Whether you’re going on a month-long trip to a foreign country or just spending a weekend at the beach, you’re probably excited to have some adventures and get a little R&R on your next vacation. However, for those in addiction recovery, vacations can also bring about more triggers that challenge their sobriety. Before you head off on your trip, consider these tips for dealing with triggers while on vacation.
Possibly Postpone Your Trip
If you’ve just begun your recovery journey, it may be too soon to head off on a trip that could trigger your desire to drink or use drugs. Speak to your addiction counselor or sober friend to discuss if it’s best to take a vacation now or if you’re better off waiting a bit.
Choose a Trip with a Lot of Activities
If you’re heading off on a vacation where you and your friends will spend a week just sitting on a beach and taking advantage of your all-inclusive food and drink package and numerous resort clubs, you may be tempted to break your sobriety.
Instead, book a vacation that offers you more activities and excursions such as museum visits, historical tours, jet-skiing, kayaking, zip lining, and more, so you won’t be tempted by any substances.
Practice Proper Self Care
With all the fun that’s typically had on vacation, it can be a little hard to eat well and get enough sleep. Remember to practice good self care to give your body the proper fuel and rest it needs to feel strong and healthy.
Make Alternative Plans
It seems like almost every vacation has at least one night when everyone drinks together and potentially uses recreational drugs. If you think you’re going to be tempted to join in and break your sobriety, make other plans for that night and invite someone else from the trip to join you — anyone who cares about you will understand your need to get away and will gladly keep you company elsewhere.
At Silver Ridge, our addiction treatment programs are developmentally specific for midlife adults. Research shows that midlife adults identify with and respond best to collaborative, intrinsically-focused treatment. All of our treatment programs were specifically designed to support this finding. Contact us today to get the help you need.
