It’s official. The holiday season is officially upon us. In addition to gift-giving, tree trimming and the occasionally awkward office party at work, this time of year is also associated with traveling to visit friends and family. And, for most, that can bring with it the stress and anxiety of navigating endless lines at airport security, long car rides and the like.
But, for those on a journey to addiction recovery, holiday travel can present even more obstacles. It can be challenging to maintain your sobriety without your support system around and having your normal routine thrown off. Though, with the right strategies in place, you can still enjoy the holidays and stay sober.
Traveling During the Holidays? Here Are a Few Tips.
(1) Create a travel plan. Even if you’re not on a path to addiction recovery, traveling can be stressful. Before you even leave your house, think about your upcoming trip, the potential relapse triggers you might encounter and how you can prepare yourself to respond.
(2) Take everything with a grain of salt. Keep things in perspective and don’t let yourself get upset about things you can’t control. When you’re faced with a challenging situation, try to find a way to smile and know that it’s just a temporary inconvenience.
(3) Plan ahead and schedule some sober activities. Don’t let yourself fall into the trap of getting bored and turning to drugs and alcohol as a crutch. Before you leave home, do a little bit of research online to find some interesting and healthy ways to spend your time. Check out local museums, parks and hiking trails.
(4) Use your trip to fulfill a personal goal. Spending time away from home can be stressful but it can also give you an opportunity to tackle a new project, learn a new hobby or ramp up your exercise routine. By focusing on a specific goal, you can use that determination and momentum to maintain a sober lifestyle.
If you’re on a journey to addiction recovery, you can still enjoy spending time with friends and family. With a little planning in advance, you can learn how to navigate holiday travel while staying sober.
Life Skills Training During Recovery in Southern California
At 10 Acre Ranch, we encourage clients to focus on recovery assignments that help them better understand themselves and learn important life skills including stress management, the importance of self-care, communication skills and relapse prevention strategies. To learn about our comprehensive addiction services, inquire about fees and insurance coverage, or discuss a loved one’s addiction cycle, contact the 10 Acre team today: (877) 228-4679 today.
