Sober Tailgating Party Celebrates Addiction Recovery, Alcohol Rehab Centers in Louisiana
A sober tailgating group called Recovery First Tailgaters offers former addicts a safe, sober party environment at Louisiana State University football games. The group was founded by Dwayne Beason, a former alcohol addict who loved college game days, but chose to abstain from drinking. Beason’s sober tailgating parties are now widely celebrated by former addicts, alcohol rehab centers in Louisiana, and other agencies devoted to combating addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, know that there are several rehab centers in your area that can help. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to consult with an addiction specialist who can help you find nearby Louisiana alcohol rehab centers.
Connecting With Recovering Addicts at Tailgating Parties
Tailgaters hold their party in a parking lot 2 blocks from the football stadium.
After overcoming addiction to alcohol 28 years ago, Beason told his friends he was throwing a sober tailgating party. He then made a large banner that read, “Welcome friends of Bill W,” — co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Recovering alcoholics who made their way to LSU games understood the code, and joined Beason and friends in a sober party environment.
Beason says in earlier days, he would offer sober partygoers bowls of gumbo and bottled water in front of a television tuned in to the football game. Recovery First Tailgaters now holds its large tailgating event in a parking lot two blocks away from Tiger Stadium near a Veterinary Science Building. The group also participates in the annual Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest.
Beason says he wants younger individuals to understand they can have fun at college football games without relying on alcohol and other substances. Kevin Miner, a 22-year-old who frequently attends Recovery First Tailgaters events, says the parties are safe for those who want to avoid alcohol, and prove that people can have a great time while staying sober. Beason’s program is continuing to grow nationwide as other college campuses move forward with promoting alcohol-free tailgate parties.
Treating Alcohol Addiction at Rehab Centers
Alcohol addiction and dependence can be safely treated at one of many alcohol rehab centers throughout Louisiana. Quitting drinking can be difficult to do on one’s own, since cravings and withdrawal symptoms often fuel the need for more alcohol. But rehab centers that specialize in treating alcohol addiction offer medications that ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms, along with counseling that uncovers and addresses underlying causes of addiction.
Some addiction treatment centers incorporate 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous programs with treatment. Following detox and recovery at rehab, patients can participate in ongoing Alcoholics Anonymous meetings that help lower the risk for relapse. Many recovering alcoholics find that Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are therapeutic, and helpful at keeping them on track with sobriety.
Louisiana residents who suffer from alcohol abuse can successfully overcome addiction at local rehab centers. Addiction treatment centers help patients get safely through detox, and offer counseling, therapy, and education on addiction. Patients leave rehab centers feeling healthier, happier, more confident, and addiction-free.
If you or someone you love is suffering from alcohol abuse, understand that Louisiana offers several addiction treatment options. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about alcohol rehab centers in Louisiana that can successfully help you or your loved one achieve sobriety.
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