Addiction is no stranger to the tourism industry. With the ability to overcome physical and psychological boundaries, it’s unsurprising that a high number of people are drawn to explore new destinations and regions. They come to experience the sense of freedom and exploration but often find themselves in an addictive spiral of behavior and substance use.
The current metamorphosis of society has seen a surge in the number of people travelling abroad, particularly from large cities in both the United States and Europe. This has a direct connection to the rising numbers of individuals with addiction, particularly substance abuse. Alcohol is freely available and often casually consumed, while opioids and other suppressants are readily available to tourists. Numerous high-profile celebrities have made candid admissions of their own battles with drugs and alcohol while away on vacation.
Recent studies have shed light on the connection between substance use and travel, suggesting that people who are in foreign lands and exposed to unfamiliar surroundings are more likely to become addicted to drugs or alcohol. The Studies show that tourists who travel to places with more liberal social norms are also more likely to be drawn to those behaviors.
Addictive behavior is something that’s only becoming more prevalent in the travel industry, with the average tourist now drinking two to three alcoholic beverages a day. This, in turn, can lead to an increase in competing activities, such as gambling, to obtain access to more substances. Some tourists are even going as far as to engage in risky behaviors in order to enhance their experiences, such as hoping from different countries and regions to intoxicate themselves with substances they otherwise wouldn’t have access to.
The downside of this is that it can be difficult for those struggling with substance abuse to access support when away from home. Addiction in tourists may go unnoticed or ignored by the locals, meaning those who need help rarely receive it.
To help combat the growing issues of addiction and substance abuse in travelers, it’s important that more mindfulness is taken by those arranging or overseeing tourist trips, such as travel agents and tour organizers. Education is key in ensuring that tourists are aware of the risks associated with drug and alcohol use.
This can be taken a step further with the implementation of safety policies; restrictions can be put in place to limit alcohol intake or impose a zero-tolerance policy on drug use. Tour organizers should also ensure that there is efficient access to medical teams in the event of a suspected overdose or other health concerns. It’s also important to create an environment in which questions of addiction and mental wellbeing can be discussed, as it’s too often a taboo subject that will be left unexplored by the group.
Finally, it’s important to encourage a culture of openness and respect, particularly when it comes to substance use and addiction. Creating a safe and non- judge mental forum in which addicts can openly discuss their struggles without fear of ridicule is essential in ensuring that everyone remains safe on their trips.
The tourism industry is in a strong position to create an atmosphere where addiction and substance abuse are tackled head-on. Travelers are often in a vulnerable state, so providing them with the safety and support they need will go some way in helping to eradicate a dangerous and threatening cycle of behavior.