Sober Vacation
During the Sober Vacation season, more people drink to excess, and often drive impaired, adding up to a dangerous season. There are more social occasions, and more stress as social and financial obligations and deadlines for shopping mount. The holiday season can seem like a minefield for those in recovery from alcohol or chemical dependence.
Those in early recovery may be most at risk for relapse, but Sober Vacation stress can trigger anxiety, depression and even relapse for many. How to survive and even thrive through it all takes a little planning. Not all coping strategies are right for everybody. Some people in recovery will need to ditch the family traditions altogether, while others can bring new traditions to supportive family settings.
Are you worried about going to a party where there is alcohol served and many guests will be drinking? Non-alcoholic beverages are always available, even if it is water, so you can graciously accept the offer of a drink without alcohol. If alcohol has “taken the edge off” anxiety in past social situations, and you are in recovery, plan to attend the event with someone who is a good psychological support, often someone in successful recovery. If you know the event will act as a trigger, you don’t have to attend.
Sober Haven Bali has announced plans for an “Eat, Pray, Love” vacation retreat at its picturesque sober sanctuary tucked in the same spiritual island paradise where actress Julia Roberts retraced writer Elizabeth Gilbert’s spiritual journey in her 2006 best-selling book.
Located in Seminyak on the west coast of this “Island of the Gods”, Sober Haven Bali offers luxe accommodations combined with 12-step support for the ultimate in safe and sober vacation adventure.
Inspired by the release of Gilbert’s popular screenplay, filmed in Bali, Sober Haven Bali has put together a week-long “Eat, Pray, Love” experience designed to guide guests through many of the local cultural and spiritual landmarks highlighted in the movie. At the same time, visitors will have the benefits of Sober Haven’s colonial styled resort with its five-star meals, yoga, meditation, surfing, golf and many other activities, all in a supportive environment that celebrates sobriety.
In keeping with the momentum of Gilbert’s spiritual journey, Sober Haven guests will have opportunities to meet with Balinese spiritual teachers and immerse themselves in Balinese cultural offerings such as the Kecak Dance Tour, one of the Island’s most fascinating and powerful cultural exhibitions. Explore the temple of Uluwatu with its ceremonial areas, traditional carvings, and resident monkeys that live naturally in many Balinese holy places.
Enjoy a vitamin lunch at Wayan’s restaurant, a sunset seafood dinner on the beach and other uniquely Balinese landmarks visited by Gilbert during her journey.
Sober Haven is also surrounded by a wide choice of boutique shopping, international dining and artistic offerings for those in search of a more decadent sort of spiritual comfort.
Whether it is the lure of retracing Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat, Pray, Love” journey or the desire to relax and be pampered in this island retreat, Sober Haven offers a transformational holiday specifically designed with celebrating recovery in mind and spirit. Attendance at local twelve-step meetings is offered every morning and evening, making it easy for guests to remain close to their program.
I am Paul read mathematics at Stanford and remained there for his MS. From 1998-1999 on researched in Evolution and in Animal Behavior in Camrbidge, UK. I was was then a professor in the departments of Anthropology and Biology, New Jersy College, USA. Now teaches at the department of Zoology. Carried out research in several areas of evolutionary biology, particularly in sexual selection and the comparative method.