Some examples include breathwork, sleeping enough, stretching, keeping healthy snacks on hand, journaling, quiet time, gratitude exercises, or meditation. Employment is virtually essential for having a stable and meaningful life. But a history of addiction can be an impediment to getting a job. A lack of positive references and having a criminal record typically pose challenges. Too, there may be long gaps in a resume that are hard to explain away.
Don’t Skip Out on Meetings
Many types of recovery support are available, and many people make use of more than one type at any time and may shift from one type of support to another as recovery proceeds and needs evolve. Below is a sampling of many vacationing in recovery types of support that can be found. Studies show that craving has a distinct timetable—there is a rise and fall of craving. In the absence of triggers, or cues, cravings are on a pathway to extinction soon after quitting.
Take Your First Step To Recovery
Following these tips can help you get the most out of your time off without jeopardizing your addiction-recovery progress. Keep in contact with your support network, including sponsors or recovery groups. Schedule virtual therapy sessions or calls with a sober friend if it will help you stay on track. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ While vacation can be a great way to disconnect from much of the stress of everyday life, it’s essential that you don’t completely cut yourself off. Learn more about making the most of your travels while maintaining your sobriety by exploring additional resources and connecting with our community.
Prepare for triggers.
Avoid these missteps to stay on track with your recovery while on the road. 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. Pick a place to refresh and reenergize that also supports your recovery.
Thinking about likely sources of triggers during these four situations can help you create strategies to reduce the chances of a relapse. Review your activities, transportation, and menus for the next day the night before. By referring to these sources, you can access further information and support for maintaining sobriety during your travels. Mindfulness involves staying present in the moment and fully experiencing your surroundings. This practice can help you stay grounded and reduce the impact of cravings. There are so many ways you can explore your destination without alcohol.
- One way or another, they learn and deploy a set of skills that help them get through the strong cravings and urges of the difficult early stages of recovery.
- Once you complete detox, you can join our long-term inpatient care to get help from nurses, counselors and other addiction care specialists.
- Research has identified relapse patterns in adolescents and adults recovering from addiction.
- (Bonus points if that friend lets you cry on their shoulder.) The key is to allow yourself to feel your feelings, and then find ways to move forward — perhaps with the help of that friend.
- Neuroscientist Adi Jaffe, Ph.D., who himself recovered from addiction, outlines five steps.
- It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
The prospect of change engages people in an inner dialogue about hope, disappointment, and accountability. Being in different time zones and sleeping in different beds can challenge anyone’s serenity. However difficult it may be, it’s important to maintain as much of your regular schedule as possible.
- Perhaps your boundary is that you need your co-vacationers to refrain from offering you a drink or a drug.
- Recovery suggests a state in which the addiction is overcome; clinical experience and research studies provide ample evidence.
- We are blessed (and sometimes cursed) to live in an age of connection.
- To take the most advantage of this activity, aim to spend at least an hour outside each day, whether it’s gardening, mowing the lawn, or enjoying a walk with your dog/pet or family.
- Riverside Recovery of Tampa provides personalized care, a support network, and year-round sober summer activities to ensure the best outcomes of success on your journey.
Sober Vacations International has been leading tours for individuals in 12-step programs since 1987. Meetings are worked into the itinerary as are meals and excursions. Agendas include 12-step and Al-Anon meetings, workshops, yoga, trivia, and more. Many different social, environmental and emotional challenges can act as addiction triggers. You will not always have control over what’s going on around you.
Do Have a Plan
- While you are away, remember to relax and enjoy your time, but be sure to have plans in place to prevent boredom from striking to avoid any potential temptation that may risk your sobriety.
- Try to wake up and go to sleep at normal times, and if you’re in a new time zone, try to soak up the sun to help your circadian rhythm adjust.
- Sober Vacations International has been leading tours for individuals in 12-step programs since 1987.
- Make sure you have coping essentials on hand to counter potential setbacks.
- In the absence of triggers, or cues, cravings are on a pathway to extinction soon after quitting.
