How to Enjoy Vacation While in Recovery

vacationing in recovery

The Balance in Bali, Discovery in Recovery, Sober Sisterhood, and Sobriety Simplified retreats help sober women and those in recovery relax, connect, rejuvenate, and have fun without alcohol. Alcohol addiction often starts https://ecosoberhouse.com/ subtly, influenced by genetics, environment, and mental health. This article explains how alcohol addiction starts and how these factors contribute to the development of addiction while highlighting early warning signs.

vacationing in recovery

Know Your Triggers

vacationing in recovery

Mayflower Recovery is a new, state-of-the-art residential drug and alcohol recovery center in greater Boston. We provide acute detox services to help people who are starting their sober journey remove traces of drugs from their system. Once you complete detox, you can join our long-term inpatient care to get help from nurses, counselors and other addiction care specialists. Our professional team will help you beat your addiction and remain sober even during vacations. Additionally, people who don’t understand addiction or support your commitment to sobriety can pressure you to use drugs while on holiday. The pressure to not be a wet blanket when your friends or family participate in recreational drug use can raise the chances of relapse.

Best Practices for Staying Sober on Vacations

  • Laughter reduces stress, boosts endorphins, and allows you to recenter.
  • After years of offering flights, we have found that it is both easier & cheaper for you to arrange your flights yourself.
  • A vacation might be used to get away from a lot of things, but it should not be used to get away from your recovery meetings.
  • Vacation will already be one giant temptation – if all the people around you are partying, drinking, or doing drugs, your strength will be tested.

We adhere to the policies of the destination to which we are traveling – if it is their policy that incoming travelers be vaccinated then we adhere to those recommendations. We do not set the policies for each destination, that is determined by their individual governments. Flights, transfers  &/or vacationing in recovery gratuities are not included, however. 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.

Can You Take a Truly Sober Vacation?

vacationing in recovery

Do you need your journal to write daily affirmations or a certain kind of tea to get your morning started? Take a few moments to think about the healthy coping habits you’ve developed in recovery. Going on vacation doesn’t have to mean suspending your self-care. Although your routines will probably be somewhat disrupted, you can pick one or two self-care strategies to prioritize on your trip.

Where to Go on a Vacation Sober

  • So now that you know what you should do when planning your vacation, there’s several things you should not do as well.
  • The pressure to not be a wet blanket when your friends or family participate in recreational drug use can raise the chances of relapse.
  • By doing just a bit of research you can find plenty of nature-focused getaways, cultural hotspots like cities with museums and historical sites, or wellness retreats which are perfect for recovery.
  • However, being in recovery doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy well-earned vacations at your desired destination.
  • RCA’s inpatient and outpatient locations are as close as Devon and Malvern, PA and Mays Landing, NJ.
  • 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.

You and your co-vacationers need to stay within a routine while you’re on vacation. If that means you need to find a 12-step program to attend one night during your stay, make it happen. Keeping up a routine can help you stay focused on your recovery, even while you’re having a good time on vacation. If you often fall victim to peer pressure, pick travel companions who can keep you accountable. Going on vacation with a romantic partner, parents or friends who understand the importance of your recovery can help you remain sober during your trip. Imagine the joy you’ll feel when you experience new places and activities with full clarity of mind and bodily control.

vacationing in recovery

How to plan an alcohol-free trip for Dry January and beyond

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. Take time to establish who will be on your support team while you’re away.

Don’t overwhelm yourself, but make it a point to avoid too much downtime, which can lead to temptation. Call ahead and pre-plan activities that will encourage and inspire you and ultimately promote your recovery. The point is to confirm that you don’t need drugs and alcohol to enjoy yourself. Being in recovery means re-learning how to do many “normal” things without drugs or alcohol to create a false sense of comfort. Feeling anxiety about traveling while sober is natural, especially if it’s your first time getting away since you started your recovery journey.

What are the tools needed to help you travel well?

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