NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — When you think of Mardi Gras, you typically think of beads and booze, but not for one group enjoying the Uptown parades at Napoleon and St. Charles avenues.
This is the third year Avenues Recovery Center has set up its sober safe spots for the recovery community during carnival.
“New Orleans is full of triggers, you know, so being able to go out, have fun, be with your family and friends without the triggers, it made it really impactful,” said Avenues Recovery Center Executive Director Saudi Lateef.
One Avenues Recovery alumnus said if it wasn’t for the sober safe spots, he wouldn’t be able to enjoy Mardi Gras parades.
“Too much to lose, you know, I came too far to even take a chance or a risk, you know? So, it benefits us to be able to know and guarantee that you have the accountability in the safe spot,” said alumnus Jared Trahan.
It’s called a sober “safe” spot for a reason.
“We have about 30 yards of area that’s barricaded off,” Trahan said. “We have a tent, and like I said, we do have the flag, so it’s really easy to find us.”
It’s a family-friendly environment that is open to anyone committed to their sobriety.
“It’s support,” Lateef said. “You don’t necessarily have to be part of our recovery community, like you can come and have fun with us and see that it’s okay to be sober live your life.”
If the Metairie parades are more your speed, Avenues Recovery Center also has a sober safe spot at the intersection of Veterans Memorial Boulevard and Richland Avenue.
Because of the success of the sober safe spots, Avenues Recovery Center is aiming to set up these spaces at other recreational events.
For more information about the sober safe spots, visit the organization’s website.
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