Being in recovery doesn’t mean you should nitpick or be overly concerned with packing light. On the flip side, vacations can have a positive impact on your recovery when handled properly. Practicing gratitude involves recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of your life while on the trip. This mindset can shift your focus from what you’re missing to what you have. By being mindful of both emotional and physical risks, you can transform challenges into opportunities for personal growth and memorable, substance-free experiences. Slipping back into drinking can lead to emotional turmoil and physical setbacks, jeopardizing your hard-earned sobriety.
Don’t Do the Following When Planning a Vacation While in Recovery
Let’s face it—maintaining a healthy, nutritious diet isn’t always the first thing on our minds when embarking on a road trip, but maintaining your self-care practices should still be a top priority. These things will all help you stay alert, healthy, and focused while you enjoy your trip. It’s also important to take proactive steps to set up a support system at the location you are staying.
- 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.
- When you pinpoint the perfect location for your sober vacation, do some research on the local attractions to schedule some activities!
- Being in recovery means re-learning how to do many “normal” things without drugs or alcohol to create a false sense of comfort.
- The agency also says more than 3,000 North Carolina residents have been rescued or supported by more than 1,200 urban search and rescue personnel, with recovery efforts aided by National Guard and active duty troops.
- Another popular refrain that has gained traction on the right in recent days is the claim that FEMA has no money for hurricane recovery because of money spent on migrants, something that is not true.
- Fortunately, today it’s all too easy to bring the Big Book with you wherever you go, find and attend local 12-step meetings in various locations around the country, and keep up with your sober friends and sponsor back home.
Changes needed to address health equity
Instead of looking at vacation as a way to escape from your problems – that is, your addiction and recovery – see it as a way to strengthen your sobriety skills. “Western North Carolina has been our family’s home for more than 125 years, and we are devastated to see Helene’s impact on our region,” Bill Cecil, Jr., president and CEO of Biltmore, said. “We remain committed to supporting our employees and neighbors in the aftermath of this unprecedented storm and the long-term recovery efforts. Whatever this is, make sure to take these items and practices along with you on your summer vacation. Ahealthierphilly also reserves the right to temporarily or permanently discontinue this website, any page or any functionality at any time and without any notice.
Check Your Recovery
- However, everyone needs a break occasionally and a vacation is an important way to rejuvenate the body.
- You may want to agree on a code word to use when you need their help to get out of a situation.
- With a little extra planning and support, you can easily enjoy an exciting adventure without any mention of drugs or alcohol.
- It is important to make sure that you don’t skimp on your self-care.
- And most importantly, keep the focus on your recovery and stay in today.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction or a substance use disorder, call the New England Recovery Center today at MyRehab. With pandemic restrictions slowly abating, the travel industry is forecasting that 2022 could be one of its busiest years ever. A long-overdue vacation will be welcomed by many as a time of rest and relaxation away from everyday stresses. That program was a separate funding source with a separate purpose covering separate years – and not relevant to the current hurricane recovery efforts. The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website, are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. However in recovery, unplugging does not mean disconnecting from our sober support network.
Conclusion: Embracing Sober Travel for a Healthier, Happier Life
Don’t let it derail your good time or create an excuse to drink. Do all you can to learn about the place you’ll visit, the customs, and even the modes of transportation you’ll need to navigate the area. 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. Even for something fun like travel, straying from your normal routine can challenge your sobriety.
Take time to establish who will be on your support team while you’re away. If you are traveling with other people, choose traveling companions who are supportive of your recovery. Ask specific people back home if they would be willing to respond to a phone call, text, or email at any time of day or night if you need to reach out. By planning a vacation that is less likely to have triggers, you can avoid them.
Don’t Forget the Essentials for Coping
- They’re also jam-packed with time-strapped travel, stress, and high expectations.
- Explore new hobbies, adventure sports, museums, or simply enjoy nature.
- Vacations are meant to be relaxing, but they can just as easily get stressful.
- Know when and how to leave a situation that challenges your sobriety and have your own key to the place you’re staying.
- If you are relatively new to sobriety, “getting away” might not be wise.
You might miss the days when drinking seemed to enhance celebrations. Vacation spots often encourage indulgence, making it easy to give in to social pressures. Even airports can be enticing, with terminal bars promoting it, airlines offering it, and the stress many feel from flying. Whether it’s endless cocktails at a resort or friends urging you to “just have one,” the triggers can be persistent. There are so many ways you can explore your destination without alcohol. Try kayaking, visit museums, book a walking or food tour, go snorkeling, rent a vacationing in recovery bicycle, attend a yoga or other exercise class, or pack a picnic and enjoy it in a park.
If you’d rather enjoy the outdoors, head over to Wissahickon Valley Park to hike through the wilderness, have a picnic in the park, or even ride a horse. If water is more your speed, try paddle boating off Penn’s Landing through the Independence Seaport Museum. Getting exhausted, skipping meals, or eating junk food lowers your ability to deal with triggers healthily.
Staying Grounded: Addiction Recovery Adventures and New Experiences
Traveling while sober presents a lot of new obstacles, and temptation is everywhere. Parties, dining out, travel anxiety, and family dynamics are just some of the triggers you can anticipate. Have a list of fun, sober activities you can do on your vacation already prepare before you arrive. Creating a checklist of things to do while on the trip can help fight boredom that can lead to temptation. Denver is well-known for its scenic location and exciting indoor and outdoor activities for visitors and residents alike. Local breweries are a common sight, but the city also provides many different sober ways to spend your time there.