Trigger

A trigger in the context of addiction recovery is any object, person or activity that poses a risk of relapse by eliciting strong urges or cravings to use drugs or engage in addictive behaviors. Triggers are highly individual, varying from person to person and can include specific environments, social settings, emotions like stress or sadness and people or places linked to past drug use. Recognising these triggers is a critical step in recovery, as it enables the development of coping strategies to effectively manage them.

The concept of triggers, first introduced in the 1970s by psychologists studying relapse in substance use disorders, has become a key focus in addiction treatment. Professionals in rehab centers assist individuals in identifying their triggers and learning healthier responses to them. Understanding potential relapse situations helps in creating plans to avoid or positively manage these triggers.

Recovery from addiction is an ongoing journey with triggers potentially arising years after sobriety is achieved. Learning to navigate these triggers is a continuous process, essential for maintaining long-term sobriety. Facing and overcoming triggers not only presents challenges but also opportunities for personal growth, resilience building and reinforcing commitment to sobriety.

Types of Triggers

In recovery from addiction, triggers can be categorised into environmental, emotional, behavioural and psychological types, each playing a important role in the risk of relapse.

• Environmental triggers are external factors like certain locations, people who use substances, financial stress, relationship conflicts and substance-related media. To avoid these, awareness of surroundings and limiting contact with certain people or places is key, alongside engaging in stress-reducing activities like exercise or meditation.
• Emotional triggers include feelings like loneliness, stress, rejection and intense emotions, which can inadvertently lead to substance use. Managing these triggers involves practicing self-care, building a supportive network and attending regular therapy sessions to develop coping skills.
• Behavioral triggers are related to habits and routines, such as spending time in places associated with addiction or having too much idle time. To combat these, forming new, healthy routines and setting clear boundaries with others who use substances are effective strategies.
• Psychological triggers are negative thoughts and beliefs, often stemming from unresolved trauma or stress, leading to relapse. Addressing these involves acknowledging and working through underlying issues, changing negative self-perceptions and developing coping skills like relaxation techniques and mindfulness.

Recognising and managing these various triggers is integral to maintaining long-term sobriety in the recovery process.

Common triggers include

1. HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)
   Basic unmet needs can intensify triggers. Addressing these through meal planning, mindfulness, social support and regular sleep can help.
2. Challenging Emotions
   Negative emotions like sadness or guilt, often drivers of initial substance abuse, can re-emerge, necessitating coping skills learned in therapy.
3. Stress
   Both chronic and acute stress can trigger relapse. Managing stress involves preventive self-care and coping skills.
4. Over-Confidence in Recovery
   Mistaking recovery for a ‘cure’ can lead to risky behaviors. Maintaining humility and avoiding all substance use is crucial.
5. Physical or Mental Illness
   Underlying mental health issues or physical illnesses can increase relapse risk. Non-addictive treatments and informed medical care are important.
6. Social Isolation
   Avoiding social interactions can lead to loneliness and rationalisation of substance use. Building a support network is essential.
7. Romantic Relationships
   The emotional upheaval from relationships, especially in early recovery, can be triggering. Avoiding new relationships in the first year is advised.
8. New Jobs and Promotions
   Positive events like job changes can induce stress or celebratory substance use. Planning sober celebrations and managing new responsibilities are key.
9. Nostalgia for Substance Abuse
   Reminiscing about past substance use is a significant trigger. Engaging support systems during these times is important.
10. Places and Situations with Available Substances
    Being around substances like alcohol at social events, can trigger relapse. Avoiding these situations and having a plan for unexpected encounters is crucial.

Identifying triggers involves recognising both internal (emotional) and external (people, places, things) triggers. Studies like one on visual triggers in former cocaine users, show that subconscious responses can reinforce cravings. Avoiding reminders of past substance use is key in maintaining recovery.

Relapse prevention includes redefining fun, learning from setbacks and becoming comfortable with discomfort. Acknowledging the difficulty of recovery while avoiding negative, all-or-nothing thinking helps manage cravings and discomfort.

Relapse often progresses through emotional, mental and physical stages with each stage having specific warning signs. Recognising and addressing these signs early is key to preventing relapse.

Founded in 2008, WeDoRecover has evolved from an advisory service for addiction treatment into a comprehensive provider of care, following its 2019 merger with Changes Addiction Rehab in Johannesburg. Specialising in connecting patients to top-tier addiction treatment centers in the UK, South Africa and supporting individuals in recovery world wide.

Our network includes only the best rehab centers for personalised high quality addiction and mental health care. We guide you to a center that not only is a right fit for you or your loved one but that offers expert proven care and support. Start your healing today by choosing a rehab that cares about your recovery.