Business trips are often seen as uncomfortable, stressful, and exhausting, not to mention an invitation to drink. But what if you are committed to sobriety? Work stress and social engagements can be challenging for those in addiction recovery, especially on the road. How do you navigate a sober trip? Discover practical tips for staying on track during business travels.
In the early stages of sobriety, and even years into recovery, constructing a careful routine is essential to bolster your commitment to a life free from alcohol or drugs. As you expand your social circles without compromising your sobriety, life becomes more fulfilling, thanks in no small part to the resilience of sobriety-focused habits.
Yet, business trips disrupt these established routines, shaking them like a snow globe. It is no surprise that anxiety may surface when you step away from the safety net you have meticulously woven for yourself. Temptations abound for business travellers in recovery, from airport terminals – a.k.a. the world’s longest bars – to conference gatherings with flowing liquor or the 19th hole after a round of golf with business partners. Whether it’s a business trip or your first sober holiday, proactive preparation is key.
Read on to learn more about our road rules for sober business travellers.
1 – Plan ahead
Given that most business trips adhere to a set schedule of events, it provides a valuable opportunity to anticipate potential triggers. Before your trip, take a moment to visualise the entire experience, identifying situations that may cause discomfort and require specific strategies. To organise your days in advance, consider the following steps:
- Accommodation: Contact your hotel in advance and ask them to remove any alcohol from the mini-bar.
- Airports & Flights: Steer clear of airport bars. Long-haul flights, too, can be triggering as they may involve repeated encounters with the beverage cart. Given that this is a business trip, you might need to spend your time working. However, if possible, opt for a work-free flight and prepare an air travel toolkit instead with a well-stocked tablet featuring books, podcasts, or music to divert your focus from alcohol. Bring a water bottle and snacks to stave off dehydration and hunger.
2 – Pack your routines
Maintain the routines that support your recovery at home when you are on the go. Incorporate elements of these routines into your travel schedule, whether it is a pre-breakfast swim or 5-minute breathing exercises during work breaks. No matter how small it may seem, if it contributes to keeping you sober, it is significant.
3 – Don’t rush yourself
If you are aware that stress often triggers your inclination to drink alcohol, make an effort to organise your trip, allowing ample time for tasks such as arriving at the airport well in advance, catching connecting flights, renting a car, and dealing with lines or traffic. When you feel rushed, strive to maintain focus and stay mindful. Remind yourself that you may not have control over certain frustrating circumstances, such as delayed flights or traffic jams, but that it is within your power to choose how you react to them.
4 – Navigate (booze-soaked) social events
These gatherings, including client dinners, cocktail parties, and post-conference outings, might be part of your job, but remember: drinking is never obligatory! Still, such situations can be rife with triggers, whether it is the allure of the drink or the worry about declining it. Address potential triggers beforehand to make these events more manageable. For instance, being hungry and tired are two of the most common triggers. So, if possible, it is always a good idea to take a nap and have a nutritious snack pre-game.
5 – Stay connected
Stay connected with your trusted support community back home, whether it is your sponsor, therapist, or a sober friend who will regularly check in on your well-being. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your go-to person. In fact, consider incorporating social check-ins into your daily schedule; knowing that someone expects to hear from you can motivate you to make the call. Another way to stay supported is to attend local meetings or recovery groups, which can easily be found online.
Reach out
As someone in recovery, business trips may never be the most thrilling prospect. However, with time, they become more manageable. With the help of your support community, in particular, you can make both your trip and long-term recovery a success. Our comprehensive NEOVIVA aftercare programme supports you at every stage of your recovery journey, whether at home or away. Don’t hesitate to contact us anytime for further details on our post-treatment options.
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