Guest Post. Author: Sarah O’Brien is an Addiction Specialist with Ark Behavioral Health…because Chris obviously has no clue about this topic

With the summer months approaching, vacation plans are in full swing. And as much as we’d
like vacations to be carefree and relaxing, the reality is that traveling can come with
complications (such as financial stress, anxiety over being in a new place, or traveling with
kids).

If you’re in addiction recovery or trying to stay sober, these complications can exacerbate
substance abuse issues. Visiting places with easy access to bars might tempt you to slip and
have a drink, especially if you’re with people who want to go out and experience the nightlife.
Or, the stress of traveling and seeing old family or friends could trigger emotions that lead to
drug use.

But a vacation should be just that: a vacation. This is a chance for you to get away, visit
somewhere new, and enjoy your time away from home. Traveling does not have to lead to
relapse. With a few helpful strategies in place, you can have a successful trip with minimal
stress and chances of relapsing.

How to Stay Sober on Vacation
Whether you’re sober curious and trying to maintain your sober habits on vacation, or you’re
recovering from an addiction and need to stay away from substances, the tips below can help
you to stay on top of your drinking or drug use.
Here are 10 tips on staying sober while traveling and on vacation:

1. Know your triggers: An important part of any recovery plan is understanding triggers.
   Before you travel somewhere, make a physical or mental list of your triggers (bars,
   things that trigger anxiety, being alone, having easier access to substances, etc.) and
   come up with practical ways to address those issues when and if they arise.
2. Manage your diet: Vacations are for indulging, so feel free to enjoy different foods and
   non-alcoholic drinks. But remember that nutritional balance is vital to maintaining mood
   and emotional balance in recovery, so make it a point to watch what you’re consuming
   and how it makes you feel.
3. Have accountability: For many people, being alone on vacation opens the door to
   relapse because their usual supports are not in place. Be sure to check in with a friend
   or family member regularly, call your sponsor if you feel the urge to drink or use drugs,
   or find another way to stay accountable while on vacation. If you usually attend a 12-step
   group, you might even find a recovery group meeting in the area you’re traveling to.
4. Continue recovery habits: Going on a vacation doesn’t mean you have to leave
   everything behind. If you typically start your mornings with gratitude journaling or
   meditation, keep up those practices while you’re traveling. This will help to keep your
   stress levels and emotions stable.
5. Practice self care: If you’re on a vacation, it’s the perfect time to focus on your physical
   and emotional needs. Take your time getting ready in the morning, practice verbal
   affirmations, have a social media detox, and use the travel time to relax and care for
   yourself.
6. Find sober activities: One of the best ways to stay sober while traveling is to plan
   ahead. Look for local museums, hiking spots, restaurants, tours, and other activities.
   This will help you to avoid boredom, which can lead to substance use. By knowing what
   you’re doing ahead of time, you’ll already have the framework you need to avoid using
   drugs or alcohol.
7. Take precautions before you leave: Before you leave for a vacation, you should
   choose your destination carefully (avoiding those known for partying or drug use), ask
   hotel staff ahead of time to remove the minibar from your room, and travel with people
   who understand your recovery process and need to remain sober.
8. Bring someone with you: Solo trips can test a person’s sobriety. If you have a trip
   planned alone — perhaps a business trip, or a plan to visit a family member — ask
   someone to come with you to help keep you accountable. You might bring a spouse, a
   family member, or a trusted friend.
9. Mentally prepare to see family: If you’re traveling for a graduation, wedding, or another
   event in which you’ll see family that may be triggering, prepare yourself ahead of time for
   these interactions. Make sure you have a space to go to when you’re overwhelmed
   (such as the bathroom) and have an exit strategy so you can leave when you need to. 
10. Have a sober response ready: If you’re traveling with or visiting people who don’t know
    about your decision to stay sober, it’s best to have a few responses prepared to the
    question, “Why aren’t you drinking?” You might say, “I’m working on my health right
    now,” “I make more memories on trips when I don’t drink,” or “I’m driving the rental, so I’ll
    pass.”
    
    With some of the strategies mentioned above, you can plan a drug- or alcohol-free trip. Be sure
    to think through some of the triggers and potential stumbling blocks before leaving for a vacation
    so you’re not surprised when you arrive and run into issues. Remain calm and keep the
    perspective that your sobriety is more important than anything else.