Taking a trip can toss anyone’s routine out of whack. It can be particularly harmful for those of us working hard to stay sober.

Your Other Travel Plans

Interrupting your typical regimen can be a trigger for relapse, so let’s go over AION Recovery’s seven techniques to help you deal with being on the road:

• Tip # 1 Make a Commitment Road map
It’s always wise to check out the timetable of support group sessions in the locations you’re planning on traveling to. Going to meetings will help keep you in a routine, as well as help set the mood for the rest of your journey. By doing your research ahead of time, you’ll feel more equipped and less distressed about how traveling will impact your sobriety.

• Tip # 2 Bring Reading Content
AA information (books, blogs etc.) is a wonderful way to stay and feel connected to your recovery while on the road. It not only includes some motivating personal tales of sobriety, but it keeps the main concern at the center of your mind: your recovery. We also have a lot of inspirational blogs and info here on our website to help keep you focused.

• Tip # 3 Stay in Touch with Your Feelings
Those of us in AA know the emotions to pay attention to: cravings, rage, solitude, and exhaustion. Either one of these can pop up suddenly while traveling; it’s important to be mindful of them so they don’t serve as a cause for relapse. Every day, take a minute to check in with yourself and mentally regroup if needed. Plus, it always helps to prepare in advance and pack a few snacks or reach out to some neighborhood contacts to ward off these problematic emotions.

• Tip # 4 Don’t Forfeit Communication with Your Home Base
Just because you’re out of town doesn’t mean you should go cutting off communication with your support group back home. Stay linked with those you’re close with, such as your sponsor, by checking in everyday through text, email, or a phone call.

• Tip # 5 Be Cautious of the Minibar
This one is obvious. There’s no reason to entice yourself if you don’t have to. Rather, call ahead and ask the hotel to clear out the liquor before you get there. Out of sight, out of mind.

• Tip # 6 Maneuver Away from Old Habits
This consists of old drinking pals and bars you used to go to. People and places can trigger a relapse, so stay far away from anything you’ve linked to alcohol or drugs.

• Tip # 7 Keep to a Regimen
Now is not the time to take a holiday from your recovery. Treat it like it’s any typical day at home and stick to your normal routines as much as possible. This way, when you do get home, it will feel like you never left, from a recovery point of view.

AION Recovery is dedicated to making sure help is available to you or a loved one affected by drug or alcohol addiction. Call our toll-free hotline 24/7 at 888-811-2879. Our team is standing by to help.