Recovery Traveling While Sober: 9 Tips for Your Best Vacation Yet

vacationing in recovery

I also personally find hanging out around people who are inebriated to be triggering, so I navigate that by deciding how I’ll respond if my companions or other vacationers are intoxicated around me. I might plan to head to my room early, or if that’s not possible, I might bring earbuds and plan to distract myself with a video while I wait until I can leave. By preparing ahead of time with ways to avoid or navigate my triggers, vacationing in recovery I can safeguard my recovery. 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.

What If I Can’t Avoid Triggers?

vacationing in recovery

If having large blocks of free time may trigger you, schedule activities to keep you busy during your vacation. Morning activities, in particular, can help you think through what you do the night before. If you’re sober or in recovery, you’ll need to take precautions to ensure a successful and enjoyable vacation. If you are starting to feel yourself unravel, don’t brush it off just because you’re on vacation.

Having a Plan Supports Sobriety on Vacation

vacationing in recovery

She holds an MA in Communication Studies from New Mexico State University. The key to vacationing sober means making your recovery the first priority. Most large organizations have a worldwide presence, or there’s always the option to attend a virtual meeting. Or maybe you schedule a call with your therapist or talk to an encouraging friend or family member at home. Instead of spending your money on a night out, treat yourself to a massage, steam room, or other spa service or do another self-care activity you enjoy.

Partial lunar eclipse may be visible during ‘supermoon’ Tuesday night

Some examples include breathwork, sleeping enough, stretching, keeping healthy snacks on hand, journaling, quiet time, gratitude exercises, or meditation. If they want https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to go to a nightclub where drugs or alcohol may be available, you can say no and stay behind. There’s no reason for you to put yourself in a triggering situation.

  • It’s a great idea to stay active, but don’t get so busy that you don’t have time to take care of yourself.
  • It’s more than possible to enjoy a vacation while avoidingtriggers and maintaining your sobriety, and Recovery Centers of America is here to help!
  • You’re not alone—many have successfully navigated the challenges of sobriety while traveling and found their vacations more enjoyable and meaningful.
  • At some Club Med locations, adults-only bars don’t serve alcohol but instead mix up mocktails and fresh juices.
  • Hikes and nature walks are additionally excellent sober activities to engage in during this season.
  • Wellness retreats, natural wonders, and meditation workshops enhance your travel plans and support your journey of personal growth.
  • There are several do’s and don’ts you should consider when planning a vacation for yourself or someone else in recovery.

Traveling is a great way to relax, unplug, and detach from the stress of your life as long as you plan and set yourself up for success. You are much more likely to surrender to temptation if you feel stressed, tired, hungry, or otherwise uncomfortable. Make sure you’re giving yourself the care you need to stay in a good mood and keep your body happy. You can even investigate local resources in the areas you’re visiting. They may have a group you can drop in on or some helpful tips for how to enjoy their hometown sober. It’s normal to struggle with certain situations while you’re recovering.

Ask Robin: Tracking Time

vacationing in recovery

Hyatt’s Zero Proof, Zero Judgement program, which it rolled out in several of its properties in 2021, uses alcohol-free spirit alternatives, mixers, and seasonal ingredients to create innovative drinks. Early detection is key, and you’re taking a crucial step in seeking out these signs. Here, we’ll address the symptoms that should raise a red flag, without overwhelming you with medical jargon. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how to enroll in our recovery center. If you have a drinking problem, making restaurant reservations lowers the chances of waiting at a bar before getting a table.

  • While sober travel seems to be all the buzz right now, it’s not new—and it’s not necessarily just for people in recovery.
  • Choosing to stay sober on vacation shows your commitment to a healthier, happier life.
  • Contact the Recovery VIllage to learn about evidence-based treatment plans that treat the whole person, so you can find lasting healing.

After all, you never know where a new adventure will take you. However, planning a morning activity will give you focus and an excuse to head to bed at a reasonable hour if travel companions want to stay out late and party. Think of traveling while sober as traveling with any other type of disorder.

Long-Term Sobriety Wins

  • Plan to avoid those triggers if you can, and if you can’t, you’ll need to make a plan for how to deal with them.
  • Visualizing your success will create a “script” in your brain and help you focus on your goals if you encounter temptations.
  • Even airports can be enticing, with terminal bars promoting it, airlines offering it, and the stress many feel from flying.
  • New experiences are part of the fun of travel, but too many new things can trigger the desire for old comforts for people with substance use disorders.
  • Hobbies provide a constructive outlet for your energy and creativity, reducing stress and promoting mental well-being.

Being in recovery doesn’t mean you should nitpick or be overly concerned with packing light. Mindfulness involves staying present in the moment and fully experiencing your surroundings. This practice can help you stay grounded and reduce the impact of cravings.

vacationing in recovery

Saying “No” Gracefully in Social Situations and Avoiding Peer Pressure in Addiction Recovery

However, traveling while sober is possible and can still be fun if you take good care of yourself and follow these tips. Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is indicated for the treatment of opioid dependence in adults. Suboxone should not be taken by individuals who have been shown to be hypersensitive to buprenorphine or naloxone as serious adverse reactions, including anaphylactic shock, have been reported. Taking Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) with other opioid medicines, benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants can cause breathing problems that can lead to coma and death. For more information about Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) see Suboxone.com, the full Prescribing Information, and Medication Guide, or talk to your healthcare provider. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of drugs to the FDA.