We are seeing people in isolation that struggle to find support that actually fits them. I've been sober for 19 years, and I'm still losing friends and colleagues to alcohol and drugs. And we’re all losing time to screens. Isolation is at a pandemic level.
That's the truth.
Twelve-step programs saved my life. I'm grateful for AA. But I also see the shortcomings. The language. For a lot of people in 2026, younger people and diverse people, it just doesn’t seem welcoming sometimes. I see fewer and fewer newcomers.
Individual therapy and group therapy can be amazing and beneficial, but our current cost of healthcare structures in place can be extremely cost prohibitive. Between deductibles and premiums and copays, the cost alone keeps people out - and that’s if you HAVE decent health insurance.
Add in the isolation of today’s doom scrolling on social media and a new reliance on AI chatbots and even some sobriety apps themselves that keep users in an asynchronous content experience when we’re more isolated than ever before.
We don’t need another app or podcast or follow in the algorithm.
We need to connect with people every day.
-Stephen
FAQ’s
What is this?
A free, donation-based peer support community. We host online meetings, short, focused, built around one thing: showing up for each other. We are not therapy. We are not clinical. We are not a program. We are a group of people connecting in times of challenge.
I’m also a certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist and I believe in meeting people where they are in their journey.
Who is this for?
Everyone that’s looking to connect with people that have been through the shit. You can define your own sobriety here. If you've been sober for years, welcome. If you’re trying to cut back on food or smoking or social media. Come on in. If you have sex issues, welcome. If you're California sober, welcome. If you're just trying to cut back on certain things, welcome. If you don’t want to define yourself within any of these constructs, welcome.
This is not about labels. Not about counting days, unless that helps you, and then it's great. Do that. We do not deal in shame, we’ve had enough of that in our lives… not here. We do not deal in judgment. This is not a program. This is not clinical. We are not therapists. This is a place of connection.
What are Sober Ocean 45s?
Our meetings are 45-minute topic-based meetings on Zoom, most weekdays around lunchtime PT. Short enough for a break. Long enough to actually matter. Times and format may change based on what people want.
Why not a non-profit?
Why "Sober Ocean"?
Sobriety and the ocean have both been incredibly important parts of my life. It may sound like a silly name. I've surfed my whole life and I couldn't stop thinking about the name for years, so we're rolling with it. Recovery isn't a straight line - it's waves, storms, calm stretches, and open water. You learn to navigate, not control.
I'm bootstrapping this myself. Setting up a nonprofit would cost around six grand I don't have for this project right now. If this community grows and people show up and participate, I'll absolutely make it a non-profit. For now, it's donation-only. Our first goal is to offer scholarships to uninsured or underinsured folks who need rehab services, sober living or childcare assistance. We want to be a resource on top of resources.
If you want to connect with people who are thoughtful, helpful, have been through some big battles, and have the scars to talk about - this is that place. Also learn some tips and tools. A place of connection and encouragement. You can also sign up for reminders add the 45’s to your calendar (coming soon).