Taking Your Recovery on the Road

The good news is that you are doing well in your recovery efforts and are ready to begin steps that will reclaim the normalcy in your life. The bad news is that you might be traveling soon and away from your treatment center or people in your life who are holding you accountable. Questions may arise such as how will you handle triggers when you are in an unfamiliar environment? What happens when the person next to you on the plane is drinking or your travel companions want to head to a bar after meetings?

Below are some strategies and tips to help you stay sober while dealing with your recovery on the road. Whether it be for business or pleasure, making sure you plan ahead and think through possible ramifications is the best way to ensure that you remain on track in your recovery efforts.

Have a Game Plan

Research the city you are heading to and check and see what type of support groups and recovery centers they have. Many clinics allow guests visiting the area to come in for guest dosing services. You will need to contact them before your arrival and send in a guest dosing request. This is a good example of why having a game plan is necessary.

Remember Your Coping Strategies

Anyone who has ever traveled will tell you that things never go as smoothly as planned. There will always be cancelled flights, a hotel room mix up or some other delay that can cause frustration. Unfortunately stress can be a trigger for a relapse.1 When any of these stressors occur, remember to use your coping strategies and don’t let frustrations cause you to revert to old patterns.

Pick a Destination Suitable for Staying Sober

When dealing with your recovery on the road, if you are not traveling for business but rather pleasure, you should research the best places for you to go. Deciding to go on a cruise, for example, may not be the best vacation for you just yet. Likewise your friend’s bachelor party in Vegas is probably not a wise choice either. But there are many options for you to have a great time and enjoy yourself without constantly being surrounded by temptation. Trips that involve a lot of physical activity, like exploring museums or hiking trails, can keep your mind busy.

Travel with a Trusted Family Member or Friend

While in recovery, you know how important it is to have accountability. The best way to achieve this on vacation is to travel with a safe and supportive friend or family member. Choose someone who will help you focus on your recovery and who will steer you away from tempting situations. If you are in a situation where you have to travel alone or simply can’t find someone to go on your vacation with you, then it is vitally important that you stay in touch with sober friends at home on a regular basis. It is easy to stay connected via phone, social media or email no matter where you are. Before you go, consider setting up a scheduled daily phone call with a friend to check in and to help keep you on track.

Traveling while dealing with your recovery on the road may seem daunting at first, but with the right attitude and proper planning, it absolutely can be done. After a few successful trips, you will find it to be easier and you will begin to plan more trips and adventures. Get out there and explore the world, check items off of your bucket list and enjoy life! Go see the world with new and fresh eyes. You can do it and you will be surprised and how enjoyable life can be without depending on drugs and alcohol. What are you waiting for? The world is yours to see!

1 https://www.verywellmind.com/why-did-i-relapse-21900

Additional Reading About Recovery

Eating Healthy During Recovery

Healthy Relationships While in Recovery