VIBEZ, West Hollywood's annual sober New Year’s event, provides a safe and welcoming space for those in recovery or seeking a drug-free environment to celebrate the new year.
Like most cities, Los Angeles isn’t without its New Year’s Eve festivities — parties, hangouts, and, of course, fireworks. However, for those in recovery or just looking for a bit of a respite from the usual affair, it can be quite difficult to find a space that feels inviting and a little less rowdy. Now in its 11th iteration, VIBEZ is West Hollywood ’s annual sober New Year’s event co-sponsored by the city.
“Cities are themselves places where people find refuge,” said West Hollywood Mayor John Erickson. So, he added, it made sense for West Hollywood to help define a space needed for its community. “I think having kind of space for people and letting people know that exists is incredibly important,” said Andy Short, senior regional manager for The Phoenix, a nonprofit that hosts sober programming throughout the country and are co-sponsors of the event.“My first sober New Years, I told everyone of my friends that I was good to go. I’ll be the designated driver,” he recalled. That year, he remembered feeling completely shattered and alone. “I wanted to crawl out of my skin,” he said, “I wanted to be anywhere else in the world, but I had to put on a face, you know, and pretend like it’s the same.”For Short and countless others in recovery or seeking a drug-free environment to ring in the new year, having a space like VIBEZ can be a lifesaver. “One of the most important pieces of my own recovery,” Short added, “was hanging out with people who could have fun without using.” That spark of realization was a profound moment for him. “ It's just nice to be in a place with people having a good time where you're clear,” he said. “Where you don't have to worry about the behavior of people when maybe they've had too many drinks or they're not quite in their right mind for whatever reason.”Like any New Year’s event worthy of attendance, VIBEZ prides itself on a good them
New Years Eve Sobriety Community Event West Hollywood Recovery
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