It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling for business or pleasure, it can present challenges for people who are working hard to remain sober. You’ll be away from your network of support, be out of your normal routine, and will very likely be surrounded by other travelers who view being away from their homes as a legal mandate to drink. This can seem like it’s the ultimate test of your sobriety.
Here’s a quick look at things that can help you remain sober on your trip.
Choose Your Destination Wisely
When you’re planning your vacation, it’s common sense to stay away from Napa Valley, avoid Daytona Beach during spring break, and to refrain from traveling to Germany during October. That said, the structure and culture of other types of travel experiences also need to be accounted for. For example, cruises tend to offer quite a few opportunities to drink and eat. At beachside resorts, sun and alcohol seem to go hand in hand.
Even before you get to your destination, travel can lead to drinking. For example, you’ll be offered alcohol on flights and there are drinking cars on trains. A good idea is to drive if at all possible and, if it’s feasible, find out about interlock device installation and have it done to your car before leaving for your destination.
Make Sure Your Support Network is With You
Business destinations are often chosen for you. It doesn’t matter if you did Subutex detox or some other type, it can be unnerving to suddenly be without your network of support. That doesn’t mean that you won’t have access to support though. There are quite a few apps that you can download that help with sobriety. Some of them will even connect you with any support meetings in the area.
Plan Your Activities Ahead of Time
Don’t wait until you get where you’re going to decide what to do. While every minute doesn’t need to be mapped out, it’s a good idea to have at least a few things to do planned to give your days structure. If the reason you’re traveling is for work and you know that there will be at least a bit of downtime, check the area ahead of time for any events. Or, make plans to spend time in nature. For example, if you’re traveling to San Francisco, you might want to hike to Alamere Falls or some other nearby area.
Remember What You’re Missing
It’s easy to begin to feel sorry for yourself when people around you are enjoying cocktails on the beach or laughing at whatever in a bar. However, you need to remember what it is that you’re truly missing out on – a life that just didn’t work for you. Take a look at those people having fun now and realize that they’ll be paying for it a bit later. On the other hand, you’ll be actually present throughout your vacation and be able to both experience and enjoy all that comes with it. Instead of wondering what, exactly, you did the night before, the entire trip will be one that you’ll always remember, as well as being one that’s worth remembering.
