Vacation and Binging

Sun, Sand, and Substance Use: Why Vacations Can Trigger Relapse

Posted on May 8, 2025  in Uncategorized

Vacations are typically associated with rest, relaxation, and escape from everyday stress. For most people, a trip to a sunny beach or an exotic destination is a time to unwind and enjoy life. But for those in recovery from substance use disorders, vacations can also carry hidden dangers. The very elements that make travel so appealing—freedom, lack of routine, and social celebration—can become powerful triggers for relapse. Understanding these risks is essential for anyone in recovery planning a getaway.

Why Are Vacations Risky for People in Recovery?

At first glance, vacations seem harmless—if not beneficial—for mental health. They offer distance from work, household duties, and emotional burdens. But for someone who has built a life of sobriety through structure, accountability, and routine, the absence of those safeguards can be destabilizing.

1. Disrupted Structure and Routine
Structure is a cornerstone of recovery. Regular schedules, therapy sessions, support group meetings, and sober communities help maintain focus and prevent cravings from escalating. When on vacation, those routines disappear. Late nights, unfamiliar surroundings, and a lack of daily commitments can create mental and emotional gaps that substances once filled. Without a plan in place, it’s easy for old habits to creep back in.

2. Environmental and Emotional Triggers
Vacations often include parties, drinking, and nightlife—scenes that can quickly trigger past behaviors. Seeing others casually drink or use drugs can create feelings of temptation, loneliness, or even grief over the “old life.” This emotional conflict can lead to impulsive decisions, especially if the individual is already feeling off-balance from travel stress or culture shock.

3. The “Just This Once” Mentality
Being in a different place can give people a false sense of anonymity or detachment from their everyday life. Thoughts like “No one will know,” or “It’s just one time” can rationalize risky behavior. But recovery is fragile, and even one drink or drug use can spiral into full-blown relapse—undoing months or years of progress.

4. Pressure from Peers or Locals
Whether traveling with friends or joining new groups abroad, social dynamics play a major role. Well-meaning travel companions may encourage a toast or offer a substance to enhance the experience, not realizing the potential harm. The pressure to “join in” can be overwhelming, especially in environments where substance use is normalized.

How to Vacation Safely in Recovery

• Plan Ahead: Choose destinations known for wellness, nature, or culture rather than party scenes. Look into local support meetings or recovery communities you can connect with during your trip.

• Travel with Supportive People: Go with friends or family who respect your sobriety and won’t pressure you to drink or use.

• Keep a Daily Routine: Maintain a loose schedule, including exercise, mindfulness, or journaling, to stay grounded.

• Know Your Triggers: Be honest about the situations or environments that challenge you, and avoid them when possible.

Conclusion

Vacations don’t have to be a relapse waiting to happen. With intention, planning, and awareness, they can be an enriching part of a sober lifestyle. Recovery isn’t about avoiding life—it’s about learning how to live it fully, even on vacation, without needing to escape through substances.