Recovery Traveling While Sober: 9 Tips for Your Best Vacation Yet

Instead of worrying about what you can’t do or what you’re missing out on, focus on what you can do and gain from your sober vacation. Think about how much healthier and happier you are without substances. Celebrate your sobriety and be proud of yourself for being loyal to yourself.

Fortunately, you can now have fulfilling, enjoyable, sober vacations without compromising your sobriety or missing out on anything. A vacation is a time to relax, have fun, and explore new places. But for many people who are sober or recovering from alcohol use disorder, it can also be a challenge.

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Prior to joining High Watch, Jerry was the Executive Director of a Connecticut-based emergency medical service provider. Jerry is a licensed paramedic and served for many years as the President and Chairman of a large non-profit paramedic service in Southern https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/vacationing-in-recovery/ Connecticut. He also serves on the State of Connecticut Alcohol & Drug Policy Council. He works directly with guests, their families and caregivers to navigate the insurance approval process and to make arrangements for self-paying individuals.

• Be mindful of your organizational preferences in order to minimize stress.
• If you’re traveling with others who plan to drink alcohol or beer, you may want to have your own space to relax and avoid temptation.
• Erin is a graduate of the University of Louisville (BA in Communications) and resides in Shelbyville, KY with her husband, Patrick, and three children, Christopher, Ruby, and Stella.

If you are someone who finds peace through nature, scope out some outdoor active activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and rock climbing. If you are traveling with children, check out some local zoos, aquariums, and amusement parks that provide entertainment for the whole family. Don’t overwhelm yourself, but make it a point to avoid too much downtime, which can lead to temptation. Call ahead and pre-plan activities that will encourage and inspire you and ultimately promote your recovery.

How to Stay Sober on Vacation

Do your research beforehand to make sure you are starting off in the best possible environment for you. It’s important to be aware of the timing of when you plan a vacation after you’ve been able to maintain a stable period in recovery. But remember that going on vacation may raise some unexpected struggles, obstacles, or stressors which can make the early days of recovery or maintaining your recovery even more challenging. Whether you’re newly sober or you’ve been at this for a while, going on vacation while in recovery can overwhelming. Here are some tips you can use, however, to help keep you happy, healthy, and sober wherever your next adventure takes you. One advantage of escorted tours and seminars is that you will have a professional guide who can help you navigate any potential triggers or temptations that might arise during your trip.

• We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters, and email.
• A sober vacation can do the same thing all while not being intoxicated or high.
• You can build a social network of fellow sober friends at a sober living house, participate in sober activities, and attend regular AA or NA meetings.
• Feeling anxiety about traveling while sober is natural, especially if it’s your first time getting away since you started your recovery journey.
• Be proactive in searching for recovery resources in the place of your destination.
• No matter where you’re headed, it’s smart to have a trusted friend or sponsor on speed dial in case the stressors of vacation start to get to you.

She focuses on providing person-centered, individualized care from a trauma informed perspective. Lauren runs High Watch’s women’s relapse prevention groups and creates strong bonds within the group, modeling healthy relationships. She credits High Watch with helping her learn how to live a sober life and enjoys watching guests learn this as well.

Top Reasons to Choose a Sober Living Home

Remember that you are not alone and that there are people and resources that can help you overcome any obstacles that might come your way. Whatever method you choose, taking a group meeting with you on sober vacations can enhance your experience and help you to stay on track with your recovery. Second, choose a travel option that suits your needs and preferences. If you’re going on a cruise or a package tour, ensure you know what’s included and what’s not.

Don’t let it derail your good time or create an excuse to drink. Sitting for long periods in the car or on a plane can be hard on the body. You don’t have to stay stuck in the gym – if your vacation plans don’t already include plenty of outdoor activities, schedule a walk or a workout daily. Even for something fun like travel, straying from your normal routine can challenge your sobriety.

Sharing the importance of your sobriety with fellow travelers while you’re traveling can open the door for discussions on ways in which they can work to support you. Setting and communicating these boundaries before you leave can help manage potential triggers. By choosing https://ecosoberhouse.com/ a vacation destination where you know there are activities that don’t revolve around alcohol or other drug use, you will already set yourself up for success. National parks, sober resorts on the beach, meditation retreats, and wellness trips are great places to start.