People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol often find themselves in a downward spiral. They can't stop, no matter how hard they try. It's not just the addiction that is hurting them-it's also the shame and guilt they feel when they're unable to overcome their compulsions. Sooner or later, this self-destructive cycle will take its toll on every aspect of their lives, from relationships to finances. That's why so many people think there is nothing else left but death for someone who has been fighting an addiction for years on end. Traveling offers the perfect solution to this horrible cycle. It can help addicts escape from reality without making them feel guilty or ashamed because they're traveling.

Here is a fun quiz you could try if you are trying to figure out where you should travel next.

How does it help people recover from addiction?

Depression caused by addiction can put a strain on any relationship. If an addict decides to put the drugs or alcohol first, their loved ones will probably be affected by it as well. Sometimes going to therapy can only bring temporary relief. When a person feels so low and so enslaved by their addiction, the only thing they can do is focus on themselves. For a recovering addict, traveling offers a wonderful opportunity to step back from everything and think about where they went wrong. It's also an excellent way to start looking at things from a new perspective. 

Stepping out of the comfort zone

While most people are stuck in the monotonous routine of everyday life, they're living on autopilot. Once they step out of their comfort zone, they'll be forced to see things from a brand new perspective.

They'll feel like a new person, and their life will look different, and they will get rid of all the shame and guilt that comes along with addiction. It is only when they step out of the bubble they've managed to create for themselves that they can finally overcome their struggles.

The psychology behind it

People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol usually choose escapism over facing reality. That's where traveling comes in. It gives them a chance to become more aware of the world around them without having to purposely seek it out. This will help them to value what they have and appreciate their lives a little more, which is critical to recovery.

Traveling makes people feel connected not only with the world around them but also with those who are sharing it with them. Friendships blossom as people connect over this shared experience, so those who are traveling, especially solo travelers, will feel more connected to people than they've ever felt before.

Traveling also encourages self-discovery, which is great for addicts because it will make them think about who they are and what's important to them.

Risks from exposure to new places and people

Some addicts might feel apprehensive about traveling because they fear that this will cause them to relapse. Any time a recovering addict goes into an unfamiliar environment, there is always the risk of encountering triggers from their past. But what they don't realize is how wonderful it feels to be back in control over their lives. Overcoming their fears will give them a sense of self-worth they haven't felt in years.

How to start?

Like with any trip, planning is half the work. It is extremely important that the person planning the trip takes into account their type of addiction and tries to avoid places and events where they are certain to feel triggered.  For example, a recovering alcoholic shouldn't go to a pub crawl and an addict trying to quit drugs should avoid festivals. Instead, they should think of other things they could do.

For those who prefer to travel alone, they mustn’t reject the company of others if their offer is genuine and comes from someone who simply wants to be their friend. There are also plenty of places that offer support to those who are struggling with addiction, so if they feel triggered by something, there will always be someone they can call on for help.

Even though recovering addicts might feel anxious about traveling at first, once they get past the initial stage, this experience will make them feel more alive and in control of their lives again. Eventually, they will find that this feeling can be sustained even when they're back home and not traveling anymore.

The reason for this is that the impact of travel on mental health is long-lasting, even when people return to their everyday lives. As such, recovering addicts will feel less anxious and more in control, even in the face of triggers from their past. In other words, when they're traveling, they will feel more confident and hopeful about the future that lies ahead of them. Having a sense of control is the most important thing that can help a person from relapsing and going through everything all over again.