How to Stay Sober on Vacation: 7 Tips for Success

vacationing in recovery

Set aside money and buy yourself a gift when you come back home without using alcohol or drugs. If you’re worried about your sobriety journey and how to navigate your vacation well, we have people who are available to talk with you. Triggers are conditions or situations that increase the chances of relapse. Going to certain places or participating in some activities can remind you of how it feels to be intoxicated and encourage you to partake in your previous addictions. Triggers can also occur unexpectedly, making you more vulnerable to a relapse. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, don’t wait.

Best Practices for Staying Sober on Vacations

vacationing in recovery

However, if you are genuinely ready to give recovery an honest chance this treatment is the perfect place to go. As a parent of a son that has struggled with drug addiction for over 10 years, Crestview was an answer to my prayer. My son thrived in the environment from learning to shop, cook, and sober free activities. Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH is an experienced leader in the field of Substance Use Disorder treatment.

Emphasize Wellness

It is essential to have a community group check in on you throughout the trip, ask specific questions upon returning, and be aware of situations that may tempt you on the road 5. In today’s digital age, technology offers a wide range of communication options that can help you stay connected while traveling. Platforms like Skype or FaceTime allow you to have face-to-face conversations with loved ones, even when you’re far away. Taking advantage of these tools can enhance communication and maintain a sense of closeness, especially if you’re away from home for an extended period of time. Making it a habit to talk to your loved ones every day, both in the morning and evening, can help you maintain perspective and remind yourself of the reasons why you’re committed to your sobriety.

  • Recognizing the signs of drug addiction is key to getting help in time.
  • Vacation will already be one giant temptation – if all the people around you are partying, drinking, or doing drugs, your strength will be tested.
  • Additionally, lesser-known islands like Molokai and Lanai are attracting growing interest, offering quieter alternatives to Hawaii’s more popular spots.

What should I include in a sobriety toolkit for travel?

vacationing in recovery

Remember, you’re not alone, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength and commitment to your well-being. 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.

vacationing in recovery

Providing Emotional Support

  • Hooked, founded in 2021, offers alcohol-free travel that’s meant to inspire self-discovery through healthy hands-on experiences.
  • There are several do’s and don’ts you should consider when planning a vacation for yourself or someone else in recovery.
  • Additionally, it may be helpful to discuss and agree upon activities that are alcohol-free or supportive of your sobriety.
  • You can also have some coping strategies, such as meditation, journaling, or exercise, that you can use if you feel stressed or triggered.
  • I do early morning beach yoga instead of laying in bed with the shades drawn praying for a different life.

Running and yoga are no longer punishment for overindulging the night before. These are now simply for pleasure, not punishment or hangover routines. Instead of hitting the clubs in Vegas, I hit the spas, restaurants, shows, and pools. Instead of drinking at the swim up bar on beach vacations, I engage in other poolside games, sand castles, water sports, and other activities.

vacationing in recovery

Create a Sobriety Toolkit For Your Sober Vacation

Researchers and doctors are making exciting progress in understanding mental health and addiction—bringing hope to millions. Contact our admissions team today, and let us guide you through a summer where recovery and joy go hand in hand. If you’re taking time off work, fill those hours with hikes, walks, and other exercise. Go to the movies, go on excursions you’ve always wanted to take in your area, fit in extra exercise sessions, or start a new hobby. Lessons Learned After Losing Bags Four Times on Hawaii Flights explores the frustrations of mishandled luggage vacationing in recovery and how new solutions could change the game for island-bound travelers. Several airlines, including Breeze, are also speculated to announce new Hawaii routes during 2025, broadening access for travelers from the mainland and beyond.

Your genes don’t define you.

By utilizing these online resources, individuals can find a sense of support, guidance, and community while traveling. Remember, staying connected and seeking support are crucial elements in maintaining sobriety, no matter where your journey takes alcoholism treatment you. Engaging in activities that support sobriety can enhance the vacation experience.