When going on vacation, people plan on relaxing and having fun. For those in recovery from substance use disorders, additional planning needs to take place to reduce their vulnerability to relapse.
I once heard someone say, “In moments of strength, plan for times when you’re weak.” If you are in recovery, then prior to going on vacation (your moment of strength) consider the suggestions below for reducing your vulnerability (moments when you’re weak) to relapse.
Bring your recovery program with you, and continue those routines.
Unfortunately, addiction doesn’t take a vacation when you do, so you must remain vigilant and continue following your program of recovery.
- Bring recovery literature, your journal, medications, etc.
- Make sure you schedule some alone time each day when you can do some self-reflection.
- Continue to stay connected each day with your recovery support network through texts, emails or phone calls to help you cope with any challenges that may arise.
Research and attend recovery meetings in the city where you are vacationing.
- Consider online support group meetings if meetings in person aren’t available.
- If you’re going on a cruise, check for “Friends of Bill” meetings on the cruise’s itinerary of daily events; these are AA meetings.
If you are flying, consider direct flights to avoid long layovers and airport bars.
Long layovers can lead to boredom and restlessness, which may put one at risk for thoughts of substance use.
- If you have a layover, bring some activities (a game, a book) to keep your mind busy and find a quiet space to place yourself in at the airport away from bars.
- If you find yourself having a difficult time, ask an airport employee if they can use the intercom to ask if any “friends of Bill W.” are available and another recovering individual will likely show up to support you.
Consider alternative beverages.
If you are considering “mocktails” you must be mindful that it isn’t triggering for you and that you are 100 percent sure that no alcohol is added. One recovering individual told me they focused on specialty coffee drinks, teas, etc. while on their trip and they found that extremely helpful.
Focus on what you are looking forward to about the vacation.
We tend to feel what we focus on. If you go into the vacation focusing on what you will be missing out on, then you will likely feel frustration. Instead, identify ahead of time and schedule activities that you can get excited about on your vacation.
Consider the medication ‘Antabuse.’
Consult an addiction doctor to see if this medication would be appropriate for you to help reduce your vulnerability to drinking.
Avoid permission-giving using thoughts.
A permission-giving thought is when you tell yourself it would be alright to drink or use substances. Common permission giving thoughts to avoid are, “It’s my vacation. I deserve to unwind with a drink–everyone else is,” or “I will just restart my recovery when I get back home.”
If you have these thoughts, remind yourself how any use will only create a stronger desire to keep using them, which in turn will create consequences on your trip. Also, there is no assurance you will be able to stop easily when you get home.
Share your commitment to sobriety with others for accountability.
You don’t have to let everyone know about your recovery, but you need to identify as a non-substance user. If others know you have quit, then they can be part of the solution (supporting you) versus part of the problem (encouraging you to use).
People may be curious to know why you quit or don’t use. Simply let them know you have quit because you want to be the healthiest version of yourself. If your sobriety is a secret to those around, then it may be easier for you to give in to temptation. As I remind folks often “Secrets keep you sick and honesty keeps you sober.”
Taking vacations require making some adjustment if you’re in recovery. But success can be found if you consider the above suggestions. Remember that each vacation you are sober is an opportunity to relax, have fun, and create long-lasting, guilt-free, positive memories for yourself and the people you care about.
