That’s one reason that it’s so important for your loved ones to be on board with your recovery. There are many common addiction triggers that can lead to persistent thoughts and images of substance use. 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. On average more than 85% of individuals are susceptible to relapse in the following year after drug and alcohol treatment. Relapse triggers are far more extreme for recovering addicts in the early recovery months of addiction treatment. In general, when a person is “triggered,” they’re being provoked by a stimulus that awakens or worsens the symptoms of a traumatic event or mental health condition.

  • A “trigger” is a stimulus that awakens a painful memory, feeling, or symptom.
  • If you can find alternative routes to your next destination, try to map out your drive.

A significant amount of people struggling with substance abuse find it difficult to resist relapse triggers. The negative side effects of relapsing after enrolling in drug and alcohol recovery programs is another concern. In recent experiences, drug and alcohol abuse after practicing abstinence, heightens an individuals chances of overdosing.

For Family Members

This could include family, friends, sponsors or other members of your addiction recovery community, just to name a few people. These need to be people that you’ll feel comfortable calling on if you encounter one of your triggers out in the world and need someone to talk to as a tool to help prevent relapse. Addiction relapses are similar in that the individual needs to seek treatment to get back on track. To overcome withdrawal symptoms, most people need some form of detoxification or withdrawal management service.

  • Alcohol is particularly difficult because so many people view drinking as normal, and it can crop up in unexpected places like office parties or even a neighborhood potluck.
  • Contact a treatment provider today to find your way to peace and sobriety.
  • Avoid external triggers whenever possible, and get rid of any item that may lead to a trigger.
  • Reminiscing about or dwelling on memories of past substance abuse is one of the brightest red flags in terms of triggers and relapse.

Unfortunately, internal triggers – feelings and moods – can also impact the success of rehabilitation. In order to ensure a happy and long-lasting recovery, addicts must identify both external and internal triggers. Discover a few of the more common triggers to help jump-start the process. Emotions like anger, guilt, irritability, and low self-esteem can surface when individuals are triggered, spiraling into various behaviors and compulsions.

How do triggers form?

This process, coupled with lifestyle changes, can help you live a life free of substance abuse. It can also help you avoid relapse and return to a life without addiction. Emotions in general are often highly triggering for many people, and are often the leading examples of internal triggers. Not just negative emotions, but emotions that people find challenging to deal with in general are frequently to blame for returning to addictions after periods of sobriety. For those going through treatment or who are otherwise in active recovery, understanding relapse triggers is vital. No matter what stage of recovery someone is in, there will always be the risk of relapse due to exposure to internal and external triggers.

Sometimes memories that we perceive to be happy are deeply intertwined with addictions or past addictive behaviors, which can lead to reminiscing about one-time use. This reminiscence of times when the addiction was in control is often a sign of the addiction trying to take over the brain again. If this is not immediately stopped, it can lead to current use and erosion of recovery. Self-talk is a powerful tool and a valuable coping mechanism if you encounter one of your triggers during your daily life.

External Relapse Triggers

You might be surprised at how people find excuses to hold on to connections with people who threaten their recovery. If you can find alternative routes to your next destination, try to map out your drive. Triggers are sensory reminders that cause painful memories or certain symptoms to resurface. Liminal moments are transitions from one thing to another throughout our days.

  • For one, you might be tempted to use again “just this once” as a means of celebrating.
  • If there are many alternative routes to get around that do not take you past a location that triggers you, you should avoid those locations.
  • The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

At New Method Wellness, we can help you learn more about triggers, relapse and addiction. We also provide various forms of holistic therapy that can provide fulfillment and effective coping methods. Although external ones are often powerful, many times they are avoidable. An individual usually has some control over external addiction triggers.

External triggers are particular locations, activities, things, people, places, objects, situations, smells, tastes, images, and events that make the person want to drink alcohol or use drugs. When triggered, the brain might interpret past traumatic events as current. This causes the body to experience symptoms as it did internal trigger examples in response to the original trauma (such as the fight-or-flight response). External triggers are environmental events and situations that make you want to use drugs or drink alcohol. This can be anything from certain social situations, responsibilities, and even specific places that trigger your desire to use again.