Here’s an upbeat bit of news that brightened my day: a new nightclub in Oklahoma City called “Club Soda" offers an alternative to people recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. The name tells you everything – no alcohol, just sodas, milkshakes, and specialty coffee drinks. Sounds like a great idea, for everyone from those who just want a break from the usual substance-centered clubs to people who may have completed alcohol or drug rehab and want to avoid the type of environment that got them into trouble.

Donna Woods-Bauer, executive director of the Oklahoma Citizen Advocates for Recovery and Treatment Association, asked local club veteran Rick Richards to open a club for recovering addicts. Richards, who had worked for years in adult entertainment clubs, was tired of the alcohol and drug atmosphere common in such clubs, and agreed to open the new night spot.

“It doesn’t matter how nice a place is, when you put alcohol in the mix there’s eventually going to be trouble," Richards told the Associated Press. “I’ve seen my share of it."

With a dance floor, karaoke, pool tables and a small café, the club is both family-oriented (kids are welcome – there’s even a playroom) and a budding location for singles to meet.

“It’s a family atmosphere," Richards said, “a place where people can get out and don’t have to worry about finding a baby sitter."

One customer said she’s made lots of new friends, and appreciates not having to deal with pickup lines from drunks.

I think this is a really great idea. Oklahoma, like every other state, has its drug problems. Offering recovering addicts a safe environment where they can have fun without drugs or alcohol helps them stay clean and sober, and out of drug rehab.