Getting sober in Austin, Texas, is a way better idea than you can even imagine. Austin is a city known for its vibrant music scene, beautiful outdoor spaces, and cool and creative inhabitants. But did you know that Austin is also an excellent place for individuals seeking addiction recovery? Once detox and residential rehab are complete, it’s time to life in recovery out in the world to begin. With an abundance of resources and a welcoming recovery community, Austin offers an ideal environment for anyone looking to turn over a new leaf, embrace sobriety and build a satisfying new life in recovery.
Why Austin is an Ideal City for Addiction Recovery
There are several reasons why Austin is an attractive destination for those seeking addiction rehab and a strong recovery community:
High-Quality Treatment for Substance Use Disorders
The best addiction treatment program in Texas, Plum Creek Recovery Ranch sits just 25 miles south of Downtown Austin. Our state-of-the-art substance abuse treatment facility sits on a sprawling 200-acre working ranch. Everything you need to overcome addiction successfully is here. From a safe and comfortable onsite medical detox to a dual-diagnosis residential addiction treatment program, we’ve got you covered.
Thriving Recovery Community
Austin is known around the world for being a community of open-minded, forward thinkers and creatives. That means acceptance is the order of the day. It also means Austin recovery is strong! You’ll find meetings at dozens of local churches as well as local non-profit recovery clubs like Recovery First ATX and Club 101. There are 36 groups holding 89 Narcotics Anonymous meetings weekly in Austin. AA has nearly 100 weekly meetings in Austin and surrounding areas. Club 101 even has a Cocaine Anonymous meeting weekly. Whichever fellowship you hang your hat i, you’re bound to find a niche that suits your recovery style here
Proximity to Nature
Nature’s healing qualities are well-known and nature abounds in the Austin area. Outdoor sports and games have always been a great, sober way to enjoy yourself in recovery while getting fresh air and exercise. Take a strenuous hike up Mount Bonnell, or check out the Barton Creek Greenbelt where you’ll find trails for hikes and bikes, swimming holes and even some limestone climbing walls. If you prefer your nature experience a bit more unfiltered, then Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is worth a look for you. One more beauty spot for hiking is McKinney Falls State Park, which is the only state park within Austin’s borders.
Rich Cultural Experiences
When you begin a new sober life in recovery one of the things you’re bound to do is try new things. When we take drugs and alcohol out of our lives, it’s only natural that we want to fill the space left behind with new experiences that stimulate the senses. Don’t wait until you’re bored, boredom is no good for recovery. Instead, get out there and embrace what Sober Austin has to offer. You will find some of the best Tex-Mex and artisanal cuisine in the country here at reasonable prices as well as an energetic and diverse live music scene and art exhibitions galore.
Navigating Austin’s Recovery Scene
The recovery community in Austin is vast and varied, offering many resources for individuals at all stages of their sobriety journey. Some popular resources include:
Support Groups and Meetings
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Austin has numerous AA meetings held throughout the city daily, catering to various demographics and needs. A comprehensive list of local meetings can be found on the Austin AA website, but be sure to check our section on AA meeting in Austin below for more details.
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA): NA meetings in Austin are plentiful and can be found in various locations. A list of local meetings is available on the Central Texas Area Narcotics Anonymous website, but we’ve also got some specific info in our NA Meetings in Austin section down below.
- Sober Groups and Recovery Societies: Austin is home to several sober groups and recovery societies that offer additional support and camaraderie for individuals in recovery. Examples include the Austin Recovery Network, Sober Austin, and the University of Texas Center for Students in Recovery. These organizations often provide workshops, educational events, and social gatherings designed to help people stay sober long-term and build a strong support network.
More About Fun Sober Activities in Austin
Austin offers a wealth of sober activities for those looking to enjoy the city without the influence of drugs or alcohol. Here are some popular options:
Outdoor Recreation
- Hiking: The Austin area boasts numerous hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, including the Barton Creek Greenbelt, River Place Nature Trail, and Mount Bonnell.
- Mountain Biking: With its diverse terrain, Austin has excellent mountain biking opportunities at locations like Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park and Emma Long Metropolitan Park.
- Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Lady Bird Lake, located in downtown Austin, is a popular spot for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, offering beautiful views of the city skyline.
- Swimming: Cool off at one of Austin’s many natural swimming spots, such as Barton Springs Pool, Deep Eddy Pool, or Hamilton Pool Preserve.
Cultural Experiences
- Live Music: Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin has an abundance of venues where you can catch live performances in a sober setting, such as the famous Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater.
- Art Galleries and Museums: Explore Austin’s thriving art scene by visiting galleries like the Contemporary Austin or the Blanton Museum of Art, or immerse yourself in history at the Bullock Texas State History Museum.
- Food Festivals: Austin is known for its incredible food scene, and the city frequently hosts food festivals and events that showcase local culinary talent. These events often include a variety of non-alcoholic beverage options, making them a fun sober outing.
Sober Community Events
The recovery community in Austin has embraced various sober events and activities to help individuals connect with others in sobriety. Examples include:
- Sober coffee shop meetups: Many local coffee shops host regular sober meetups where individuals in recovery can socialize and build connections. Recovery First ATX is a recovery-oriented non-profit that operates their own coffee shop, in fact.
- Yoga and meditation classes: Austin is home to numerous yoga studios and meditation centers that offer classes specifically tailored for those in recovery or seeking a sober lifestyle. Wellness-centered activities like yoga and meditation are a perfect fit for a recovery lifestyle because they help enhance your calm.
Embracing sobriety in Austin, Texas, is made easier by the city’s wealth of addiction recovery resources and vibrant sober activities. Whether you’re looking to connect with others in recovery, enjoy the great outdoors, or immerse yourself in the local arts and culture scene, Austin provides countless opportunities to create a fulfilling and enjoyable sober life.
NA Meetings in Austin
NA meeting in Austin are under the stewardship of the Central Texas Area Narcotics Anonymous chapter. You will find almost 100 weekly NA meetings in Austin running morning, afternoon and evening. That makes it a lot easier to slot a meeting into your schedule than it is in lots of other parts of Texas and the country as a whole. Recovery First ATX is a local non-profit organization that hosts meetings as well as operates a coffee bar and it’s a great place to plug into the local Austin recovery scene. From Miracles and Solutions at the David Chapel Church Activity Center to Austin Powerless at the Timberline Office Condominiums, you’ll find a nice selection of NA meetings in Austin. Whether you need a women’s or men’s meeting or an LGBTQIA+ friendly NA gathering we’ve got all of the above.
AA Meetings in Austin
Alcoholics Anonymous in Austin is robust as well. Hill Country Intergroup is the local AA organization that organizes AA meetings in Austin and surrounding areas. AA meetings in Austin proper fall under District 3B (North Austin) or 3C (South Austin) but there are also dozens of AA meetings in Austin’s surrounding neighborhoods like Cedar Park, Blanco, Canyon Lake and Driftwood. There are almost 100 weekly AA meetings in Austin and surrounding areas and they are also just as diverse as Austin itself with gender-specific and LGBTQIA+ friendly AA meetings available. Recovery in Austin is very egalitarian and accessible to all, as it should be!
Get Sober in Austin and Thrive in Recovery
The decision to get sober isn’t always easy and recovery is hard-won for sure. But you can do this. If you or a loved one is ready for substance use disorder treatment in Austin, Texas or even contemplating it– we can help!
Give us a call at Plum Creek Recovery Ranch. Whether it’s yourself you’re worried about or someone you love, you aren’t alone unless you decide to be. We can help. Plum Creek Recovery Ranch is here to listen and help. Give us a call today at (512) 488-1128
