The Basics
Widespread Recovery is a new sober living facility in Orange County, California offering two all-male residences near downtown Laguna Beach. Widespread distinguishes itself by providing both structure and recovery-supportive activities enabling clients to build social and recreational habits to support their sobriety for years to come.
Widespread was co-founded in June of this year by Keenen Diamond (former Director of Operations for Northbound Treatment Services) and Jason Wahler—star of MTV’s The Hills. Whaler had a much-publicized battle with alcoholism that included an arrest and a suicide attempt. After completing treatment, he now works as a Recovery and Treatment Advocate at Origins Behavioral Health Care. Wahler and Diamond opened Widespread in an effort to better guide newly-sober men in creating healthy habits for independent living.
Accommodations and Amenities
Widespread Recovery operates two residences for men; one 10-bed duplex and one 5-bed single family home, both just a 5-minute walk to Laguna Beach. Residents each share a double room with one other client. Laundry facilities and a fully-equipped kitchen are available in both homes. Residents are responsible for their own grocery shopping and meal preparation—made convenient by several stores within walking distance
Residents of both houses share amenities which include a boxing gym and gym equipment in the larger of the two homes. Residents must take part in weekly exercise activities including boxing class, yoga and a mandatory Wellness Program which teaches nutrition, overall physical health and cultivating good sleep habits. Each house is stocked with surfboards and residents take daily trips out on the waves and participate in Widespread’s weekly surfing classes.
On-site AA meetings take place on Wednesdays and Sundays. Throughout the rest of the week residents attend community 12-step meetings with transportation provided. Additionally, Widespread’s Operations Manager coordinates local transportation for school, work and other needs, but for ongoing travel outside of Laguna Beach (e.g. working or attending school in a nearby city), Widespread offers a transportation package for an additional monthly fee.
Rules and Regulations
Residents rise at 6:30 am Monday through Friday and at 8 am on the weekends. Lights out is 10 pm Sunday through Thursday and 11 pm on Friday and Saturday. During the evenings, residents must adhere to a “good neighbor” policy of quiet hours—with no loud noise or music—so others can relax and study. In the spirit of building a community of sober-supportive friends, visitors are welcome. Widespread limits guests to the common areas in both houses, and discourages large groups and gatherings (outside of the resident community).
Each Sunday the residents deep-clean their house and wash their linens. Afterwards, there is a mandatory house meeting, an on-site 12-step meeting and then The Family BBQ—a meal for the entire Widespread community including program alumni.
Residents are required to be employed, in school and/or looking for work. Those who aren’t employed or in school are required to do volunteer work in the community which is facilitated by the Widespread staff. Those who are interested in enrolling in school can receive guidance from the Program Administrator, and Diamond conducts educational sessions on job search and resume-writing.
The majority of the staff at Widespread have several years in recovery, enabling them to create a judgement-free arena in which to share their own triumphs and challenges with residents. Residents must have 30 days of sobriety to enter Widespread and demonstrate a motivation to change during the application process.
Extras
Wahler and Diamond constantly seek new innovations to aid residents in their recovery endeavors. To that end, they’ve partnered with a technologist to create The Share, an app that offers sobriety support and recovery resources. On the other end of spectrum, Widespread spares no effort in creating an ‘IRL’ community so that residents get the experience of living a satisfying integrated social and work life. The weekly Family Dinner and an open-door policy among staff and the co-founders ensures that residents and alumni will have continued encouragement and connection. Residents and alumni can also engage Diamond, Wahler and staff for formal Recovery Coaching to set and reach new goals.
In Summary
Widespread Recovery offers a comprehensive community-based approach to sober living at a price point significantly lower than others with a similar hands-on approach. Wahler and Diamond’s approach seems to have struck a chord, as Widespread added an additional residence just months after the first debuted. By combining technology with day-to-day social support, Widespread is helping to create a new frontier in sober living that nurtures success through tried and true methods as well as connection and collaboration.
Diamond and Wahler credit the facility’s success stories to its engaged staff, experienced leadership and an ability to foster clients’ motivation by building community through its many group activities.
Widespread Recovery Cost: $3,500 (30 days). Reach Widespread Recovery by phone at (844) 235-7859 or by email at garvey@widespreadrecovery.com. Social media forthcoming.
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