Vacations are a time to release tension, relax, partake in new experiences, and enjoy memories with family and friends. However, for recovering addicts, such excursions might pose a serious threat to their sobriety. However, addiction specialists believe adherence to certain tips may prevent relapse.
The Reasons Vacation Could Test One’s Sobriety
Though it might not appear so on the surface, vacation time could prove challenging to former alcoholics or substance dependence for several reasons including:
Time Demands
Though vacations are often exciting and fun, said adventures are not always dull and rife with idle time. In many instances, travel is required. This means spending potentially long periods in the car or coping with the stress presented by bustling transportation hubs like train stations and airports.
Moreover, vacations can involve following a lengthy and detailed schedule. For example, those following tours or itineraries may spend significant time on the go.
Financial Strain
Many people splurge during vacation. Oftentimes, this means eating at expensive restaurants, investing in pricey adventures, and purchasing costly memorabilia. These expenses eventually build up and could result in financial worries.
Exposure To Alcohol
Vacationers often experience greater exposure to potentially detrimental temptations. For example, common vacation destinations such as cruise ships, hotels, and beaches are rife with establishments like bars.
Tips For Staying Sober During Vacation
Fortunately, former dependents might retain their sobriety while on vacation by adhering to suggestions such as:
Choosing The Most Appropriate Destinations
When planning a trip, recently sober subjects are urged to pick temptation-limiting destinations. Sojourning to alcohol abundant locations like spring break hot spots is not wise. Healing souls are encouraged to opt for more natural or cultural locations where alcohol will not continually be available.
Staying At The Most Appropriate Lodging
Newly sober individuals are implored to inquire about alcohol availability in hotels or other lodging accommodations and shelter at those lacking in-room minibars.
Traveling With Sober Companions
Whenever possible, former addicts are encouraged to travel with either completely sober individuals or subjects whose alcohol intake is on the light side. This will limit one’s exposure to alcohol and place less emphasis on its consumption.
Keeping In Touch With One’s Sober Network
Spending time in an unfamiliar environment could raise a traveler’s stress levels. Therefore, they are firmly urged to remain in close contact with their support network. When moments of temptation occur, having a team of supportive, encouraging, and experienced friends and professionals ready to help could prove crucial to avoiding relapse.
Practicing Healthy Habits
Vacation is not the time for recovering vacationers to neglect healthy lifestyle habits. Obtaining enough sleep, consuming nutritious foods, staying properly hydrated, and getting adequate exercise are key to remaining physically and mentally healthy. A strong body and mind are vital weapons in the fight to maintain sobriety.
Remaining Busy
Former dependents are implored to ensure scheduled respites are not filled with excessive amounts of idle time. Keeping as busy as possible enables recovering addicts to keep their minds occupied and avoid potentially hazardous thoughts or actions.
Lessening Travel-Related Stress
Individuals may lessen travel-related tension by engaging in practical actions such as packing as far in advance as possible, not waiting until the last minute to execute necessary household chores, leaving extra time when traveling to transportation hubs, placing all key documents in secure and easily accessible locations, and arranging for all transportation between pertinent locations when arriving at the intended destination.
Contacting Us
Maintaining sobriety is a lifelong struggle. Though vacations could prove challenging in this battle, careful planning may prevent the emergence of unwarranted circumstances. Those with questions about this or any other recovery-related topic are urged to contact us at 732-392-7311.
Our New Jersey-based facility has helped numerous dependents overcome chemical addictions and reclaim valuable, fruitful, joyous, and happy lives.
