How Sober Bars are Creating a New Buzz Around Town
Got weekend plans? Maybe you used to be the city socialite, hitting up bars and staying out until daybreak with your friends. But when you’re recovering from an addiction, your priorities change. Going to your usual night-on-the-town spots may pose a challenge with the accessibility of alcohol and club drugs. Should you go out and try to resist the urge of temptation? Or, should you just stay in and watch a movie?
It’s time to ditch rowdy clubs for a different type of nightlife: sober bars. Sober bars, like Lights Out in Lancaster, PA, are bridging the gap between the social scene and alcohol-free fun. Hanging out with friends doesn’t need to revolve around happy hours and brunches with unlimited bubbly. With sober bars, you can still have an exciting night out, without the headache and nauseousness of a hangover the next day.
What are Sober Bars?
Until recently, individuals recovering from an addiction had limited late-night options for things to do. Bars, restaurants, clubs and other establishments are flooded with alcoholic beverages and relapse temptations. People may also start to pepper you with questions about your sobriety or try and get you to have just “one drink to loosen up.” After a while, you may decide to avoid nightlife altogether.
“If you’ve stopped drinking, [friends think], ‘Ok, come out and do all this stuff with us,’ but you still have a lot of work to do. And then the [addict] is like, ‘Oh yeah, why can’t I just have one drink?’”
With more people seeking treatment for substance abuse than ever before, sober bars are a trend that have caught on quickly. As an idea that started in Europe, alcohol-free bars are now popping up in cities throughout the United States.
Sober bars provide a wide range of nonalcoholic beverage options such as:
- Club sodas and lime
- Arnold Palmers
- Nada daiquiris
- Shirley Temples
- Virgin Daiquiris
- Mock champagnes
Just like any other bar, sober bars have plenty of games and entertainment. From pool tables and video games to TVs, darts, ping pong and live bands, there’s always something to partake in. Some sober bars have contests and different nightly events – trivia night, karaoke night, 80s night and sports night – to draw in crowds.
A Safe Place for Everyone
Sober bars aren’t just for those in recovery. Many establishments have reached a broad audience, made up of different ages, genders, ethnicities or beliefs. For example, sober bars provide a safe, fun environment for pregnant women, individuals who abstain from drinking for religious or personal beliefs, those who are health conscious, as well as young adults who are under 21 years old.
“It’s a good, healthy environment. It’s the exact same concept as your local neighborhood bar except without alcohol.”
Patrons of sober bars are generally looking for somewhere to hang out without the pressure to drink or experiment with drugs. It’s also a great way to meet and connect with sober peers around your local community. You can dance, play games and have a great time with those around you without the pressure to get drunk. Sober bars offer a unique alternative for a friend’s night out, celebration or other parties.
How Can You Maintain Your Sobriety?
As sober bars continue to expand into different regions, you will meet new friends who support and encourage your sobriety. Your friends will be there to celebrate your recovery milestones and will lift you up through challenging situations.
Sober bars offer a safe haven and an outlet to those in recovery, as well as other community members.
