Going on vacation while in recovery or actively struggling with drug or alcohol abuse can present significant challenges and stressors. While vacations are intended to be a time of relaxation, those battling substance abuse may experience heightened emotions and exposure to new temptations and triggers.
Addressing The Link Between Substance Use and Travel
While vacations are often associated with adventure, relaxation, and escape from reality, this usually involves drug or alcohol use for some. Traveling provides a temporary escape from daily stressors and responsibilities. This sense of freedom often leads to people letting their guard down and indulging in certain activities they might avoid at home or overindulging.
Drug and alcohol use on vacation can be viewed as a means to socialize or let loose and relax. Whether it’s excessive alcohol consumption or recreational drug use, vacations are typically the time when individuals are overindulging or trying out new things. For individuals battling substance while vacationing, this can create an incredibly triggering environment.
The increased accessibility of alcohol and drugs when traveling can be tempting for individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs), especially in unfamiliar environments.
The Risks of Vacationing While Struggling with Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Understanding the risks of vacationing while battling substance abuse is crucial for preparing coping strategies when faced with temptations and triggers. The pressure to drink or try different substances while on vacation can be overwhelming, especially for those with a substance use disorder (SUD).
When traveling with substance abuse problems, it’s crucial to strategically plan and prepare ahead of time to support your recovery journey.
Temptations and Triggers in New Environments
One of the primary risks of traveling for someone battling substance abuse is exposure to triggers and temptations. New social settings, environments, and cultural norms can pose risks for relapse. Going on vacation with friends or family members who drink or use drugs can increase pressure to join in. The social pressures and expectations around substance use on vacation can be challenging for individuals in recovery from addiction.
The Disruption of Routine
Taking off from your routine to go on vacation can be destabilizing for those in recovery from substance abuse. Vacation disrupts structured activities like daily exercise or going to work. The lack of structure or routine on vacation may lead to emotional distress or boredom, which are both common triggers for substance use.
Accessibility of Drugs and Alcohol on Vacation
The accessibility of substances while traveling, especially in places with fewer restrictions or regulations, can potentially lead to emotional distress or relapse. Engaging in drug or alcohol use on vacation may seem less problematic or consequential for some. This mentality can lead to severe social consequences and physical health risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse.
Unfamiliar locations can make it challenging to access support or find sober-friendly activities. As someone in recovery or battling substance abuse, it’s essential to plan sober-friendly activities to avoid triggering environments.
Emotional Stressors While Traveling
Traveling on vacation can be incredibly stressful, including flight delays, tight schedules, or lost luggage. These travel issues can lead to increased stress and anxiety levels, which are also known triggers for drug and alcohol abuse. Individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD) may have used substances to cope with emotional distress.
Being away from familiar surroundings and your support network can lead some to experience feelings of homesickness or isolation. In addition, traveling can be expensive, which can add financial stress. This can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression.
Experiencing these emotions while traveling isn’t uncommon, heightening the importance of having supportive friends or online check-ins with sponsors.
Lack of Access to Support
Maintaining sobriety from a drug or alcohol use disorder (AUD) requires ongoing support from recovery groups, counselors, friends, and family members. Without regular access to these networks, the risk of relapse on vacation is much higher.
Missing recovery support meetings or therapy sessions can interfere with recovery efforts. Depending on your location, access to healthcare services on vacation may be limited.
When traveling while in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD), in case of a substance-related emergency or relapse, it’s critical to have a plan for accessing care or support.
6 Tips for Staying Sober While Traveling On Vacation
Traveling while staying sober requires planning, awareness of your recovery journey, and a solid commitment to your sobriety. Going on vacation while sober from drugs or alcohol can be a rewarding experience and milestone for those in recovery.
Sobriety requires resilience and the ability to cope and fight off triggers when faced with them. Traveling to specific destinations, especially those that glorify partying and heavy alcohol consumption, can be risky for individuals in recovery.
Staying prepared with coping mechanisms, clear boundaries, sober friends or online support, an emergency plan, and sober-friendly activities, you can enjoy a sober vacation free from substances.
1. Plan Ahead
When planning a sober vacation, finding sober-friendly accommodations and activities can help you stay busy and away from substances. Research your destination and look for attractions, restaurants, or events that are substance-free or don’t focus on alcohol or substance use.
Understanding your triggers and how to cope with them is a critical aspect of the recovery process. Identify potential triggers or temptations you might face while vacationing and have a plan in place for managing them if you do.
2. Set Clear Boundaries
Communicate your boundaries and commitment to sobriety with the friends or family members that you are traveling with. Setting these boundaries informs them of your limitations and how they can support you in certain situations. In early recovery, it’s best to avoid risky situations or environments that may trigger drug or alcohol use.
3. Stay Connected with Support Networks
Do regular check-ins with your support system back home, such as a sponsor, therapist, or a close friend who can offer support and accountability. Join an online support group or recovery meeting to stay connected with your sober community. These connections can act as encouragement and a reminder of why you chose sobriety in the first place.
4. Prioritize Physical and Mental Wellness
Vacations offer a wide range of opportunities to engage in physical activities. Whether hiking, swimming, or yoga, these activities can help you stay active and lower stress levels. Prioritize your self-care and make time for activities that allow you to relax and recharge, such as reading a book or journaling.
5. Have a Safety Plan
Traveling with a sober friend or family member can provide additional support and encouragement while on vacation. If you’re not traveling with sober individuals, prepare a list of emergency contacts like support groups or sober friends you can contact if you need support.
6. Explore Sober-Friendly Activities
Sober-friendly options and activities on vacation are endless. Exploring historical landmarks, museums, cultural sites, outdoor activities, or wellness retreats offers an enriching experience and is typically substance-free.
If you or a loved one is battling substance abuse, Coastal Detox is here to help. Our drug and alcohol detox programs in Stuart, FL, provide holistic treatment for those struggling with addiction.
Choose sobriety and reach out today.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023. CDC Yellow Book 2024: Substance Use & Substance Use Disorders.
- International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers, 2020. Travel and Substance Use.
- Journal of Travel Medicine, 2017. The highs and lows of drug tourism: a travel medicine perspective.
- National Geographic, 2023. Sober tourism is a growing trend—here’s how it can transform your trip.