Planning a Vacation with a Loved One in Recovery Learn More
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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. 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. For example, you might want to discuss how you’ll handle attending events where other people might be drinking alcohol. Most people spend days, weeks or even months planning their vacation. There are so many decisions to make, such as what to wear, which activities to do, which restaurants to visit and how much money to spend.
- You may not be able to take a long vacation, but you may get a few relaxing days to yourself.
- The locals may present various opportunities for drug use that might be considered novel.
- In addition, if you’re like me, you probably don’t eat the healthiest things while on vacation.
- Just one of these can set you up for a trigger, or worse, a relapse.
With that said, sometimes just anticipating what a trip will be like can cause anxiety and stress. By submitting this form, I agree to be contacted by Rehab After Work. One of our experienced intake professionals will contact you shortly to discuss your treatment and recovery options. We respect your privacy, and all information shared with us is completely confidential. Vacationing sober is no small feat; be sure that you give yourself adequate recognition for accomplishing such a daunting task.
How to Make the Most of Your Sober Vacation
You spent a lot of time plotting your time away, but have you made a plan to come back? That having a written plan of action increases productivity. Make a list of everything you need to do including unpacking, laundry, grocery shopping, and don’t forget to include prioritizing time for yourself! Then, rank the order of importance of each task and go about your to-do’s in that order.
Whether you’re exploring a nearby park, swimming at the beach, or taking a walking tour of local attractions, staying active will make it easier to manage your cravings. If your hotel has a fitness center, you might even consider sneaking in a quick workout before the day begins. The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. There are no shortcuts in this process and through endless support, we provide intensive care on your journey to recovery. Timingof excursions can be helpful in maintaining your sobriety as well. Plan early-morning activities so you are more inclined to go to bed early the night before. Staying out past the eleven o’clock hour can lend itself to a weakened will and a heightened chance of relapse.
BEST Vacations in Recovery
Our addiction recovery programs cover medically supervised detox, as well as residential programs for men and women alike. Vacations are meant to be relaxing, but we all know that the act of getting to and around a new location can cause anxiety. Common hiccups like flight delays or even cancellations, luggage charges, organizing transport at odd hours, or managing overwhelmed children can make our trip more stressful. For those of you who love the outdoors, consider a holiday that takes you into the wild, so to speak. Long historic hiking trips or walks like the Camino de Santiago take you through breathtaking views without attracting any heavy substance users. Safaris, boating trips, and ecotourism are all excellent options that don’t center on drinking.
Instead of relaxing, you may end up running around and feeling stressed. If you have a “slip” while on vacation, vacationing in recovery it’s not the end of the word. Substance use disorders are chronic illnesses, and setbacks are to be expected.
Do Stay Connected
Have a light lunch, then plan a dinner that includes a special treat. If you’re going out to eat, consider sharing entrees with a friend so you can enjoy a wider range of dishes while keeping your portion sizes reasonable. Exercise releases endorphins that boost your mood, so it’s smart to find ways to work physical activity into your trip.
You will not always have control over what’s going on around you. You’ve come a long way — take some time to reward and pamper yourself. Get a spa treatment, see a show or https://ecosoberhouse.com/ check out a local bakery. 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.
Stay rooted in your support system
And while you’re in the midst of savoring those happy vacation vibes, think ahead to the next time and place you want to feel that way. “Get your next vacation on the books right then,” Ballard says. And there’s a basis in neuroscience as to why this mode of life makes us feel so good. A vacation is supposed to be a retreat from the daily grind but that grind is what comforts you and helps you stay structured, through temptation. Thirty minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at night are devoted to journaling, reading recovery blogs and infusing your psyche with positive stories of successful sobriety. For example, you may want to work a little harder the week before your vacation to get everything ready for your time off.
What should you not say to someone who is sober?
- “Why aren't you drinking?”
- “How do you know you're an alcoholic/addict?”
- “Come on, just one drink, we're celebrating”
- “So everyone's drinking but Brenda”
- “When will you be able to drink again?” or “When will you be recovered?”
Your connection to Herren Wellness doesn’t end when your stay ends; we are there for you throughout your recovery journey. If you are starting to feel yourself unravel, don’t brush it off just because you’re on vacation. Speak with someone who is familiar with you and your recovery. Iftraveling with others, make it very clear that your recovery is a priority. Maintaining your sobriety is paramount to your well-being and the success of the trip overall. Let others know if you are uncomfortable or feeling triggered. Also, if you know certain places might trigger you, avoid them.