Are you celebrating the summer by taking a break from your everyday routine? Whether you plan to head to the beach, a camping trip, a music festival, family reunion, baseball game or a weekend getaway with friends, these experiences can build indelible memories.
But if you’re in recovery, travel can also bring unique challenges. Many vacations revolve around partying and nightlife, and being away from your usual routine and support system can make it easier to let healthy habits slip. Still, with a little bit of forethought, you can enjoy your trip while protecting the progress you’ve worked so hard to make.
PACE Recovery encourages our clients to view recovery as a decision that enhances their life, not an obstacle that detracts from their experiences.
Plan Your Trip With Recovery in Mind
You don’t have to avoid vacations once you get sober, but choosing activities that align with your new goals can be the difference between a trip you regret and one you’ll never forget.
As you set your itinerary, think about who you’re traveling with and the environments you might encounter along the way. Trips that revolve around hiking, surfing, kayaking, camping or sightseeing often provide lasting fun and photo opportunities without making alcohol and drugs the focus of the experience.
Since travel often introduces unpredictability and situations you can’t completely control, you should also make a list of your potential triggers and ensure you’ll have plenty of opportunities to step away and decompress if you get overwhelmed.
For example, you may encounter:
- Open bars at weddings or resorts
- Friends encouraging you to “have just one drink”
- Stress from delayed flights or unexpected scheduling changes
- Family conflict during reunions
- Feelings of boredom or loneliness
Instead of hoping these situations won’t happen, prepare for them ahead of time. Whether you choose creative visualization or role-playing with a sober supporter, rehearse how you will respond in various situations. Having a plan removes some of the pressure from making decisions in the moment.
Build Recovery Into Your Itinerary
Vacations may disrupt your usual daily routine, but they don’t have to derail your recovery. Before your trip, consider things that help you stay balanced even when everything else feels unfamiliar.
- Looking up local recovery meetings
- Scheduling a check-in with your sponsor or therapist
- Bringing inspirational books or podcasts
- Continuing to follow your typical activities whenever possible
- Prioritizing adequate sleep and regular meals
Give Yourself an Exit Strategy
One of the most valuable tools in recovery is knowing you can leave a situation if it no longer feels safe. If you’re attending a party or event where alcohol or drugs will be present, drive yourself or plan to hire a rideshare service. Tell your sponsor or a trusted friend your plans, and decide well in advance what would signal it’s time for you to leave.
You never have to stay somewhere that makes you feel uncomfortable just because everyone else is. Protecting your progress is a higher priority than avoiding an awkward conversation.
Don’t Let FOMO Influence You
While your social media feed can make it seem like everyone you follow is having the time of their lives, these “highlight reels” rarely tell the whole story.
Many people assume alcohol and drugs enhance vacation travel. But meaningful experiences come from the people you’re with, the places you explore and the memories you create along the way. One of the many benefits of sober travel is that you remember every bit of your experiences. Instead of being groggy, sleep-deprived and hungover from the night before, you’ll wake up well-rested, allowing you to fully enjoy everything your destination has to offer.
Redefine What Makes a Wonderful Vacation
Recovery also offers an opportunity to discover new interests and experiences. Instead of planning your trip around bars or parties, ask yourself:
- What have I always wanted to try?
- Where have I always wanted to go?
- What activities genuinely make me feel energized?
Whether it’s learning to skydive, exploring a national park, visiting a new city, trying local food, attending a concert or spending uninterrupted time with people you care about, some of life’s best memories happen when you’re fully present to soak them in.
Getting sober gives you the freedom to enjoy new experiences more completely. The healthy habits you develop in recovery – achieving goals, setting boundaries, tolerating discomfort, managing stress and making thoughtful decisions – will travel with you wherever you go.
At PACE Recovery, we help young men build the confidence and life skills needed to handle real-world situations, including vacations, holidays, and major life transitions. You don’t have to say no to adventure – you can create a life where you no longer feel you need alcohol or drugs to enjoy it. Contact us today to request help.