Planning a Vacation in Recovery: Dos and Donts

Planning a Vacation in Recovery: Dos and Donts

View each small step or accomplished goal as an achieved victory and congratulate yourself for a job well done — and invite others to join in. Continually acknowledging the strides you are making is a great way to reinforce better habits. It’s important to ensure that your plans are in line with your recovery and that your vacation time does not interfere with your sobriety. When you’re in recovery, it’s necessary to have a proper plan — even when on vacation. A vacation is supposed to be a blissful time of rest and relaxation away from everyday stressors. But for a person in recovery, the thought of taking avacationcan induceanxiety.

vacationing in recovery

With pandemic restrictions slowly abating, the travel industry is forecasting that 2022 could be one of its busiest years ever. A long-overdue vacation will be welcomed by many as a time of rest and relaxation away from everyday stresses. Making the choice to not drink on vacation leaves you with a lot of free time. Airports and planes are full of potential triggers, from long security lines to the mini bottles of liquor that they serve during the flight. Try to distract yourself from temptation along the way – order a water, put your headphones in, and take out a good book or play a game to keep you occupied through the duration of your journey. It is very possible to not use substances and still have the time of your life on vacation.

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You get to experience new sights, sounds, tastes, and every sense in the body becomes heightened, especially when traveling abroad to a foreign country. Unpredictable triggers can potentially result in unhealthy thoughts followed by relapse if an individual is not careful. On the other hand, traveling and stepping out of your comfort zone can be a form of eating disorder self-help, if you have the right tools and coping skills.

vacationing in recovery

Still, it can be daunting to organize for the first time, so here’s our guide to vacations in addiction recovery. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or taking a trip with friends, it’s important to be honest with your travel companions about what you need as a person in recovery. Let them know what activities you feel comfortable doing, as well as what triggers you are concerned about dealing with.

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While too much downtime for someone in recovery could lead to temptation and relapse, there are plenty of tips for vacationing happily without threatening your sobriety. You can easily enjoy a vacation while avoiding triggers and maintaining your sobriety. And fortunately, the Philadelphia area is conveniently located between a number of major metropolitan areas, shore towns, and outdoor destinations that make it simple to stay busy on vacation. vacationing in recovery Read on to learn some healthy tips to keep you and your recovery on track during your next summer vacation. Some destinations you may want to avoid your sober summer vacation are areas well known for their party culture such as Las Vegas, Cancun, and Amsterdam. Instead, try scoping out vacation spots that are not as focused on alcohol and are more family friendly such as national parks or areas that are rich in history, culture and the arts.

vacationing in recovery

Going into a vacation with unrealistic expectations can potentially lead to relapse. Equally important to the steps above is knowing things you should not do with your planned vacation. Avoid these missteps to stay on track with your recovery while on the road.

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We are responsible for our own recovery, which means personal accountability, preparation and structure must accompany us on all of our vacations. Sharing the importance of your sobriety with fellow travelers while you’re traveling can open the door for discussions on ways in which they https://ecosoberhouse.com/ can work to support you. Setting and communicating these boundaries before you leave can help manage potential triggers. If you’re traveling with friends or family members, small disagreements are almost guaranteed. Don’t let it derail your good time or create an excuse to drink.