For most people, Mardi Gras means alcohol-fueled revelry. But Elaine Tang, who once spent carnival seasons blacked out or getting her stomach pumped, had a different vision: What if people in recovery could experience the magic of Mardi Gras together, sober?
The Birth of Sober Safe Spots
That question led to Mardi Gras Sober Safe Spots - barricaded areas along parade routes where people in recovery can catch beads, enjoy the floats, and celebrate without alcohol. "We want people to know you can come out, have fun, and be sober during Carnival season," says Matthew Engler of Avenues Recovery Center.
The spots, located at St. Charles and Napoleon in New Orleans and Veterans and Causeway in Metairie, have grown each year. What started as a small alumni gathering has become a movement.
The Challenge of Staying Sober in NOLA
Louisiana's substance use disorder numbers have more than doubled since 2010, according to SAMHSA data. Doctors and treatment facilities report significant upticks in admissions during and after Carnival season. The alcohol-everywhere atmosphere makes staying sober genuinely challenging.
More Than Just Mardi Gras
New Orleans now hosts Sober Fest, the city's first alcohol-free music festival, featuring artists like Ivan Neville and Anders Osborne. In 2024, proceeds helped treat 733 individuals at Bridge House/Grace House.
Source: WDSU New Orleans
