Which Triggers Trigger Your Emotions and Substance Use?

The Discovery Cards are an amazing tool for exploring these topics with individuals or groups. Although this post is coming to a close, the work for exploring emotions and feelings and how to regulate them has just begun. Take a moment to learn more about emotions and feelings in our post, 8 Core Emotions – Can You Express Them?

These triggers can include people, places, events, and emotions that remind of the addiction. Understanding relapse triggers and coping with cravings is essential in maintaining sobriety and developing better habits. If you or a loved one has experienced a relapse, or are just considering treatment options, we are here to help you.

Relapse Risk Factors

Take the time to figure out what works best for you as part of your personal recovery journey. Self-talk is a powerful tool and a valuable coping mechanism if you encounter one of your triggers during your daily life. Instead of allowing the trigger to overcome you, talk to yourself logically. Explain to yourself that you recognize types of relapse triggers the trigger, you’re taking steps to remove yourself from the situation and you don’t allow the trigger to have any power over you. Do your best to plan meals, engage in mindfulness, seek out social support and stick to a regular sleep schedule. Doing so will provide a baseline that helps reduce reactivity to triggers.

External triggers are often easier to identify, as they are people, places, things and activities that make someone want to use drugs or alcohol again. Internal triggers can be more difficult to identify as they are feelings that are often complex. https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/alcohol-detox-side-effects-what-bad-can-happen/ Professional assistance is crucial in addressing substance abuse triggers. Qualified therapists and addiction specialists can provide personalized treatment plans, evidence-based therapies, and ongoing support throughout the recovery journey.

Types of Triggers That Can Lead to Addiction Relapse

Later, when using turns into a negative experience, they often continue to expect it to be positive. It is common to hear addicts talk about chasing the early highs they had. On the other hand, individuals expect that not using drugs or alcohol will lead to the emotional pain or boredom that they tried to escape. Therefore, on the one hand, individuals expect that using will continue to be fun, and, on the other hand, they expect that not using will be uncomfortable.