While vacations can be fun and relaxing, people in addiction recovery often have concerns about travel. Being away from home and your support network can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to recovery.
That doesn’t mean you should give up on traveling for good, but you should be aware of the possible risks and how to mitigate them. These tips can help you enjoy your trip while also remaining committed to your sobriety.
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Contact the Hotel Before You Arrive
Many hotels include alcoholic beverages in the mini bar to accommodate guests. Finding these selections is bound to be an unwelcome surprise to people in recovery, so it doesn’t hurt to reach out to the hotel before you check-in. Most are more than happy to help guests feel as at-home and comfortable during their stay as possible, so they should be happy to make this adjustment to your room.
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Keep Stress to a Minimum
So many people in recovery cite stress as a major relapse trigger. Because travel can be stressful, take steps to make the process comfortable as you make your way to your destination. If you’re flying, bring a comfortable neck pillow, reading materials, and other items to keep you happy. If you’re driving, take plenty of rest breaks and try to avoid driving for many hours in a row.
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Travel with a Sober Buddy
Having a like-minded individual travel with you can also reduce stress and anxiety. A sober friend can help you with driving duties when traveling long distances. They can also provide reassurance on long flights and help you navigate through airports. Additionally, a sober friend or loved one can also help you remain on track once you reach your destination.
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Develop an Itinerary
You don’t need to have something planned for every minute of your trip. However, it does help to have activities planned for each day to give your trip some structure. Look for sober-friendly activities, such as theaters, amusement parks, museums, and nature areas. No matter what you end up doing, make sure it’s something you enjoy.
The goal of Duke City Recovery Toolbox is to provide patients with the resources they need to maintain sobriety for life. Along with our outpatient treatment services, we also provide counseling and peer support to keep you on the right track.
