Traveling while sober can be easier if you choose locations that offer immersive activities that are completely new to you. Visit local museums, take advantage of outdoor activities like hiking and swimming, and try some of the local cuisines. Although it sounds cheesy, a sense of humor can also be a great stress management https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/vacationing-in-recovery/ tool. Laughter reduces stress, boosts endorphins, and allows you to recenter. If you can put some space between yourself and your triggers, you can move forward with more awareness. If you know it will be hard to get through the airport without stopping for a beer, make an action plan to handle that trigger.

Lauren has a warm, yet direct approach and believes that the healing relationship built within the therapeutic space is incredibly important for those in recovery from addiction and trauma. She strives to connect, understand, and walk beside each of her clients throughout their process. She understands the importance of individualized care and incorporates various evidence-based practices into both her private and group therapy sessions. She has received training in Internal Family Systems, Brainspotting, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and the 12-steps, Trauma therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Triggers to Watch for On Vacation

Think how often the phone rings or you get an urgent text or the boss comes by and wants your project results ASAP. You go in early, work through lunch or skip meals altogether, stay late, and even bring work home. You’re constantly on edge, working against the clock, trying to catch up – especially if you’re just getting back to work after being in rehab – and it all adds up to a whole lot of very damaging stress. Healthy routines are a critical part of successful recovery from addiction.

If you or a loved one need help reaching recovery, help is available. Contact the Recovery VIllage to learn about evidence-based treatment plans that treat the whole person, so you can find lasting healing. Some vacationers like to get off the grid, shut off their phones, and live a tech-free life for a few days. You can indulge yourself in this way, but try not to do it the whole time.

Consider This Part of Your Recovery

Traveling often exposes you to various triggers and can confront you with temptation. He works directly with guests, their families and caregivers to navigate the insurance approval process and to make arrangements for self-paying individuals. Rob believes that it is essential that individuals seeking help with their addiction not be turned away. The fact that they have come to High Watch seeking help is so important and there may not be another opportunity to get that person on the road to recovery.

• In Sociology and became a Certified Addiction Counselor in 2022.
• She spent the majority of her career practicing Emergency Medicine prior to transitioning to Addiction Medicine.
• Traveling while sober presents a lot of new obstacles, and temptation is everywhere.

If
you are someone who finds peace through nature, scope out some outdoor
active activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and rock climbing. If you
are traveling with children, check out some local zoos, aquariums, and
amusement parks that provide entertainment for the whole family. Don’t overwhelm yourself, but make it a point to avoid too much downtime, which can lead to temptation. Create a daily to-do list and check items off as you go. Call ahead and pre-plan activities that will encourage and inspire you and ultimately promote your recovery. The point is to confirm that you don’t need drugs and alcohol to enjoy yourself.