Triggers can be feelings, experiences, people, places, and things that you associate with your drinking or drug use. There are different types of triggers: internal, external, and sensory triggers. Understanding internal and external triggers is crucial for preventing addiction relapse. Recognizing these triggers is especially important for those recovering from alcohol addiction, as managing them effectively can help maintain sobriety. All three usually work together to create a craving.
INTERNAL TRIGGERS
INTERNAL TRIGGERS are feelings that people have before or during drinking or using drugs. For instance, some people may feel insecure about sex and think they have to drink alcohol in order to relax before having sex. Other people may use drugs when they feel angry, lonely, depressed, sad, or bored – but any feeling can become an internal trigger.
EXTERNAL TRIGGERS
EXTERNAL TRIGGERS are the people, places, and things associated with drinking or using drugs. For some people, external triggers might be: places where they bought or used drugs, certain bars and clubs they hung out at while they were drinking or high, people they drank or used drugs with, and even certain days and times, such as Friday nights and holidays.
SENSORY TRIGGERS
SENSORY TRIGGERS are related to the senses of sight, sound, taste, and touch. They might include certain styles of music or specific songs, or the taste of a drug. For example, powdered sugar or artificial sweetener, which resembles powdered drugs, can be a powerful trigger for people who used cocaine, methamphetamines, or heroin.
There are many triggers in each category that were not mentioned, but once you have identified your triggers, use some tools like the thought records or talk to someone. If you are in a self-help program, ask for help in a meeting or with a confidant. You can overcome the power of these triggers with help and prevent a relapse of substance abuse.
Paul Aguirre, CADC – II
AToN Center 888-535-1516
Introduction
Addiction recovery is a complex and ongoing process that requires a deep understanding of the underlying factors that contribute to relapse.
One of the most critical aspects of maintaining sobriety is recognizing and managing triggers.
Triggers are people, places, things, experiences, feelings, or events that can cause a person to crave drugs or alcohol, leading to relapse.
In this article, we will explore the concept of triggers in addiction recovery, including the different types of triggers, how to recognize common relapse triggers, and strategies for managing triggers in addiction treatment.
Understanding Triggers in Addiction Recovery
Triggers are a crucial aspect of addiction recovery, and understanding how they work is essential for maintaining sobriety.
Triggers can be internal or external, and both types can lead to relapse.
Internal triggers are emotions, feelings, thoughts, and memories that make a person want to use drugs or alcohol. External triggers, on the other hand, are people, places, things, and situations that can trigger a craving for substances.
Understanding how triggers affect you is vital to avoiding potential relapse.
Types of Triggers
There are two main types of triggers that can lead to relapse: external triggers and internal triggers. External triggers are external factors that can trigger a craving for a substance, such as people, places, and objects associated with substance use.
Internal triggers, on the other hand, are related to emotions or thought processes that may trigger a craving for drugs or alcohol, such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
Both types of triggers present unique challenges that can derail a recovery process.
Recognizing Common Relapse Triggers
Recognizing common relapse triggers is essential for maintaining sobriety. External triggers can include people, places, and objects associated with substance use, such as friends who still use, bars, and drug paraphernalia.
Internal triggers can include emotional states such as stress, anxiety, and boredom, as well as thought patterns such as negative self-talk and rumination.
Understanding what type of triggers to watch for and being aware of emotions and thoughts can help individuals avoid or address them.
Managing Triggers in Addiction Treatment
Managing triggers is a critical aspect of addiction treatment.
Developing healthy coping strategies and seeking support from loved ones and professionals can help individuals manage triggers.
Avoiding situations that trigger relapse is crucial for maintaining sobriety.
Having a plan to get through times when cravings are triggered can help avoid relapse.
Finding Support and Managing Triggers at AToN Center
Understanding and managing triggers is a vital part of long-term recovery from addiction. Whether they are internal feelings, external environments, or sensory experiences, identifying these triggers early on can make a significant difference in maintaining sobriety.
At AToN Center, we recognize the unique challenges that individuals face when confronting their triggers and provide comprehensive support to develop healthier coping strategies.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, AToN Center offers a unique, luxury addiction treatment experience in San Diego.
Our non-12-step rehab programs emphasize evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and SMART Recovery®, designed to help individuals take control of their recovery without relying on a higher power.
Our personalized approach focuses on empowering individuals to recognize and manage their triggers effectively.
Take the next step towards recovery in a supportive, healing environment. Contact AToN Center today to learn more about our luxury non-12-step rehab in San Diego and how we can help you or your loved one find lasting sobriety.
Originally posted on August 13, 2017 @ 10:27 pm
