Breaking the Cycle: How the Sobering Center in Austin Offers Compassion Over Criminalization
At Are You Happy?, we recently had the privilege of speaking with Ashlyn, the Development and Communications Manager at the Sobering Center in Austin. This innovative organization is redefining how communities can respond to substance use and public intoxication—with care, not punishment.
A Mission Rooted in Harm Reduction
The Sobering Center operates as a vital alternative to jail and emergency rooms for individuals experiencing intoxication. Founded with the goal of reducing unnecessary incarcerations and hospital admissions, the center serves as a safe, judgment-free space where individuals can recover and access the help they need.
Law enforcement (APD), EMS teams, hospitals, and over 85 community organizations can refer individuals to the center. From there, those who need ongoing support are connected with longer-term treatment resources.
Ashlyn, whose background is in social work, joined the Sobering Center team in 2021. Her academic and research focus on felony drug possession opened her eyes to a recurring and troubling pattern: people in crisis were often arrested instead of being treated. This realization led her to a passionate commitment to harm reduction and restorative practices.
Breaking the Cycle: A Real Story of Transformation
One of the most powerful moments in our conversation was hearing about a man who had used the Sobering Center multiple times—twelve, to be exact. Homeless, uninsured, and battling alcoholism, he had been picked up by first responders 75 times in just 135 days. Each incident could have led to jail or the ER. But on his 12th visit to the Sobering Center, something shifted. He chose recovery.
The staff, recognizing the dangers of alcohol withdrawal and his vulnerable state, made a life-saving decision to keep him there and get him stabilized. He was eventually connected to treatment and began the journey to reclaim his life. His story illustrates what’s possible when we offer people compassion and support rather than shame and punishment.
Growth and the Road Ahead
With over 13,000 individuals served since opening in 2018, the Sobering Center continues to expand its services. Recently, they completed a renovation that added a second floor to the facility. Their goal now is to raise funds to open that space fully, which will be used to connect more people to long-term rehabilitation.
But more than bricks and mortar, Ashlyn emphasized the need for awareness. Many still don’t know this kind of resource exists—not just in Austin, but potentially in other cities as well. Conversations like ours aim to reduce stigma and highlight that substance use should be addressed with care, not condemnation.
How You Can Help
The Sobering Center relies on community support and donations to continue expanding its mission. Whether you’re in Austin or beyond, sharing their message or contributing to their fundraising efforts can make a meaningful difference.
To learn more about how the Sobering Center is transforming lives—and to hear Ashlyn’s full story—watch the podcast episode above.
