Plan to stay in touch with your sponsor, fellow RCA alumni, and others in your circle. It’s always a good idea to let those in your support network know you will be traveling and may need some extra support. Not only does this make it easier for you to pick up the phone when in need, doing so gives them the opportunity to check in on you and offer their encouragement. We provide several alumni support communities, including a weekly recovery support group, monthly alumni meeting, and online alumni community you can access anytime. Your connection to Herren Wellness doesn’t end when your stay ends; we are there for you throughout your recovery journey. When you come here, you are immediately connected with a thriving community of people at all stages of their recovery journey.
Additional Resources and Support for Sober Travelers
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. It is also important to remember that your support network is just a phone call or text away. There are companies large and small that have recovery-friendly hiring practices. In addition, there are nonprofit organizations such as American in Recovery and the National HIRE Network that specifically help those with addiction or criminal history to find work. Usually for a substantial fee, career transition services help executive and higher-up employees define career goals and help with job searches. Many treatment programs have partnerships with area businesses to hire those in recovery.
- Sleep is essential for shoring up impulse control and fostering good decision-making.
- If you take people with you, consider taking people who are also recovering or living a sober life.
- Each vacation package includes keynote speakers, 12-step meetings, 24-hour fellowship, Al-Anon meetings, and excursions.
Laying the Foundation for Sober Travel
Packing and arriving at the airport hours in advance can reduce anxiety over lateness that may derail your recovery. Since you can’t control delayed departures, long flights or lengthy layovers, find useful ways to pass the time, including reading, listening to music or podcasts, watching movies or playing video games. Understanding situations that can cause or increase your addiction cravings help you develop ways to mitigate the risk of relapse. If you usually feel more confident and outgoing when drunk or high, you may be tempted to use drugs in anticipation of social interactions.
How to Prevent Opioid Addiction Effectively
If they understand your boundaries ahead of time, they’ll be less likely to push them on the trip, whether inadvertently or deliberately. You can combat your fear of missing out by substituting these experiences with something equally memorable. Be honest with yourself about what experiences are safe for you and which aren’t. The hospitals do not exclude people or treat them differently because https://ecosoberhouse.com/ of race, color, national origin, age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or sex. 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. Additionally, Carnival and Norwegian cruise lines offer a full range of adult alcohol-free beverages aboard most ships.
Sadness is a normal part of recovery, and of the human experience in general. By embracing recovery, your travels become a unique and meaningful part of your healing journey. Sobriety can enhance your experiences, making each trip a beautiful testament to your resilience and growth. Planning in advance a way out of high-risk situations—whether an event, a place, or a person—helps support intentions in the face of triggers to use. Lean on the tools and strategies you’ve learned throughout your recovery experience to communicate clearly and resolve problems as they arise. Letting conflicts fester puts your recovery at risk and diminishes your travel experience.
The patient will undergo detoxification as soon as the initial assessment phase is done. It cleanses the body and mentally prepares the patient for rehab. The side effects and withdrawal symptoms during detox vary from person to person.
- This can also be by staying connected through apps or online forums to stay in touch with your support network while away.
- If your friends or family will be using drugs, you could be firm that your own hotel room will be drug-free.
- Preventing it requires clear strategies and a firm understanding of risk factors.
- This guide provides practical advice and inspiration to help you enjoy your vacation while maintaining your sobriety.
- Take a few moments to think about the healthy coping habits you’ve developed in recovery.
Incorporating Gratitude to Enhance Your Sober Vacation Experience
Likewise, if you have a history of drug abuse and using something like marijuana, going to a state where the drug is legal could trigger you into wanting to start smoking again. If you wish to contact a specific medical detox center then find a specific treatment center using our addiction treatment locator tool. If you are seeking drug and alcohol related addiction rehab for yourself or a loved one, the YourFirstStep.org hotline is a confidential and convenient solution. Feeling overwhelmed trying to plan out your entire vacation when all you want to do is relax?
At some Club Med locations, adults-only bars don’t serve vacationing in recovery alcohol but instead mix up mocktails and fresh juices.
Creating a full schedule of fun activities to do during vacation can also help you remain sober. Pay for early morning activities such as hiking, sailing or scuba diving to motivate you to get to sleep early — and sober. Tiring yourself out early in the day leaves time to take a long nap or lounge lazily by the pool in the afternoon instead of using drugs to relax. Knowing the atmosphere of the place you’re going to is also key to anticipating potential triggers. For example, what crowd usually frequents the hotel you’ve booked? What kind of nightlife should you expect within the hotel and nearby town?
Staying Sober on a Summer Vacation
Some people might use drugs or alcohol to help manage a mental health condition, this is called self-medication. This can be very dangerous and lead to a high tolerance, overdose, or death. Many people turn to drugs or alcohol to escape challenges or stress. However, frequently using or abusing substances can lead to dependence or addiction.