A trigger is social, psychological, and emotional situations and events that compel an addicted person to seek their substance of choice, eventually leading them to relapse. When an addicted person uses drugs or alcohol for a prolonged period of time, it changes the brain—eventually internal and external triggers associating certain stimuli with the desire to drink or do drugs. Coping with triggers is one of the most important steps of recovery to prevent a relapse. I find as well today that a relapse behavior might present itself to me by being in a bad mood, moodiness or being in a funk.

• Many people who want to avoid relapse need to avoid the triggers once they recognize them.
• Or, you might see an advertisement that makes you want to get drunk with your old friends.
• Maybe you notice you find it pretty easy to keep your cool when your boss critiques your work, but the same can’t be said when you feel like your partner doesn’t want to spend time with you.

Once you feel more relaxed, you can return to the situation with a clearer head. You can’t avoid or escape from every difficult situation life throws at you. And it’s pretty much a guarantee that unpleasant emotions will come up occasionally. Try following these feelings back to their origins by thinking back on other situations that made you feel what you’re currently feeling.

The Subjective Concept and Neurobiology of Stress and Addiction

Healthy ways of managing triggers allows individuals to thrive without turning to damaging coping mechanisms that can harm them or others. However, it is essential to seek specialized care from our addiction treatment center promptly to avert the relapse from becoming a full-blown return to active addiction. By becoming aware of the environment or people that increase the risk of using or craving, a person can create boundaries to reduce temptation. Taking the time to identify and recognize high-risk situations can help individuals stay safer on their road to recovery.

If you are newly in recovery, you may want to consider an outpatient program for your first few months into sobriety. We’ve tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain. Carly Snyder, MD is a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist who combines traditional psychiatry with integrative medicine-based treatments. Verywell Mind’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Mental Health And Addiction

Initially, many addicts first use drugs and alcohol to avoid unwanted emotions. Sadness, anger, fear, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed often engage the feeling of not being in control. Rejection and abandonment are also major triggers for recovering addicts because it typically brings up feelings from their childhood. Feelings of inadequacy can lead a recovering addict to seek validation desperately, and when the attempts fail, this can also be a trigger.

Internal triggers are often negative emotions and thoughts, but they can also be positive feelings such as joy or confidence as well. Stress is often a major trigger for substance abuse, so finding alternative coping mechanisms is essential for maintaining sobriety. Several strategies may work for different people in different situations, but some proven methods of dealing with stress include finding healthy hobbies and interests. Journaling and self-reflection are essential tools for identifying and managing addiction triggers.

How to Handle Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms

It is essential to find physically and mentally engaging activities to help distract from addictive behaviors and keep individuals motivated in their recovery journey. This specialized attention can go a long way in helping people in recovery identify their triggers and learn how to prevent further addiction. At the same time, journaling can provide a safe space to document emotions, thoughts, and feelings surrounding the trigger to gain better insight into the triggers themselves.

• It can be challenging to identify what exactly those triggers are, but the process of getting to know and understand them can help us heal and learn how to cope better in response.
• Triggers vary widely from person to person and can be internal or external.
• Recovering from substance use disorder can be a life-changing journey for many people.
• Triggers may test your willpower and can be personal or shared with others in recovery.