Overcoming addiction or a substance use disorder is a difficult process. It is often a path filled with many highs and lows.
One of the reasons for this is what is known as addiction triggers. Addiction triggers tend to make the recovery process that much harder. It’s important to be able to recognize them, as it can help increase the chances of a successful recovery.
If you or a loved one is on your journey to recovery you are not alone. We’re here to help, as we share advice on how to understand your addiction triggers while coping with them in a healthy way.
Recognizing Your Triggers
The first step in recognizing your addiction triggers is understanding what a trigger is. A trigger can be a person, place, or situation that creates an urge to use drugs. While specific triggers are unique to each individual, there are some common ones.
Friendships and Relationships
One common addition is continuing friendships with current users. If you are a person who has friends that are still using, it can make sobriety extremely difficult. Being involved with people who used drugs and alcohol even in a social setting can create the threat of slipping back into addiction.
This also includes social settings such as parties or celebrations where there is drug or alcohol use. It can be very detrimental to someone in recovery. This is especially true if you are in the early stages of your recovery.
Toxic Environments
Another common addiction trigger is being in a dysfunctional environment that comprises your emotional state.
When you’ve dealt with addiction, living in a toxic environment can reactive the memories of your addiction. It can also cause emotional unrest leaving you feeling stressed, anxious, or even depressed.
A dysfunctional environment that causes your emotions to fluctuate can trigger the desire to use substances again. This is especially true if your environment caused feelings of isolation.
One more notable addiction trigger is deeply-rooted childhood traumas. Childhood trauma, abuse, or family dysfunction of any kind can create behaviors such as using drugs to cope.
Healthy Ways to Cope With Addiction Triggers
Once you have identified your addiction triggers you want to find healthy ways to cope. While these will look different for everyone, we want to provide some suggestions. Try joining a support group, counseling, or therapy. You can also find constructive activities to try, such as exercising or journaling.
In addition, you can try meditating and get plenty of rest. Spend time with people that positively encourage you. Finding grounding techniques to help you control any negative thoughts or perceptions.
One of the most healthy ways to cope with addiction triggers is creating a trigger management plan. Using the previous suggestions above can be vital to your recovery success.
Your Road To Recovery Can Begin Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, help is available. This is a journey you don’t have to travel alone. Addiction triggers may be challenging, but there are ways to overcome them.
Contact us at the Process Recovery Center and we’ll help you begin your new life addiction-free.
