bill insurance for the residence. Services provided by independent outside providers are separate and may have their own billing or insurance arrangements.

What does sober living cost at By the Sea Recovery?

Current monthly pricing is $1,350–$2,000, depending on the room arrangement and approved support. Some residents may use optional medication storage and accountability support. Residents take their own medications as prescribed by their outside licensed provider. BTS does not prescribe, dispense, administer, or change medications. When this additional house support is provided, the fee is $300 per month.

What should someone bring to sober living?

Required documents: government-issued photo ID, Social Security card or number, any prescription medications in original pharmacy bottles with your name on the label, and emergency contact information. Recommended items: comfortable casual clothing for 7–10 days, athletic wear, work-appropriate clothing if employed, toiletries, a journal, recovery literature (Big Book, etc.), and a small amount of cash for initial needs. A complete packing list is provided after move-in is confirmed. Call 760-216-2077 with any questions before move-in day.

Are private rooms available at By the Sea Recovery?

By the Sea Recovery is a structured sober living home for adult men in San Marcos, with both shared and private room options. Depending on current occupancy, room configuration, and resident preferences, we may offer up to three private rooms. Arrangements vary, so we’ll discuss current options with you and show you what’s available when you tour the home. Take a virtual tour

Can I take prescribed medications while living at By the Sea Recovery?

Some residents may use optional medication storage and accountability support. Residents take their own medications as prescribed by their outside licensed provider. BTS does not prescribe, dispense, administer, or change medications. When this additional house support is provided, the fee is $300 per month.

Can someone receiving medication through an outside prescriber or opioid-treatment program be admitted?

Some residents may use optional medication storage and accountability support. Residents take their own medications as prescribed by their outside licensed provider. BTS does not prescribe, dispense, administer, or change medications. When this additional house support is provided, the fee is $300 per month.

What if someone needs detox before they can move in?

If someone is in active withdrawal or medically unstable, sober living is not the right first step. The appropriate path is medical detox or stabilization before entering sober living. By the Sea Recovery does not provide detox services. Once stable and sober, call 760-216-2077 to discuss admission. Our Local Recovery Directory has detox resources near San Diego if you need help finding the right next step.

How can families support a loved one who is entering sober living?

The most helpful things families can do: show up consistently and reliably, hold appropriate financial boundaries that support rather than enable, do your own recovery work through Al-Anon or family therapy, communicate hope without creating timelines or pressure, and respect the home's structure rather than trying to work around it. Recovery is a long process — your steady, non-reactive presence matters more than any single action.

How involved can family members be during a loved one's stay?

Family involvement depends on the resident's consent, individual circumstances, and the purpose of communication. Families can stay in contact through regular calls and approved visits during visiting hours. Adult residents are responsible for their own communication and progress. By the Sea Recovery handles all information privately and carefully. BTS is a sober living home, not a licensed treatment program — formal clinical progress reports are not part of what we provide. Families with specific questions are welcome to call 760-216-2077.

What Happens When You Call

You won't get transferred. You won't get a script. You'll talk with our team.

We'll go through:

• What's been happening
• What's already been tried
• What's not working
• What the realistic next step is

If this is the right fit, we'll tell you. If it's not, we'll tell you that too.

Talk With Our Team

No call center. No script. Just an honest conversation about the next right step.

Take the Next Step

You don't need another guess. You need a clear answer.

We'll figure out the next right step, honestly and without pressure.

Owner-led home · Handled privately and carefully · No pressure

If there is an overdose or immediate medical danger, call 911. For a suicide, mental-health, or substance-use crisis, call or text 988. BTS is not an emergency or clinical-care provider. For other clinical questions, contact a licensed provider.

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