Summer is coming, are you ready? Not just for beach days and barbecues, but for how you’re going to handle your sobriety this summer. It can be a challenge, especially if you’re newly sober. Vacation planning can feel overwhelming, and if you’re traveling with other people who aren’t sober, the challenge can be even greater. Yes, it will be challenging, but with the right planning and the right activities, you can enjoy some sun and fun and create new vacation memories. At Crossroads, our residential women’s treatment center can prepare you to travel after rehab. For more information, please contact Crossroads today at 877.978.1667.
Plan Accordingly For Your Sobriety
It all starts with a plan. The best advice is to keep it simple. If you overthink it, you’ll layer on added stress you don’t need. You’re already dealing with avoiding triggers and relapse, so focus on how you can have fun and make the most of your vacation. When you are thinking about the places you want to go and the activities you want to take part in, it’s helpful to keep a few things in mind:
- Make a plan so you can enjoy any trip or social situation, not just your vacation.
- The unexpected will happen, so be prepared.
- Your travel companions will make all the difference.
- Don’t dwell on how much fun you had on past vacations when you weren’t sober.
- If you’re unsure about how to manage your sobriety in unfamiliar locales, you can always enjoy a controlled staycation.
You can have peace of mind that you are supported and prepared for any scenario by planning ahead. Make sure you’re planning your sober summer with family or friends who understand the importance of your recovery process. Having them with you will help you mentally and physically, especially if temptation rears its ugly head.
Risk-Free Sober Summer Activities
There is no shortage of ways to make a sober summer vacation plan. Additionally, now that you’re sober, you probably have more time and energy to try new things, so take advantage of that. Ultimately you have to choose what feels right for you. Here are some summer vacation ideas that jive with a sober lifestyle:
- Retreats: In this scenario, you don’t have to worry about your travel partners partying because you’ll be around people who are all there to get away and take care of themselves.
- Cultural road trip: Check out a new city, museum, national monument, or theatrical production. Map out your route, where you’ll stay, and what you’ll see along the way. This way, you control the environments and potential triggers everywhere you go.
- Take up a new sport: If you’ve always wanted to try surfing, climbing, or another activity, this could be a great way to spend your time off in a fun, constructive and sober manner.
- Outdoor adventures: Being one with nature can clear your mind and eliminate any temptations that don’t come on the trip with you.
- Volunteer: While not your typical vacation, doing something that keeps your hands busy, like building homes in underserved communities, can be a worthwhile activity.
There are also travel groups that specialize in sober group travel. Therefore, if you’re looking to vacation with like-minded people instead of a typical family vacation, this could be something to consider.
Contact Crossroads to Start Your Sober Plan
Do you have questions? We’ve got answers. Connect with our talented and caring treatment team to learn more about our addiction treatment options and how we can better prepare you for life after treatment and rehab.
Crossroads is your home away from home as you work to be a better sober version of yourself. We offer gender-responsive treatment programs because we understand that women often face different challenges receiving treatment for substance use and mental health disorders.
Contact our treatment team today at 877.978.1667 to learn more.
