Having a substance abuse issue and taking the journey towards sobriety requires dedication and the right mindset. It’s also vital that you identify triggers that make you want to use. Some folks can’t go to a particular area of town or be around people and maintain their sobriety, so learning these triggers is imperative for recovery.
Identifying Your Triggers
Going through the rehabilitation program teaches you many things, and one of the most important matters you learn is how to identify the things that make you want to use. While you’re anxious to return to a normal life, these little issues are what caused you to use in the first place. For some people, stress is a trigger, and they feel stressed when their children are misbehaving, or they’re arguing with their spouses. Once you leave the security of a support system in rehab, it becomes challenging to handle these weak moments. You must have the assistance of a mentor or sponsor to help you in these moments where you might lose all you’ve worked for in rehabilitation.
You mustn’t become overconfident in your journey and think you’ve overcome drugs or alcohol. While you need to have some self-confidence in your progress, you should never develop a mindset that you’ve “made it.” Part of the reason you need meetings and help from a sponsor is that sobriety is a lifelong journey and not one where you arrive at a final destination. While it may seem tempting to move to a new city and start over, you should think twice before leaving your support system behind. It’s better to identify your triggers and learn how to overcome these moments of weakness.
Common Triggers in Addiction
If you’re unsure of your triggers, here are some common ones identified by rehabilitation centers across the globe.
H.A.L.T.
Halt is an acronym that means hunger, anger, loneliness, or being tired. People who have a substance abuse issue often feel triggered to use when they experience these things. It’s essential to keep your mind busy and avoid these four things whenever possible.
People and Locations
Certain people may threaten your sobriety, especially if you partied with them in the past. Additionally, it would help if you stayed away from folks who have an untreated addiction, as it can put your recovery in danger. Locations are another thing to consider. If you know that you will see your old stomping grounds when you drive down a particular street, you should avoid that area.
Mental Health Problems
One of the strongest relapse triggers is an undiagnosed mental health issue. Recovering addicts often have problems with personality disorders, depression, or anxiety. If you seek treatment for your mental health concerns, the treating physician must know about the substance abuse. The medication used on someone in recovery will vary from those used on someone who doesn’t have a drug or alcohol problem.
Illness
When you’re sick or in pain, it can be a trigger to use. Often you don’t feel like the medications you have been working on, so you try to self-medicate the pain away. Dealing with a chronic illness like cancer or an auto-immune condition can be a trigger your low points.
Social Isolation
Did you know that many people have a higher desire to drink or use drugs when they feel isolated? You mustn’t stay behind four walls, as this can be counterproductive for your recovery. Get out and make new friends and be among those living life to the fullest, as it will make your recovery much easier.
Emotional distress
Times of emotional distress are hard for anyone to handle, but they’re incredibly challenging for those with a substance problem. Learning to manage your emotions and develop appropriate coping skills is imperative for your recovery.
Missing Meetings or Support Group Sessions
Going to meetings is imperative in the journey towards sobriety. You will find strength in others here, and you will learn to live each day with new hope. When a person starts missing meetings or doesn’t make it a priority, it can become a trigger for relapse.
Getting Treatment and The Support You Need
Do you or a loved one suffer from a substance abuse issue and need help identifying your triggers? Please call us today at 302-842-2390 to get started. We can help you find a location that fits your needs to begin your addiction treatment. Your best chance at long-term recovery is to have a supportive team around you, and we can assist in finding the best fit for your needs.
