Relapse While on Vacation

Question

I am 14 months sober or actually I should say I was 14 months sober. I am on vacation at the beach and for some reason I just felt that old itch last night and so I scratched it. There is something about hotels that always makes me want to tie one on. So I am supposed to stay here for another 2 weeks. Do you think it matters if I just stay and keep drinking for as long as my vacation is since I have already started or should I end my trip early and go back to AA meetings. I was going to a lot of aa meetings but I stopped going when I got busy at work about 4 months ago and I guess I figured I didn’t need them anymore.

Anna Deeds · Accepted Answer

Thank you for your question. I would not stay on vacation if you intend to continue drinking for another two weeks. You can do a lot of damage to your body and become physically addicted to alcohol over a two week period. Just because you drank once doesn't mean you have to drink the whole vacation. There are meetings everywhere in the world. I'm sure you can find one on vacation. Check out the Alcoholics Anonymous site for meetings in the U.S and Canada. They even list international meetings here.

Relapse happens long before you ever pick up a drink. When you stopped going to meetings four months ago, you began the relapse process. If meetings help you stay sober, you have to continue to go to them. Alcoholism is a chronic, lifelong disease which requires continual treatment.

Good luck and I hope you get back to your recovery quickly.

About the Expert