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Travel Tips for Those in Recovery

Whether you’re visiting family, taking a vacation, or traveling for work, seeing new places and traveling and meeting new people can be exhilarating. But if you’re in recovery, traveling comes with its own set of challenges. The unfamiliarity of being away from your routine can trigger cravings or temptations, making it vital to prepare before you hit the road.

Leaving your familiar environment—where you have established healthy routines, a support system, and coping strategies—can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. Some challenges you might face while traveling include:

  • Triggers in new environments: Airports, hotels, or social events might remind you of past drinking or substance use habits.
  • Stress and anxiety: Traveling can be stressful, from navigating busy airports to delayed flights or unfamiliar surroundings. Stress can increase the risk of cravings.
  • Lack of support: When you’re away from home, it’s easy to feel isolated from the support system that keeps you grounded.

Recognizing these challenges is the first step to overcoming them. There is good news, with the right preparation, you can stay on track and enjoy your travels.

Tips for Staying Sober While Traveling

  • Make a plan. A little preparation can go a long way in making your trip smoother and less stressful. Before you travel, do your research and look up local recovery meetings like AA or NA at your destination
  • Stay in sober-friendly accommodations. Choose a hotel or vacation rental that doesn’t have minibars or other temptations.
  • Stay in touch with your support system. Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you have to feel alone. Schedule daily calls or texts with your sponsor, a trusted friend, or a family member. Be sure to let someone know your itinerary and check in with them throughout your trip.
  • Avoid high-risk situations. Some environments may make it harder to stay sober. Be mindful of these situations and set boundaries. Choose spaces that don’t revolve around alcohol or substances. Decline offers to be in the hotel bar or other tempting situations. Practice a simple response, like “No, thanks, I don’t drink,” if offered alcohol or substances.
  • Stick to your routine. Maintaining your regular schedule, such as meal times, exercise, and sleep, can keep you focused. Having strategies to manage stress or cravings can help you stay calm and in control.

What To Do If You Feel Tempted While Traveling

No matter how prepared you are, cravings can happen. The following tips can help if you experience cravings:

  • Pause and reflect. Take a moment to breathe and remind yourself why sobriety is important to you.
  • Reach out. Call your sponsor or a trusted friend. Talking to someone who understands can help you refocus.
  • Use positive affirmations. Repeat encouraging phrases to yourself, like “I’ve worked hard to get here, and I won’t let this moment ruin my progress.”
  • Leave the situation. If a specific environment is triggering, excuse yourself and find a safer space.

Your trips may include attending a social gathering or event where alcohol or substances may be present. Be upfront with your companions about your recovery. If they respect your journey, they’ll support your decision to stay sober. Be sure to have an exit strategy in place so you can leave any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Traveling sober offers a unique opportunity to experience life in a fresh, clear way. Without the cloud of substances, you’ll be able to fully enjoy your trip. Being able to enjoy traveling while staying sober proves to yourself that you’re stronger than any temptation.

At Stone River Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas, we’re here to support you at every stage of your recovery. If you ever feel overwhelmed or need guidance, remember that you’re not alone. Contact us to learn more about our programs and services.

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