Once you decide where you’re headed for some well-deserved time off, you should determine how to fill your vacation days. In recovery, you probably noticed that the more time you had on your hands, the more you struggled with triggers and cravings. Luckily, you can avoid a relapse and use these tips on how to plan a sober vacation that supports your continued recovery and health. Taking extra precaution can make the difference between a stressful series of events and having the time of your life. Being in an unfamiliar place can be both exciting and fearful with respect to the location and accessibility of 12-step group meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) meeting locations. This isn’t a detail you want to leave to chance, as going to meetings on a regular basis is a key part of your recovery.
Drug Detox and Rehab in MA
People often take a vacation to “get away from it all.” And that typically includes shutting off your phone and shutting out distractions. But when you’re in recovery, the better rule-of-thumb is to stay connected to your sober friends, therapist, sponsor, group leaders and supportive family members. Entertainment companies like Walt Disney World offer accommodations such as the DAS or Disability Pass Access Service pass. Disney will prescreen the applicant/parents of the applicant in advance of the trip. For instance, Disney’s website offers web pages dedicated to looking at ways you can navigate its theme park if you have a challenge that does not meet DAS criteria.
Planning a Vacation with a Loved One in Recovery
Camping in state or national parks offers solitude, physical movement, and awe without blowing your savings. If roughing it isn’t your style, consider booking an Airbnb in a quiet town nearby for a long weekend reset. Use travel apps like Hopper and Skyscanner to snag low-cost flights, or plan a scenic road trip with recovery playlists and journal prompts along the way. Hostels, volunteer-based stays, or even monastery retreats can offer deeply meaningful experiences at a fraction of the price. When you invest your money in your well-being instead of temptations, you return home feeling enriched rather than depleted. In the end, you should still go on Halfway house vacation even if you’re concerned about slipping up and breaking your sobriety streak.
- If you’re up to it, consider venturing out of your comfort zone a bit and indulge in new, healthy experiences.
- Here are a few ways to maintain your recovery on vacation while still having fun.
- Inpatient alcohol rehab programs provide 24/7 care, structured therapy, and a controlled environment proven to deliver higher rates of long-term sobriety.
Find Support on the Road
Ms. Bemand was brought on board to help develop a capital campaign to build the desperately needed detoxification facility. Overseeing the gala to celebrate the 80th anniversary of High Watch has been a highlight! Alice most enjoys her relationships with donors, many of whom are alumni of High Watch. Lizzy McGlothlin has worked in the behavioral health field for over 15 years in various administrative and leadership roles. She previously worked with Onsite since 2009, where she has served in admissions, marketing, programming, business development, and entertainment services. In 2019, Kendall became the clinical director of Sunsets Recovery for Woman, a dual diagnosis program in southern California.
These fears are certainly valid, but they shouldn’t hold anyone back from acting on their sober vacation ideas and dreams. For those struggling with addiction and substance abuse, this is a big deal! Depression and anxiety are often root factors in the development of addiction, so exercise can be one of the most effective tools in combatting relapse. Even though vacations are supposed to drain stress, they can sometimes end up aggravating it.
Going on vacation with a romantic partner, parents or friends who understand the importance of your recovery can help you remain sober during your trip. Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. A vacation might be used to get away from a lot of things, but it should not be used to get away from your recovery meetings. The support attached to these meetings is important to your continued sobriety. And more importantly, they can be found most anywhere you choose to travel. Alcoholics Anonymous even offers adirectory of online meetingyou can participate https://buydirectvitamins.com/what-is-a-good-kidney-and-liver-detox-for-a/ in while you travel.
There is no safe way to quit benzos “cold turkey” after regular use…. If you have a drinking problem, making restaurant reservations lowers the chances of waiting at a bar before getting a table. Don’t ask for the drink menu at the restaurant and seek out places where you can enjoy the scenery or live entertainment after your meal while drinking juice or mocktails. Understanding situations that can cause or increase your addiction cravings help you develop ways to mitigate the risk of relapse. Relaxing in a calm, beautiful environment can lure you into a false sense of security. As a result, you may tell yourself that drinking a glass of wine with dinner or popping some pills in a club can vacationing in recovery be a vacation-only activity that will stop once you get back home.
As a guest once, herself, she knows how critical it is to stay in treatment as long as possible to ensure the best possible outcomes for long term recovery. To live a life of honesty and integrity, while continuing to be of service in the behavioral health industry by providing guidance, resources and/or advocacy whenever possible. Fast forward to January 2024, when a recruiter who did not know me or my history contacted me about an East Coast job opportunity.
Ideas for Recovery-Centered Vacations
Take time to establish who will be on your support team while you’re away. If you are traveling with other people, choose traveling companions who are supportive of your recovery. Ask specific people back home if they would be willing to respond to a phone call, text, or email at any time of day or night if you need to reach out. Avenues Recovery is a community-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation center with locations across the United States. According to experts from Bright Futures Treatment Center Florida, after completing your treatment program, being on your own can feel overwhelming.
- New experiences are part of the fun of travel, but too many new things can trigger the desire for old comforts for people with substance use disorders.
- For individuals in addiction recovery, summer vacations can evoke mixed emotions.
- In other words, schedule things to do that will hold your interest and help you avoid boredom.
Maintaining a consistent exercise routine or starting a new hobby can be incredibly beneficial for your well-being and recovery. Whether it’s swimming, hiking, or yoga, finding an exercise that feels less like a chore will keep you motivated. Trying a variety of exercises can help you discover what suits you best. Here we highlight all the available ways to survive a sober vacation at this juncture of recovery. Just as importantly, you can bring a small dog with you as a support animal.
Frantically trying to find a meeting location when you’re feeling anxious or the pull of cravings threatens your sobriety can be avoided with careful planning before you leave home. Print out a list with map instructions, address and phone number and bring it with you. Some vacationers like to get off the grid, shut off their phones, and live a tech-free life for a few days.
Wherever you are in the world you will be able to find a twelve step meeting. Before you leave make sure you check out when meetings are happening near to where you are staying and figure out a way of getting to them whilst you are there. Just because there is no alcohol or drugs doesn’t mean you can’t allow yourself something special. Whether it’s a fancy dinner, dessert at a cafe, or tickets to a show—allow yourself some special treats and experiences. While you may think that not drinking or doing drugs is boring, it can make for a very fun vacation. If you feel you need additional support in planning your vacation or in your recovery in general, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
