Why it’s so hard to come back from vacation and how to do it better

Left with all this space, an addict can be tempted to turn to the vices that have always called to them. Instead of looking at vacation as a way to escape from your problems – that is, your addiction and recovery – see it as a way to strengthen your sobriety skills. It is very possible to not use substances and still have the time of your life on vacation. There is also no rule saying that you have to attend every party you’re invited to. Your health and stability are far more valuable than one night of holiday celebration. Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals.

  • Maybe you realize you want to start sleeping more, making more time for staying active, or making more time for people you care about.
  • Airports and planes are full of potential triggers, from long security lines to the mini bottles of liquor that they serve during the flight.
  • This means your standard meal times will change, and the group might not want to eat when you need to.
  • National parks, sober resorts on the beach, meditation retreats, and wellness trips are great places to start.
  • Having an exit strategy for potentially stressful holiday situations is essential.
  • In fact, the idea of travel itself has motivated many people to start recovery.
  • You’ve come a long way — take some time to reward and pamper yourself.

Seeing your family could also lead to you feeling guilty or ashamed about the effect your previous addictive behaviors had on your loved ones. All of these emotions can be triggering, especially if you used alcohol or drugs to escape them in the past. The holiday season can be a triggering time for many reasons. Knowing your potential holiday relapse triggers is of utmost importance in any stage of recovery. If it’s not possible to travel with an ally, I urge you to utilize the phone-a-friend option.

Don’t Give Up

Some people flourish in their recovery when given the freedom to travel the world. For other people, their eating disorder tries to take advantage of the lack of structure and accountability. And while you’re traveling, you won’t have the same support you do at home.

How do I get back to reality after vacation?

  1. Make A Game Plan Regarding Emails.
  2. Drink Lots Of Water And Eat Tons Of Greens.
  3. Get Your Body Moving.
  4. Prioritize Sleep.
  5. If You're Feeling Down, Embrace It.
  6. Take Breaks To Breathe.

If you bring your swimsuit and a cute coverup, however, you can lounge by the water and be social. When traveling with other people, you’re not going to be in complete control of what and when you eat. This means your standard meal times will change, and the group might not https://ecosoberhouse.com/ want to eat when you need to. I’m going to Italy, the land of pasta, pizza, and cured meats. I couldn’t even tell you how to order a grilled chicken salad in Italian. Restriction will seem like an easy solution to the problem of every menu item being a challenge food.

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During your vacation, you can spend quality time with loved ones, relieve anxiety, and recharge. Sadly, many people turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cut loose during their vacation time. In many cases, tips for staying sober can provide some guidelines for those in recovery. One of our primary tips for staying sober is to never forget that you are not alone in this battle.

  • Your call is free and confidential, and there is no pressure to commit.
  • Holiday travel is among the hallmarks of the season when we can carve out time to connect with loved ones and enjoy festive traditions.
  • Before you leave, research Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings close to where you will be staying.
  • Left with all this space, an addict can be tempted to turn to the vices that have always called to them.
  • Whether you’ll be staying in one place or traveling between various cities and towns, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with local restaurants, grocery options, and menus.

Although planning and organizing a trip may be stressful, seeing and exploring new things on vacation can have a positive impact on your recovery. It can provide you vacationing in recovery with a new perspective on life that can take your recovery to new levels. Your trip should be filled with happiness and excitement, not anxiety and fears of relapse.

Plan Ahead

Depending on the length of your trip, you might want to rotate different sober friends or family members as your accountability partners. By choosing a vacation destination where you know there are activities that don’t revolve around alcohol or other drug use, you will already set yourself up for success. National parks, sober resorts on the beach, meditation retreats, and wellness trips are great places to start.

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