A quick internet search brought me to Soul Bliss Journeys (primarily in Bali, but including other locations), Sober Vacations and Travel Sober (both 12-step-centered), and Sober Celebrations (cruises). There are also an increasing number of resorts that offer zero-proof menus so you don’t feel like you’re missing out when others have drinks. How will we avoid drinking or using when we’re away from home, with all of our recovery routines disrupted? It’s true that vacation can have some challenges for people recovering from substance use disorder, but if we’re mindful, we can navigate through them and stay sober on vacation. Think about possible triggers that may arise during your vacation.
SVI Sober Aloha Hawaii
Urges can be confusing, making you question your progress and commitment. Even when everything seems to be going well, a sudden craving can leave you bewildered and vulnerable. The intensity of these urges can be overwhelming, challenging even vacationing in recovery the strongest resolve. This power can sometimes overshadow the reasons you chose sobriety in the first place. With pandemic restrictions slowly abating, the travel industry is forecasting that 2022 could be one of its busiest years ever.
- Pick a place to refresh and reenergize that also supports your recovery.
- • Developing a detailed relapse prevention plan and keeping it in a convenient place for quick access when cravings hit, which helps guard against relapse in the future.
- Having support when you’re away from your home base is important, and even if you’re traveling with loved ones, it’s good to have other people in recovery who can help you if you’re feeling tempted.
- However, for those in recovery, these trips can present unique challenges.
- Although your routines will probably be somewhat disrupted, you can pick one or two self-care strategies to prioritize on your trip.
- Even when everything seems to be going well, a sudden craving can leave you bewildered and vulnerable.
ANNOUNCING SOBER GREEK ISLES CRUISE! JULY 2018
Their Replenish program includes libations packed with healthful adaptogens, such as lion’s mane, instead of booze. Besides tour operators, conventional hotels and resorts are now incorporating nonalcoholic beverage programs into their offerings. Soul Bliss Journeys hosts wellness retreats for women in Bali. The Balance in Bali, Discovery in Recovery, Sober Sisterhood, and Sobriety Simplified retreats help sober women and those in recovery relax, connect, rejuvenate, and have fun without alcohol.
Find Destinations with Sober Activities
- Meetings are worked into the itinerary as are meals and excursions.
- What kind of nightlife should you expect within the hotel and nearby town?
- Traveling while sober can be easier if you choose locations that offer immersive activities that are completely new to you.
- You may even end up causing financial problems for your loved ones to fund your addiction.
If you just need a good cry, watch a tearjerker to give you that outlet. If the feelings are tied to a specific circumstance, talk with a trusted friend to help you process your emotions. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ (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.
Whether you have just discovered your new life in recovery, or you have been in the process for some time, remember to enjoy the ride, but don’t forget to pack your recovery toolbox! Continue to practice saying no, remember to check in with yourself and stay grounded– whether it’s through journaling or meditation. And most importantly, keep the focus on your recovery and stay in today.
- Practicing gratitude involves recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of your life while on the trip.
- Consider activities like painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, which offer a sense of accomplishment and joy, enriching your daily life.
- You arrange your flights yourself and bear in mind that most destinations/hotels have standard check-in times of between 3p – 4p and check out between 10a – 11a.
- For many experts, the key components of addictive disorder are compulsive drug use that continues despite detrimental consequences, and the development of cravings with the inability to control use.
- Let others know if you are uncomfortable or feeling triggered.
- Research the regulations around your medications not only at your destination but also at any places you will have stops or layovers.
Contact our admissions team today, and let us guide you through a summer where recovery and joy go hand in hand. Start with manageable targets to avoid discouragement and gradually increase the intensity as you become more comfortable. This approach helps build confidence and ensures steady progress without overwhelming yourself. Alaine Sepulveda is a content strategist in recovery from alcohol. She believes that engaging people and sharing stories with them allows us to spread knowledge, and to help others in the path to recovery. She holds an MA in Communication Studies from New Mexico State University.
Vacations are an excellent opportunity for us to unplug, however in recovery, unplugging does not mean disconnecting from our sober support network. Before you leave for your trip, be sure to do your research. Look for destinations and activities that won’t put your recovery in jeopardy. The key to vacationing sober means making your recovery the first priority. Wynn Las Vegas launched a whole “Living Well” program earlier this year to promote health and wellness on vacation.