We were lucky to catch up with Danay Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.

Danay, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

One significant risk I took was founding Sober Girls Houston, a support group for women practicing sobriety in Houston, Texas.

The backstory to this endeavor traces back to a deeply personal experience. The decision to create Sober Girls Houston wasn’t an easy one, especially against the backdrop of the unique challenges faced in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It meant stepping out of my comfort zone and taking on the responsibility of establishing a safe haven for women facing similar struggles, a decision that had been brewing during a decade-long personal battle with my own sobriety.

It involved risks on multiple fronts – personal, professional, and emotional. There was a fear of failure, doubts about whether the community would embrace the concept, and the inherent vulnerability that comes with sharing personal experiences.

The isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic intensified the difficulties of maintaining sobriety for many, and I recognized an even more urgent necessity for a supportive community for women in Houston. Nevertheless, driven by the passion to make a positive difference in the lives of women seeking sobriety support, I took the leap.

The risk paid off in ways I couldn’t have foreseen. Sober Girls Houston gradually gained momentum, attracting women seeking solace, guidance, and companionship on their journey to sobriety. Witnessing the transformation in these women, seeing them find strength in their vulnerability, and the bonds formed within our community have been incredibly fulfilling.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Sober Girls Houston stemmed from a personal passion to create a safe, nurturing space for women navigating the path of sobriety. The year 2020, marked by adversity and uncertainty, served as the catalyst for stepping out of my comfort zone, transforming personal struggles into a meaningful mission.

Sober Girls Houston welcomes women from diverse backgrounds and experiences, whether they’re in active sobriety, exploring sobriety, or simply curious about leading a sober lifestyle. The group embraces individuals at various stages of their journey, understanding that each woman’s path towards sobriety is unique and deeply personal. We aren’t just a support group; it’s a vibrant community of women embracing sobriety while enjoying a variety of sober activities in and around the Houston area. Our group organizes both online and in-person events, creating a supportive circle where women can connect, bond, and explore new experiences together.

From wellness workshops, museum visits, salsa dancing, and yoga sessions to dinner meetups, mocktail pop ups’, and cultural outings, we curate a diverse range of engaging activities.

Whether online or in-person, these events provide opportunities for women to build friendships, engage in meaningful conversations, and discover the joys of a sober lifestyle in a welcoming and nonjudgmental environment. Sober Girls Houston aims to demonstrate that a fulfilling and enjoyable life without alcohol is not only possible but can also be incredibly rewarding and fun.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Throughout my journey towards sobriety, one of the most challenging aspects was grappling with relapses. Despite my earnest efforts and unwavering commitment to staying sober, I found myself facing recurring moments of setback. These instances of relapse were deeply disheartening, often causing a spiral of self-doubt and disappointment.

The struggle with relapse was a constant companion, a harsh reminder of the complex nature of addiction and the difficulties in breaking free from its grip. Each setback was a painful experience, testing not only my determination but also my resilience.

I vividly remember the feelings of frustration and despair that accompanied these relapses. The spirals that lead to inpatient hospitalizations and job loss. They became integral parts of my journey, presenting formidable obstacles that sometimes seemed insurmountable. However, despite these setbacks, I refused to let them define me or overshadow my determination to achieve lasting sobriety.

Each relapse, though emotionally taxing, became a source of valuable learning. I began to recognize the triggers, understand the underlying emotions, and slowly developed coping mechanisms to navigate through these challenging moments. I learned the power in community and how much it is needed for succesful recovery. It was a process of self-discovery and perseverance, learning to be kinder to myself during moments of vulnerability and seeking support from those who understood and empathized with my struggles.

Over time, I began to realize that relapses were not indicators of failure but rather part of the intricate journey toward recovery. They taught me resilience in its truest sense—encouraging me to pick myself up, reevaluate my strategies, and recommit to my goal of sustained sobriety with renewed determination and insight. It showed me the strength that resides within, urging me to persevere, learn from setbacks, and move forward with unwavering resolve on my path to a fulfilling and sober life.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

The foundation of my reputation within the market stems from a culmination of personal experiences, dedication to self-improvement, and a deep commitment to supporting individuals struggling with addiction.

Realizing the significance of comprehensive knowledge in aiding others on their sobriety journey, I made a pivotal decision to further my education. I enrolled in school to become a certified drug and alcohol counselor. This educational pursuit was driven by a desire to comprehend addiction from both philosophical and medical perspectives. Understanding the complexities of addiction at a deeper level was crucial in aiding not only my personal recovery but also in equipping me with the tools and expertise needed to support others effectively.

My journey, marked by personal battles and triumphs in overcoming addiction, provided the empathy and understanding necessary to connect with those facing similar challenges.

The realization of what it truly means to grapple with addiction, coupled with my education in addiction counseling, solidified my determination to establish a business focused on providing unwavering support and guidance to those struggling with addiction.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sobergirlshouston.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobergirlshtx
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoberGirlsHTX
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danay-jones
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoberGirlsHTX
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/mKd0BlxEdTw?si=29wU1C90a4COVkVQ

Image Credits
All photos are owned by me Danay Jones and approved for use by all parties for Sober Girls Houston promotional