Whatever reason a recovering addict has for traveling, she is more inclined to relapse while she is on the road. While traveling, people are off their daily routines, freed from ordinary responsibilities and in a whole new environment. Without traveling, every decision is up for grabs, and alcohol is offered at almost location. From the airport to the hotel, travelers have the opportunity to consume alcohol or find illicit drugs in shady parts of town. The excitement of visiting new places, seeing friends and family or simply getting away from the ordinary can also cause people to drink. However, you can avoid this dangerous issue if you seek help before you go and plan to stay sober throughout your travels.
Dangers of Drinking while Traveling
The potential risks of drinking alcohol are generally the same whether someone is traveling or not, but when recovering addicts leave their usual environments, they may be inclined to make different decisions or be unprepared to deal with the effects of heavy drinking. Drinking alcohol reduces a person’s inhibitions and impairs her judgment. Additionally, being in a different place surrounded by different people can affect how much or what a person drinks, as well as how she responds to the alcohol. People can easily make regrettable decisions while impaired, so they will suffer tough consequences when their trips are over. The addiction mistakes people make while traveling can be financially and legally devastating, and they can hinder a person’s job, relationships and wellbeing.
Tips for Staying Sober or Clean while Traveling
The best way to stay sober while traveling is to plan ahead. When people want to remain sober, they can prepare themselves to avoid temptation by practicing saying no when temptation presents itself. Additionally, scheduling activities to do while traveling is especially helpful, as well as making a schedule that includes minimal free time. Planning activities to do and events to attend will eliminate dead time, and if you spend deposits ahead of time then you may be less inclined to blow available cash on alcohol. Other tips for staying sober while traveling include the following:
- Tell travel partners, waiters or hotel staff that you don’t want to drink ahead of time
- Make time to exercise everyday, which boosts adrenaline, energy and endorphins naturally
- Stay away from bars, restaurants, clubs and other places where alcohol-consumption is the main focus
- Talk with a doctor ahead of time to address jet lag and other issues with sleep and stress of travel
- Have someone to call or contact during times of temptation
If you take proper precautions against relapse, you can stay clean even while you travel.
Help Staying Sober while You Travel
If you need help staying sober while you travel, know that we can help. Call our toll-free helpline right now to speak with an addiction counselor about your treatment and recovery needs. They are available 24 hours a day, so call whether you have questions, need information or want to find addiction treatment. You do not have to struggle with alcohol abuse alone. Call today, because we’re ready to lend a helping hand.