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Vacations are a great way to keep your mind off of the problems associated with alcohol or drug detox. However, it is important to plan ahead and prepare in order to avoid a relapse. Things, like having people that you trust around you and continuing to keep up with elements of your addiction treatment, are key for a safe and refreshing getaway. It is crucial to always remember your goals and reasons behind wishing to become clean. Here are some things to think about when planning a fun, sober vacation.
Plan Your Vacation Ahead of Time
Being stressed out is never fun for anyone, and vacations when poorly planned can cause more anxiety than you might think, especially if you are currently going through alcohol detox. Planning out your mode of transportation, sleeping arrangements, and generally what you wish to do and see can greatly reduce this stress though. It is particularly important for recovering addicts to keep their stress and anxiety levels under control in a new environment because these can be major triggers for many people. After all, a vacation is supposed to be relaxing! To avoid unnecessary stress, consider starting the planning process several months in advance, especially if you plan on booking a flight. You may also be able to save hundreds of dollars this way.
Go With Someone
Going on vacation with an individual or group that you trust can improve your chances of having a safe and rewarding trip. Having friends or family to turn to when your addiction cravings seem out of control can prevent a relapse and make you feel more secure in general. Keep in mind that places like bars and nightclubs may be very prevalent in certain places, and having people that can give you good advice around may be beneficial in case temptations arise. If your goal is to avoid temptations while on vacation, consider traveling to a lesser-known spot or a nature preserve or national park where outdoor recreation is most of the fun. You may also find that going somewhere with friends or family is more enjoyable for you than going alone. If you do invite someone along, make sure he or she is a trusted individual that is fully supportive of your recovery. However, if you do decide to spend this time away in solitude, make sure to stay in contact with your support system. This will provide additional support to manage your emotions and cravings when needed.
Keep Yourself Busy
It is nice to have a lot of exciting activities planned during any vacation, but it is crucial for those in addiction treatment to always have something to do as too much free time can result in boredom or relapse. Focusing on sightseeing and sober activities that are popular at your travel destination are great ways to do this. It is a good idea to avoid areas populated with lots of bars and nightlife as well for obvious reasons. Coming up with entertainment away from these areas at night can help to reduce the urge to go out and party. To ensure sober success, head out for your vacation prepared by creating a daily schedule for yourself. You can even break your schedule down by hour to ensure that none of your time is spent thinking about using drugs or focusing on cravings.
Continue With Your Recovery
The small elements of addiction treatment like leading a healthy lifestyle and practicing mindfulness are extremely important, and you should continue to practice these things while traveling away from home. Things as simple as making healthy choices at restaurants, continuing your journaling, and still taking time out of your day to meditate are all that it takes to keep on track. Practicing breathing exercises and other learned coping techniques should also be continued during stressful situations. This way, you can enjoy yourself and have a good time while still continuing your path of sober living.
