Tel. 911035241Dealing With Triggers in Recovery: 6 Tips To Consider
Every one of our team members is certified to address and effectively treat the issues that come along with addiction. While many triggers can be negative experiences, it is important to note that positive events can trigger relapsing as well. While triggers can often tempt those in recovery to use substances, you can overcome them by learning to cope.
The Impact of Personal Experiences
A NIDA study maintains that exposure to drug-related objects may influence a former addict’s behavior. The brain registers these stimuli and processes them in the same areas involved in drug-seeking behavior. McGeehan also recommends grounding techniques, including square breathing or finger breathing, to help people return to the present moment when a trigger strikes them.
What is Relapse?
- Additionally, through mindfulness, people in recovery can gain insight into their patterns of behavior and learn how to respond differently to triggering situations.
- Others say trigger warnings can reinforce avoidance behaviors, which might only exacerbate PTSD in the long term.
- When an addicted person uses drugs or alcohol for a prolonged period of time, it changes the brain—eventually associating certain stimuli with the desire to drink or do drugs.
- Whether your triggers are emotional distress or a specific situation, it is essential that you know what compels you to use when trying to lead a life of sobriety.
The most common trigger is experiencing the presence of a drug or alcoholic drink. Building and maintaining a strong sober support network is crucial in overcoming triggers during your recovery journey. These are the people who will be there for you, holding you accountable and providing much-needed encouragement when facing moments of vulnerability.
How Do I Handle Addiction Triggers? (6 Tips)
When people in recovery succumb to triggers, their brains create reasons to use substances despite knowing that they must remain abstinent. This ongoing fight increases their vulnerability to cravings, which may result in a potential relapse. A study external triggers from Marquette University pointed out that stress rendered people in recovery more vulnerable to other relapse triggers. Researchers followed the cocaine use patterns of stressed and unstressed rats and used a low dose of cocaine as a trigger.
For example, negative thoughts and feelings might trigger a relapse of drug or alcohol use. By creating a plan, individuals can identify their triggers and cravings, and develop strategies to manage them. They can also build up their coping skills to help them better handle difficult situations.
- With proper nutrition in hand, you can confront triggers and focus on developing a positive response.
- Individuals who stay in addiction treatment for a longer period of time (90 days or more) are more likely to maintain their sobriety in the long run.
- The solution to overcoming this relapse trigger is to learn how to channel your positive feelings in a positive way, without the use of substance abuse.
- When triggered, the brain might interpret past traumatic events as current.
- For this type of numbing method to work, you must abstain from using the drug or drinking the alcohol.
Well, think of them as road signs pointing toward potential relapse risks. By understanding your personal triggers, you gain invaluable insight into what may lead you down an unhealthy path again. It becomes easier then to develop strategies for overcoming these challenges and maintaining your progress in recovery. The emotions that may act as internal triggers are negative feelings, positive feelings, and frustration feelings. Therefore, it is very important to have a plan of action when such feelings occur.
What Is an Addiction Trigger?
