Traveling can be an exciting adventure. Whether it is done for business or pleasure, traveling gives you a chance to explore new areas, meet new people and try new things. While travel can be exciting, it can also be nerve-racking for those in recovery. When you are away from your sober system and the routines and comforts of home, your sobriety can be put to the test. With some planning, you can minimize the risk of relapse and enjoy the sights and sound of your destination by staying sober while travelling.
Tips To Stay Sober When Travelling in Recovery
Pick Your Destination Wisely
It goes with saying there are certain places where you should avoid if possible. Going through wine country or down to Daytona Beach during spring break season can provide temptations that can be too strong to overcome. While going through or to these destinations may be unavoidable (especially if work-related), there are things you can do to reduce risk.
No matter the destination, find activities to do that are recovery-friendly. Go on a hiking tour, go to museums or take a side trip to a national park. Take extra time to see if there are any recovery-themed activities that are occurring at or near your destination such as sporting events, cruises or retreats.
Find a Support Network
It goes with saying there are certain places where you should avoid if possible. Going through wine country or down to Daytona Beach during spring break season can provide temptations that can be too strong to overcome. While going through or to these destinations may be unavoidable (especially if work-related), there are things you can do to reduce risk.
No matter the destination, find activities to do that are recovery-friendly. Go on a hiking tour, go to museums or take a side trip to a national park. Take extra time to see if there are any recovery-themed activities that are occurring at or near your destination such as sporting events, cruises or retreats.
Plan in Advance
No matter the destination, temptations can lurk around any corner. To minimize the risk of succumbing to temptation and relapse, you need to plan some healthy activities in advance to keep you occupied. This can include movie or arts festivals, lectures, or even trying out restaurants you may have heard or read about prior to your trip.
Sharpen Up Your Coping Strategies
The biggest threats to your hard-earned sobriety are stress and idle time. This is especially true when you are travelling. When you feel your emotions getting the best of you, it is important to put into practice the coping strategies you learned in treatment and in your recovery. Find some time to practice breath control and other simple mindful meditation techniques. Find some time to get some rigorous exercise in your schedule. Healthy distractions allow stress, cravings and other maladaptive thoughts to pass.
Remind Yourself— “What are You Really Missing?”
When you see people imbibing and being social, it can be easy to wax nostalgic about old times. When you are feeling those moments during travel, take a step back and ask yourself what you are missing out on in the first place. While you may have good times drinking and/or doing drugs, the effect substances had on your life were profound. When traveling and keeping your sobriety in mind, you can be present and experience and enjoy everything your travels offer by staying sober on a vacation.
Do you or a loved one need help to break the cycle of addiction once and for all? Call NuView Treatment Center today. Our outpatient and sober living treatment programs can help you overcome substance abuse, so you can enjoy and appreciate all that life has to offer.
