So, picture this: you’ve made the brave decision to kick your addiction and embark on the path of sobriety. It’s a whole new chapter in your life, filled with hope and the promise of a healthier, happier existence. But let me tell you, friend, it’s no walk in the park. Being newly sober comes with its own set of challenges that can knock you off your feet. I’m talking about the intense cravings that hit you like a ton of bricks, the rollercoaster of emotions that make you feel like you’re on the edge of a breakdown, and the constant social pressures that test your willpower. It’s like navigating a treacherous obstacle course, but let me tell you, the reward at the finish line is worth every ounce of struggle. So buckle up, stay strong, and remember that you’re not alone on this bumpy ride to a brighter, addiction-free future.
While most Brits picture sitting by a pool with a cocktail in hand when thinking of their summer holiday, for those newly sober, vacations can be challenging due to constant temptations and different drinking cultures.
A recent study by the team at Private Rehab Clinic Delamere revealed that ‘safe’ drinking levels vary across Europe and are a lot higher in certain countries than in the UK, which can make sobriety difficult.
However, while travelling when sober may seem like a daunting prospect, below, Martin Preston Founder and Chief Executive at Delamere has revealed his top tips for how those in recovery can have a successful sober holiday.
Why can sober travel be daunting for those in recovery?
Martin Preston says, “When we go on vacation, it is often a time to relax, unwind and take a break from the daily stresses of life that we experience. For some, this means booking themselves on holidays with free-flowing booze, but for those in recovery, it’s not quite that simple.
“Holidays can be challenging with all the temptations of alcohol around, and for those who are newly sober, they may view it as an opportunity to take a vacation from their sobriety.
“This is because when you are in recovery, a relaxing or positive environment such as a holiday can mean it’s easier to let your guard down – especially if things have been going well – which can make you think that you can control your alcohol consumption.
“However, sadly this is not how addiction works. Alcohol dependency is a chronic illness characterised by the inability to control how much you drink, meaning that even just one drink while on vacation can be a slippery slope towards relapse.
“Often the only way that those who struggle with alcohol addiction can continue their sobriety is by abstaining from the substance altogether, with the help of professional treatment and therapy.
“Sober travel doesn’t have to be as daunting as many believe, with careful planning and support from family or loved ones, vacations free from alcohol can be as fun as any other.”
How can those in recovery successfully travel sober?
- Travel with sober friends and family or those who will support you
First and foremost, before considering booking a vacation, think about the people that you are planning to go with. Are they the type of people who will support your recovery, or will they try to encourage you to just ‘have one’? If it’s the latter, you should probably reconsider the trip or instead go with people you know to support your journey.
You could even consider booking a trip with those who are also sober. Not only will they be more likely to engage in activities with you that don’t involve drinking, but sober companions can also be good for keeping you accountable for your decisions and making sure you don’t end up in any risky situations that could lead to relapse.
- Call your accommodation or flight company ahead of arrival
Another way you can make your sober holiday a success is by calling your flight company or hotel ahead of your arrival, to let them know of your sobriety. This can ensure that before you check in any alcohol is removed from your minibar, so you aren’t tempted.
If you want to remain discreet so it isn’t obvious to those around you, you can also use the phrase ‘I’m a friend of Bill’, which can indicate to plane or hotel staff that you don’t want to be served any alcoholic drinks.
- Make use of local support groups
Even though you are on holiday, it doesn’t mean that you can’t make use of any local AA support groups in the area in which you are staying. You may find being in an environment that you aren’t used to causes unwarranted anxiety or triggers, so reaching out to locals who are also in sobriety may help to keep you on track.
If attending local AA meetings doesn’t appeal to you, then it’s also a good idea to keep in contact with your support network back home. Consider letting them know you may need them while you are away, or ask them to check in with you regularly to see how you are doing.
- Plan activities in advance
Planning activities in advance can also be a great way to help maintain sobriety, if you are newly sober. Structure and routine is a key part of recovery whether on vacation or not, so having activities already lined up can help to keep your mind focused.
You could consider activities such as exploring the destination you are staying, visiting beaches or attending a museum tour.
- Avoid travelling to party destinations
One of the most important things to consider when taking a sober vacation is where you are going. It is best for example, to avoid any party destinations such as Ibiza, Magaluf, or Las Vegas, where drinking, drugs, and partying are a key part of the culture.
This is because even if you plan to do sober activities when visiting, alcohol and drugs are often still readily available, which can make it all too easy to relapse.
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