Founded 13 years ago, The Grounds Recovery began in San Diego, where it could serve a vibrant young adult community, a strong clinical network, and the region's natural beauty. Among its most impactful therapeutic resources is its proximity to the ocean, which allows clients to regularly engage with the water as part of their recovery journey. This intentional integration of environment and care reflects the program's commitment to holistic, experience-based healing.
Salt water therapy has long been associated with a range of physical and mental health benefits, including improved respiratory function, reduced stress levels, and decreased anxiety symptoms. For young adults navigating early recovery, these natural elements offer a meaningful and accessible coping mechanism that complements traditional clinical approaches.
CEO and Founder Alex Zemeckis has experienced this firsthand: "Surfing allows me to stay present and deeply connected in ways no other activity can," he says. "It's an experience that has had a profound impact on my life, and one I hope I can pass on to others."
By incorporating consistent time in the ocean, The Grounds Recovery helps clients build sustainable, healthy routines that support long-term well-being.
"There is no other sport that allows you to be completely immersed in nature, riding on top of something nature itself produced. You cannot help but be present when surfing. If all you do is go to the gym, ask yourself — is there ever a time when the walls of the building and all the weights come crashing down and chase you down the block? In surfing, that happens every time you go out," said Admissions Director Scott DeLeau.
About The Grounds Recovery:
Founded in 2012, The Grounds Recovery is an owner-operated, San Diego-based treatment program (transitional living/sober living) exclusively serving young adult men. With just 14 beds, the treatment program offers an intentionally intimate setting specializing in substance use and co-occurring disorders. The only small, curated sober-living program that creates a deeply personalized plan and care, combining individualized clinical treatment, experiential therapy, and real-world integration, the program's mission is lasting recovery and personal growth for all members of their community. To learn more about how new and existing surfers find their place in the water and on land, contact Admissions Director Scott DeLeau at 858-251-9409 or visit www.thegroundsrecovery.com.