Chandler Lodge Foundation Review
Founded in 1960 in North Hollywood, California, by a group of recovering alcoholics, Chandler Lodge Foundation provides safe and sober living to men in recovery. The first resident was an alcoholic from Skid Row in Los Angeles. Chandler Lodge is also home to the historic Chandler Alano Club, which holds daily AA meetings. Executive director Rick Alsop, who has 19 years of sobriety, is president of the Los Angeles County Sober Living Coalition chapter of the Sober Living Network, of which Chandler Lodge is also a member.
Accommodations and Amenities
The Chandler Lodge sober living quarters include a Spanish-style villa, a cottage and a one-story residence. All of the homes are sparkling white. The property includes a pristine lawn, trees and a koi pond, all promoting a sense of serenity. Chandler Lodge accommodates 35 clients, who start out at the villa. When they first arrive, a small group of men share a large furnished room, so that they don’t feel isolated. As they acquire a sponsor and work through their steps, they move onto the other houses. While residing in the second cottage-style home, clients share double or single-occupancy rooms, while the third house has only single rooms and fewer rules.
Clients are typically responsible for their own meals, which are prepared in fully equipped kitchens, but occasionally food is available. Amenities include cable TV, Wi-Fi and coin-operated laundry facilities. Staff lives on the premises to provide supervision and support.
Rules and Regulations
Potential clients undergo a comprehensive assessment to ensure that Chandler Lodge is a suitable fit. Clients on Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) are not allowed, as there are no doctors or nurses on the premises. Additionally, benzodiazepines and opiates are forbidden, certain psychiatric medications, such as SSRI’s, which are often used for co-occurring disorders, are permissible. Appropriate referrals are provided for men who don’t meet admission criteria or for those who need a higher level of care. Potential clients must be physically and mentally stable. Typically, they must also be willing to embrace the 12 steps and make a minimum one-year commitment. There is no maximum length of stay as several residents have lived on-site between four and five years.
Requirements include attendance at a minimum of three 12-step weekly meetings. Staff works with clients whose full-time work schedules prohibit them from completing the minimum weekly meeting quota. At Chandler Lodge, clients who need more help must attend 90 meetings in 90 days. If deemed necessary, they must have attendance slips signed by the meeting’s secretary. Other requirements include performance of household chores, participation at house meetings, finding and and maintaining an active relationship with a sponsor and a commitment to an off-site AA/NA meeting.
Random drug and alcohol testing is conducted. At Chandler Lodge, a zero tolerance policy is enforced. Residents who relapse are immediately dismissed from the premises, to ensure the safety of the entire community. Other forbidden behaviors, which warrant immediate expulsion, include theft and violence. Girlfriends and intimate partners are not allowed on the premises. The curfew is 12 am seven days a week.
Extras
Alsop is a Master’s-level CADC II, as well as a certified anger management facilitator. His credentials and personal experience in recovery allow him to understand the behavior of newly clean and sober clients as well as detect warning signs.
In Summary
Not only has Chandler Lodge been around for over 55 years, but the Alano Club right outside the front door offers easy access to several meetings each day. This charming sober living community is a 12-step gem in the middle of North Hollywood. Chandler Lodge does not like to disclose their address for the privacy and safety of their clients.
Chandler Lodge Foundation Location
Chandler Lodge Foundation
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Chandler Lodge Foundation Cost
$700 (30 days). Reach Chandler Lodge Foundation by phone at (818) 766-4534. Find Chandler Lodge Foundation on Google+
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