When someone has worked hard to overcome an alcohol or drug addiction, it can be challenging to readjust to regular life. It is critical to stay away from friends and activities that were connected to the addiction, but that can lead to feelings of isolation and distress. Could scheduling a sober vacation do the trick to spark a positive, solid reset in one’s life?

Vacations don’t have to revolve around partying

Go Nomad notes that many people in addiction recovery may worry that they will never be able to enjoy a vacation again. Oftentimes vacations are centered around partying and it can be virtually impossible to avoid temptation on these types of trips. Going on a vacation similar to ones taken prior to recovery could spell a recipe for disaster, but that doesn’t mean that vacations are permanently off-limits.

There are plenty of positives that come from taking a sober vacation during addiction recovery. These can provide an opportunity to reset and rebuild one’s life, and they can help to eliminate issues with boredom and anxiety. As Psychology Today details, anxiety and boredom can be very dangerous for someone new to sobriety as they often become a factor in relapsing.

It is crucial to avoid boredom and old habits after an addiction

As one moves forward in their addiction recovery, it is important to find new activities that will be pleasurable and interesting. Narconon notes that places or people that were fun in the past may be dangerous for one’s sobriety now, so finding new connections and outlets for your energy are critical. For some people, taking a sober vacation can enable someone who is struggling to make new connections and perhaps even develop new passions or hobbies.

When considering vacation plans soon after recovery, it is key to focus on something that will be a change of pace from prior vacations where one was drinking or using drugs. Instead, go for a different type of outing that aligns with building a new, sober life, and take this opportunity to try new things. Visit vacation spots you have never been to before or find some sober friends or family to travel with you and plan ahead so that you have plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Trips can provide an attitude reset

It can be overwhelming to consider going on a vacation soon after going through recovery, but the Addiction blog points out that a trip can help to remind someone how wonderful life can be. Sometimes it is hard to develop a positive attitude and battle away depression or anxiety when rehab is over and the realities of regular life set back in, so for some, going on a sober vacation can provide an opportunity to reflect on the good in one’s life and see the world in a positive, uplifting light again.

Where to Begin

If you’re not sure where to start, ask among the fellowship in your support groups, but definitely take some time to look online. The idea of sober vacations is a booming business, and there are plenty of options. Some travel agents focus specifically on sober travel, so that can be helpful if you’re paralyzed by uncertainty. If you’re planning a trip yourself, once you get some research under your belt, it’s easy to start figuring out what will best fit your lifestyle and budget, as there are sober adventures that appeal to anyone. For the newly sober, it’s best to avoid hardcore party places, think Key West, Las Vegas, Panama City. Your research and talking to others can guide you to the best option, so don’t be afraid to look around and ask questions.

Readjusting to everyday life after battling a substance or alcohol addiction can be a difficult process. It is important to avoid temptations, but trying to move forward while staying clear of prior people and places that were associated with the addiction can sometimes lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. When one needs a positive reset to kick off a new life, planning a sober vacation may do the trick. A vacation like this can help one make new friends and develop new hobbies, and lay the groundwork for seeing life in a refreshed, positive light that provides the inspiration to dig in and keep pushing forward.

[Image via Pixabay]

Author: Michelle Peterson of recoverypride.org