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It’s easy to push yourself beyond your limits when you’re exploring a new place. Continue eating regular, healthy meals, exercising and getting enough sleep each day so that you don’t feel depleted. New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Las Vegas, New Orleans and Hawaii are continually among the most popular vacation destinations, but why limit yourself to what’s conventional? Many resorts, cruise lines and travel companies offer alcohol-free vacations in these and other hotspots. If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger with thoughts of harming yourself or are experiencing a medical emergency, PLEASE CALL NOW!
Instead, try scoping out vacation spots that are not as focused on alcohol and are more family friendly such as national parks or areas that are rich in history, culture and the arts. There are even destinations such as Ocean City, New Jersey that are known as ‘dry towns,’ where the sale of alcohol is prohibited. Whether you decide to rent an RV, go glamping, or become one with nature, a getaway on the road can be thrilling – especially if you plan to stop at a few roadside attractions along the way. We are blessed (and sometimes cursed) to live in an age of connection.
Medications to Ease Withdrawal Symptoms
If you’re a Workit member, you can log into your usual recovery groups from the road (just keep in mind any time zone changes), and you can reach out to your care team through the app. If you’re a 12-step person, research your destination to find local meetings and how to get to them, or save the links to some online meetings. How will we avoid drinking or using when we’re away from home, with all of our recovery routines disrupted?
For example, you could make sure you carry a portable GPS or map of the areas you’ll be visiting to avoid any fears of getting lost. Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed health care provider. Always consult your
health care provider before beginning any new treatment, or if you have any questions regarding your
health condition. You should not disregard medical advice, or delay seeking medical advice, because of
something you read on this site. In the event of a medical emergency, call a doctor or 911 immediately. Jerry has over twenty years of experience as an executive with non-profit healthcare organizations.
Between 12 and 24 Hours
There is a misconception that someone following a 12-Step Program must abstain from any fun activities whatsoever. His role at High Watch is to ensure that we have the financial capacity to deliver the care and services our guests need day in and day out. His work and the work of his team is critical to our mission of seeing the disease of addiction go into remission for each individual who passes through our door. Dr. Boris believes that guests of High Watch should receive holistic care for more than just their mental health and addiction needs. He believes that their physical health is equally important in ensuring that guests are able to manage their addiction successfully.
- Dr. Williamson received her degree in medicine from Ross Medical School.
- For example, someone in recovery who’s susceptible to triggers probably would have an incredibly hard time vacationing in Las Vegas, where participating in hedonistic activities is generally the norm.
- Fortunately, the Philadelphia area is conveniently located between a number
of major metropolitan areas, shore towns, and outdoor destinations that
make it easy to stay busy on vacation. - Taking out time for your self-care and well-being can make maintaining sobriety easier.
- Bringing individuals that you trust to support you and help maintain your sobriety will offer some much-needed relief to any travel anxiety you may experience during your trip.
My team and I partner with healthcare providers to get their patients into High Watch where we know they will receive best in class care. Our Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program is located in Kent, Connecticut, and is a community-based fellowship program looking to recruit two residency graduates. During our 1-year fellowship, fellows will have experiences in substance use detoxification, residential treatment, medication-assisted treatment, pain management, and research endeavors.
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This process temporarily restores homeostasis, or chemical balance, in an effort to counteract the impact of long-term alcohol use on the brain. By Michelle Pugle
Michelle Pugle, MA, MHFA is a freelance health writer as seen in Healthline, Health, Everyday Health, Psych Central, and Verywell. Withdrawal symptoms range from mild to severe to potentially life-threatening. In order to mitigate some of these anxieties, prepare yourself by having a “toolbox” at hand. A toolbox can help you be prepared for potential adversity and triggers while also giving you the clearest view of what is to come on your trip.
He emphasizes psycho-education and shared decision making in his approach to supporting clients in reaching their goals. With over 5 years of experience in HR, Crystal has learned the importance of communication, collaboration and teamwork. He is passionate about helping guests improve their relationships with themselves and helping them better meet their social and emotional needs. Colin is a High Watch alumnus, and he completed his undergraduate education at Yale University and Masters in Social Work at UConn School of Social Work.
Enjoying Yourself with the Right Support
Celebrating sobriety with friends and supportive family members is an amazing way to create lasting memories. Rent an RV and drive across the US and fill a scrapbook with photo memories of all the novelty attractions. Attend a comedy show in one of New York’s many underground comedy clubs. Many people don’t know very much about the state they live in and the local attractions to be found there.
Before you start looking at brochures or making plane reservations, have an honest conversation with yourself and your traveling companions about your triggers and concerns about traveling while sober. Relapse isn’t inevitable on vacation or any other time, but if it happens, take advantage of this teachable moment. Evaluate what you could’ve done differently and call your therapist or treatment center immediately so that you can turn a slip-up into a learning https://ecosoberhouse.com/ experience rather than spiraling back into old patterns. As an addict in recovery, sometimes you have to be your own strongest advocate. Have a few responses prepared in the event you feel pressured to drink or use and don’t hesitate to remove yourself from any situation that makes you feel vulnerable or uneasy. You can also take precautions such as asking the hotel to remove alcohol from the mini-bar if you know that will be a temptation for you.
For example, plan substance-free activities that will keep you occupied and entertained so that you’re not at loose ends. Look up the restaurants and clubs at your destination so that you can order confidently when you get there. Having a plan will make you feel more confident and set you up for a successful vacation that fits your recovery goals. Find a yoga class, a bus or walking tour, a cooking class, or a museum excursion that gets you up and out of the hotel in the morning. Choose activities you’ve always wanted to try and are excited about. The more fun you have without substances, the more confident you will be in yourself and traveling while sober.
- Residential treatment is a type of inpatient treatment where a person lives onsite in a sober living community.
- If you need a few minutes to wind down, use portable stress management techniques like meditation, yoga or reading.
- Going into a vacation with unrealistic expectations can potentially lead to relapse.
- How will we avoid drinking or using when we’re away from home, with all of our recovery routines disrupted?
- Treat yourself so that you don’t feel like you are missing out by not drinking.
- Janet has expertise in treating individuals with co-occurring disorders.
- In addition to knowing about the physical location, make a list of things you need to have with you to resist triggers.
Whether you have just discovered your new life in recovery, or you have been sober for some time, remember to enjoy the ride, but don’t forget to pack your recovery toolbox! Continue to practice saying no, remember to check in with yourself and stay grounded– whether it’s through journaling or meditation, and most importantly, keep the focus on your recovery and stay in today. While you are away, remember to relax and enjoy your time, but be sure to have plans in place to prevent boredom from striking to avoid any potential temptation that may risk your sobriety. 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. The alcohol withdrawal timeline varies, but the worst of the symptoms typically wear off after 72 hours.
How to Enjoy Vacation While in Recovery
For most people, alcohol withdrawal symptoms will begin to subside after 72 hours. If you are still experiencing withdrawal symptoms after three days, talk to your healthcare provider. I also personally find hanging out around people who are inebriated to be triggering, so I navigate that by deciding how I’ll respond if my companions or other vacationers are intoxicated around me.