Feature on Sober Vacations International by Terri Rimmer - originally published by Associated Content in 2008

For 21 years Steve Abrams has been supplying a sober getaway for those in recovery from alcohol and drugs.

With his company, Sober Vacations International (SVI), based in Sherman Oaks, CA, travelers can enjoy a vcation while learning skills like kayaking and white water rafting among other sports.

"We were very lucky when we started. There was nothing else out there going on like that. We had a lot of media coverage in the beginning. We provide a great trip," said Abrams.

Abrams said he is in charge of a lot of the activities and the staff is made up of three people.

"Recovery is more online now. It's more websites. The people haven't changed at all. The trips are essentially the same. We've probably beefed up entertainment but essentially it's the same," he said.

A trip in 2005 was made to Club Med, Caravelle, and Guadeloupe in the Caribbean. The itinerary covered the French West Indies and boasts of almost 50 acres of white sand along waters on Grande Terre Island and a village composed of pastel colored retreats nestled among coconut palm trees, a beachside restaurant offering breathtaking views, and all the elements to savor tropical life.

Located 19 miles from the Pointe a Pitre airport the climate is 85 degrees during the day with nighttime temperatures of 75.

The resort offers all-day dining and live nightly entertainment and night club for late night dancing. SVI also has a Comedy Night featuring a comic named Evan D.

"People come with me because they want to travel and be with people like themselves," said Abrams. "That's not to say they won't take other vacations. They do. We keep trying to find new fun things to do. We're talking to some people now about a barefoot cruise and we would like to get a little bit younger group and have a little less expensive trip. We're also working with someone on a bike tour."

The Children's Club features programs to allow kids to explore a variety of safe and educationally stimulating sports and activities catering to their interests and age group. A mini club for four to ten-year-olds and a Junior Club for 11-13 year-olds is also available.

Numerous recovery meetings are held in SVI's private meeting rooms including speaker and discussion meetings, workshops, and more. On an SVI resort three to four meetings are held per day and other meetings are started up impromptu during the day and that is usually 10-15 meetings that start up, according to Abrams. He said it's not hard to get speakers for meetings and that "it's a good gig."

"I think as the price goes up the age of the person traveling goes up," said Abrams, who said his resort hasn't suffered from the economy. "I'm thinking of something a little bit more active to draw in the newer people in recovery. We have a little bit more women than men, 53 to 47 percent. It's an interesting phenomenon because 60 percent of people in recovery are men. I think women save and plan better."

Activities such as windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, Club Med fitness, Circus School, Flying Trapeze, archery, tennis, water aerobics, and other hobbies are also offered. Off-site offerings for an additional fee include scuba diving, horseback riding, excursions to markets, sailing to Marie Galante by catamaran, discovery of the National Cousteau Reserve aboard a glass bottomed boat, and a Jet Ski tour to the mangroves as well as other items.

One price includes accommodations, all meals, most activities, nightly entertainment, and no tipping. Roommate matching is available.

In 2006 SVI featuerd an Alaska cruise, Ireland tour, Spring Sober Fiesta, and Grand Canyon River rafting.