Substance addiction relapse triggers are classified into two categories: internal and external. Understanding these triggers is crucial for individuals on the path to recovery from drugs or alcohol.
What Are Substance Addiction Relapse Triggers?
Drug or alcohol addiction relapse triggers include different stimuli or circumstances that heighten the risk of a person reverting to drug or alcohol use during their recovery. These triggers are broadly categorized into two groups: internal and external. Internal triggers originate from within the individual, such as emotions, thoughts, or sensations that create a craving for addictive substances. External triggers are environmental or social factors that can cause a desire to use drugs or alcohol. These triggers include exposure to specific settings, individuals, or events that are closely tied to the person’s past substance use. Smells, sounds, sights, and textures can also trigger a relapse based on the individual’s past experiences.
Understanding Internal Triggers In Substance Addiction Relapse
Internal triggers include emotions and thoughts. Emotions such as stress, anxiety, and depression can create an intense craving for addictive substances as a form of self-medication or escape. Feelings of loneliness, guilt, shame, or even prolonged periods of boredom can also disrupt the recovery process, as can thoughts related to trauma or unresolved conflict.
Internal triggers often arise unexpectedly, testing a person’s resolve and the strength of their coping mechanisms. One task of relapse prevention is to monitor one’s thoughts and emotions to better understand what triggers the desire to use.
Coping Strategies For Managing Internal Triggers
There are several effective strategies for managing internal triggers:
- Mindfulness. Being present and aware of one’s thoughts and feelings can help a person detach from them, lessening their potential to impact behavior.
- Exercise. Regular physical activity improves physical health and releases endorphins, contributing to a sense of well-being and reducing cravings.
- Creativity. Writing, painting, or playing music offer a constructive way to express emotions and process experiences, diverting the mind from cravings.
- Therapy and support groups. These provide a safe space to explore underlying issues contributing to substance use and develop strategies to deal with internal triggers.
External Triggers And Their Role In Substance Addiction Relapse
External triggers are often linked to specific locations, social circles, or events that were once an important part of a person’s substance use habits. Encountering these triggers can bring up powerful memories and emotional responses, greatly increasing the temptation to use again. For example, returning to a neighborhood where one frequently used drugs or attending a party where alcohol is freely available can act as strong catalysts for relapse.
Identifying And Avoiding Common External Triggers
To effectively identify and avoid common external triggers, individuals in recovery must first engage in a thorough self-assessment to recognize which environments, social situations, people, or objects have been linked to their substance use in the past. This process often involves reflecting on past experiences to pinpoint exact moments or scenarios that have created a desire to use drugs or alcohol.
For instance, certain social settings, like bars or clubs, or even more subtle triggers, such as the sight or smell of drugs or alcohol, can significantly heighten the risk of relapse. Awareness of these triggers enables individuals to plan their avoidance strategies or prepare coping mechanisms.
Dealing with External Triggers
External triggers can either be avoided or carefully managed. Planned avoidance might mean taking alternative routes to bypass neighborhoods associated with past substance use or choosing to minimize contact with people who don’t support your recovery. It could also involve communicating boundaries with loved ones regarding alcohol or drug use around you.
In situations where avoidance is impossible, having a prepared response plan is critical. This could include rehearsing assertive refusal skills, having an exit strategy, or keeping a trusted friend or support group member on speed dial for immediate support.
English Mountain Recovery Can Help
Are you or someone you care about grappling with substance addiction? If the answer is yes, we can help. Located in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, the professionals at English Mountain Recovery will provide you with the tools and skills you need to take back your life. Contact us today.
