How To Create A Relaxing Vacation When You’re In Addiction Recovery

With the new year approaching and new vacation days being added to the bank, many people are thinking about planning a vacation. And while most getaways are meant to be relaxing, it can be difficult to prepare for a stress-free trip when you’re new to sober life. Many vacations are associated with drinking on the beach, or involve an all-inclusive resort that hinges on free alcohol and social events. 

With that in mind, it’s important to find the best ways to relax, take care of yourself, and garner support from friends and family while you’re away in order to keep temptation at bay. Choosing the right vacation destination for you is a good start, so do some research to find the one that works best for your needs. 

Mentality Magazine shares some of the best ways to create a relaxing, successful vacation while living your best sober life. 

Think about your needs

A vacation should be about relaxation and being able to focus on your health and wellbeing, so do some research on resorts and retreats that make your recovery a priority. If that’s not the way you want to go, make it a point to avoid all-inclusive resorts, which put a focus on the free drinks and food, and instead book a hotel or cabin yourself. Whatever you decide, make sure it’s a place where you feel comfortable; if you’re unable to truly relax, you may be tempted to fall back into old habits to put yourself more at ease.

It’s ideal to think about what your needs will be while you’re away; for instance, you may need support from your sponsor or a close friend, so don’t unplug completely, as tempting as it might be, even if you’re traveling abroad. Socialization is important, especially when you have positive, supportive people in your corner. It’s important to lean on these individuals during those times when you’re feeling less than confident about your covery. Keep your phone handy just in case, and let your friends and family members know where you’ll be. Be sure to also switch to an international phone plan for the duration of your trip. 

It might also be helpful to bring your own bottled water and juices to social functions during your vacation, especially if your hotel has a bar. Having a non-alcoholic drink in your hand will keep you from having to deal with awkward conversations and can help you say no when faced with a drink offer. 

Take care of yourself

It’s imperative to practice self-care during your vacation, so do something to treat yourself whenever possible. Get a massage, go for a leisurely swim, sleep in as often as you can or treat yourself to delicious local delicacies. Self-care is all about doing things that make you feel happy and relaxed in a healthy way. However, it’s always best to approach these self-care techniques with caution, as “going overboard” could ultimately prove to be more harmful than good for your recovery. As with everything, moderation is the key here.

Fill your days with fun

Many people in recovery find it helpful to keep to a schedule of sorts every day, but vacations are meant to be about minimizing structure and being spontaneous. Allowing boredom to creep in can lead to temptations best avoided. Staying busy will be easier if you’re planning a trek somewhere like the Inca Trail in Peru or Everest Base Camp in Nepal. However, if you’re planning a leisurely beach vacation or staying in an unfamiliar city, you’ll need some structure.  It’s important, then, to fill your vacation days with fun activities and do some exploring.

Get in a workout

Daily exercise can help beat stress and boost your mood, so look for ways you can fit in a workout while you’re away. Meditation can also help, and it can be done in tandem with yoga or other mindful exercises, which can significantly reduce stress and the symptoms of depression. 

Cover your bases

You can have the best of intentions, and stick to your plan the bulk of your trip, but a single trigger can change the course of your getaway. A lost passport or a stolen wallet could prompt you to soothe your woes in the hotel bar. Or a broken ankle could mean using painkillers that you’re meant to stay away from. With these potential scenarios in mind, it’s important to have a plan. 

Start by looking into travel insurance, which is crucial when traveling abroad. Next, make copies of your passport. Take a copy but leave the other with a trusted family member or friend. You also want quick access to money in the event that your wallet is stolen. In this case, you can be confident when friends or family use a transfer service like Remitly to send money, which even has pickup locations in Nepal! 

Creating a relaxing vacation is important when you’re in recovery, so remember to try and stay patient, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Think of some ways you can stay calm--such as breathing exercises--and implement them when necessary.