Tips for Staying Sober on Vacation While in Recovery
Think of traveling while sober as traveling with any other type of disorder. If you suffered from migraines, you wouldn’t take off on a cross-country trip without your medication. If being prepared means bringing extra items with you, that’s alright. Your sobriety is worth the cost of checking a second bag at the airport. In addition to knowing about the physical location, make a list of things you need to have with you to resist triggers. Do you need your journal to write daily affirmations or a certain kind of tea to get your morning started?
- Call your loved ones and talk to your sponsor or therapist when having a hard time getting reminders of the reasons you’re on the recovery journey.
- Even for something fun like travel, straying from your normal routine can challenge your sobriety.
- For example, plan substance-free activities that will keep you occupied and entertained so that you’re not at loose ends.
- If you just need a good cry, watch a tearjerker to give you that outlet.
Drug and Alcohol Detox in Massachusetts
Initially, using substances can lead to powerful effects with small doses because your body isn’t accustomed to them. However, the effects become less powerful when you start abusing drugs more consistently and frequently. Instead of bottling up or burying your anger, release https://ecosoberhouse.com/ it in a healthy way. If you’re alone in your home, try yelling, stomping, or beating a pillow. Better yet, go outside for a brisk walk or run, or head to the gym. Physical activity can help you work through your anger and also reap the benefits of mood-boosting endorphins.
Inspiring Stories of Sober Travel Success
- From excursions to cruises, you can see the world, hike a trail, and explore hidden destinations with a tour group in recovery.
- Once confirmed, you’ll receive an email with a personalized link to your reservation.
- For instance, if you go to the beach, try to participate in sober activities like dolphin watching, swimming, grilling or making dinner, building sandcastles, or even heading out on a boat.
- To manage those overwhelming feelings, break tasks into small pieces and do one thing.
It is often a long and bumpy path, and relapse is nearly inevitable—but that doesn’t spell the end of recovery. If you have always traveled with a group of boisterous friends or family who make it a point to imbibe over vacation, reconsider your travel companions. One of the most important elements of sobriety is keeping temptations at bay.
Tips for a Successful Sober Vacation
Recovery Centers of America hosts a full continuum of care to help our patients build the confidence needed to transition back into everyday life. It’s always a good idea to let those in your support network know you will be traveling and may be in need of some extra support. But if you feel ready for the challenge, recovery can open up exciting new possibilities, especially while traveling. Let your newfound recovery enhance your experiences and travel plans and relish this opportunity to celebrate your continued success.
Medically Monitored Alcohol Detox in MA provides safety, support, and medication as you break the grip of alcohol.
- Some drugs lower inhibitions, giving you the courage to ask strangers for recommendations, make requests to improve your trip and make friends.
- Recovery groups like those at Jackson House Recovery Centers can offer you the camaraderie and tools you need to lead a happy and adventurous life.
- These meetings are not only for RCA alumni, but are open to family, friends or anyone in the recovery community.
- If you are traveling with children, check out some local zoos, aquariums, and amusement parks that provide entertainment for the whole family.
- Crossword puzzles, a page-turner of a book, adult coloring books, listing to music, and guided meditations are some useful tools many people in recovery find helpful.
To manage those overwhelming feelings, break tasks into small pieces and do one thing. Look for events at local libraries, public parks, or houses of worship. You can also volunteer your time to help others and in turn feel more connected to your community. Be sure to also check reviews and testimonials from others in the recovery community to ensure the destination is recovery-friendly. Discreet, flexible, and 100% online—Workit 90 is a recovery program that fits your life, giving you the tools you need to cut back or quit drinking. You can also think about the location and set-up of your destination.
Wellness retreats in particular focus on rejuvenation through spa treatments, meditation, and yoga, all forms of self-care that are essential to keep practicing while on the road to recovery. A little planning goes a long way in making sure you enjoy vacationing in recovery your summer without compromising your recovery. By choosing activities and destinations that support a healthy, balanced lifestyle, such as a hike, beach trips, or outdoor sports, you can find the right balance between well-being and routine.
Round trip from Vancouver, British Colombia
You can indulge yourself in this way, but try not to do it the whole time. We are blessed (and sometimes cursed) to live in an age of connection. If you’re a Workit member, you can log into your usual recovery groups from the road (just keep in mind any time zone changes), and you can reach out to your care team through the app. If you’re a 12-step person, research your destination to find local meetings and how to get to them, or save the links to some online meetings. If you don’t take part in either of those recovery options, you can still ask a sober friend, coach, or other supportive person if you can call or text them for backup if you feel uncomfortable on your trip.