El Paso Ranked Low in Sober Getaway Index
The city placed 94th out of 100 U.S. locations evaluated for sober-friendly travel environments.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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El Paso received a score of 33.1 out of 100 in the newly released Sober Getaway Index, placing it 94th among 100 cities nationwide. The ranking, compiled by addiction treatment center THE BALANCE, reflects a score below the national average of 43.4.
Why it matters
The index highlights how specific urban factors, such as the density of recovery resources and public recreational spaces, contribute to travel environments suitable for those in recovery. With no Texas cities reaching the top 40, the findings underscore regional challenges in supporting sober-friendly infrastructure.
El Paso scored 33.1 in the national index, ranking 94th, while Laredo finished 95th with a 33.0 score. Lubbock performed best among Texas cities, ranking 48th with a score of 43.5.
The players
THE BALANCE
THE BALANCE is an addiction treatment clinic that compiled and released the Sober Getaway Index.
The details
THE BALANCE compiled the index by analyzing six equally weighted factors, including binge drinking rates and the availability of parks and recovery meetings. Data for these categories were sourced from the CDC, Overture Maps, the U.S. Census Bureau, and recovery organization directories.
Timeline
The Sober Getaway Index was released in October 2026.
Health Landscape
This study follows a pattern set by the Sober Getaway Index to quantify the accessibility of sober-friendly environments in major metropolitan areas. By standardizing these factors, the research provides a new benchmark for evaluating how urban design and public health support recovery.
The low ranking suggests that individuals in recovery may need to perform additional research when planning travel to El Paso to identify available support meetings and sober-friendly accommodations. Residents can utilize these findings to advocate for improved public recreation and support access in their neighborhoods.
The takeaway
Travelers in recovery should prioritize verifying the presence of local support networks and alcohol-free activities when visiting cities that rank lower on sober-friendly indices. These metrics serve as a helpful guide for planning trips that prioritize health and sobriety during time away from home.
Further reading
For more information on local health resources, visit El Paso Substance Abuse.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KFOX.
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