Going on vacations or traveling to other states are both exciting and daunting for recovering addicts. For one thing, there’s the risk of being exposed to drinking and partying in excess. But of course, with careful planning and a few other things, you can enjoy your vacation while completely sober. And yes, sobriety doesn’t mean you should miss out on all the fun!
Plan Ahead
In order to avoid being stuck in a risky situation, the first thing you have to do is to plan ahead. If there are stops along the way that can prove to be risky (say, a city or an area with nothing else to offer but a colorful night scene), then you might want to consider tweaking your itinerary to suit you more. Just remember, there are going to be certain stops along the way and you can’t control all aspects of your travel experience. So you have to be prepared for certain things/people/scenarios along the way.
Determine the Risks
Some travel destinations can be riskier than others. Take tropical destinations, for example. Hawaii, Bali, and the Caribbean are all amazing beach destinations but a lot of the things you can do there involve parties and alcohol. If you’re trying to avoid both but you don’t want to forego a vacation completely, you can simply refer to step 1: plan ahead. Although these kinds of destinations have a reputation for wild parties, these aren’t the only things you can do. You can try beach sports, indulge in relaxing massages, and have fun mingling with the locals. You might also want to look into cruises and vacation packages that specifically cater to those in recovery.
Inform Friends and Family Members
When you’re going on a vacation or traveling somewhere far away, don’t be afraid to tell everyone in your sober network (friends and/or family). Let them know where you’re going and how you can be contacted. This way, no one will worry about you while you’re away.
Alternatively, if you’re staying in a friend or family member’s house, don’t be afraid to let them know that you’re trying your best to travel or go on a vacation while staying sober. Inform them of the things/places you’d like to avoid so if ever it’s in their itinerary (especially if they’re going to tour you in their city), kindly tell them about other places you can visit instead.
Go With A Travel Buddy
Traveling alone might not be the best move when trying to stay on track. If you can bring with you a trusted friend or family member who can remind you of your promises to yourself, then this is a better option. What’s more, having a travel buddy is an excellent way to have fun while completely sober.
Cancel Your Plans
This should be the last on your list. Just because you’re sober, it doesn’t mean that you should stop living altogether. There are a lot of things you can do while staying sober on vacation. If you really think that the vacation/travel plans can be skipped altogether, it’s completely okay. Just do whatever it takes for you to stay on track.