During drug and alcohol treatment, one of the steps you’ll take is to address what your triggers are. Triggers are instances in which an experience, person, thing, or something else reminds you of using drugs or alcohol. They may even increase the cravings for using. The goal is always to avoid these or to learn to manage them to prevent relapse from occurring. At Crestview Recovery, we can help you to do just that.
What Are Your Addiction Triggers?
It is not easy to know what your specific addiction triggers are. Sometimes they are obvious – like being around people who are using. Other times, it takes understanding your past and the type of exposures you’ve had. During your treatment, we’ll work closely with you to help identify these risks. At our addiction treatment programs, we will also work closely with you to determine how to best avoid them.
Triggers are tied to your neurochemistry. That means they range significantly from one person to the other. While most people cannot have a brain scan to track these types of triggers, there are several things you can do to identify your addiction triggers.
Events Involving Alcohol and Drugs
Think about the last times you’ve used drugs and alcohol. Were they during holidays and birthday celebrations? Did you drink every day after work as a habit? Perhaps you were like many other people and used drugs when you were watching the big game with a group of friends. What about parties with your friends? Identify what types of events lead you to use.
Relationship Related Triggers
Sometimes relationships can be a trigger, especially if they involve a significant amount of stress. You may have used drugs or alcohol with a specific group of people. Being around those people is going to increase your chances of using again. Also, identify relationships that are so taxing that they often led you to use as a way to forget.
Stress Triggers
Stress is a big trigger for most people. In many ways, stress can be hard to control. There is no way to eliminate all of it from your life. However, stress can be managed. Identify the types of situations that cause significant stress in your life. It may include:
- Work
- School
- People
- Financial matters
- Illness
Physical Triggers
There is also a risk of relapse when you are struggling physically. If you are tired, hungry, or not feeling well, you may be tempted to use drugs or alcohol. You may also have instances of depression or anxiety that leads you to use. It is important to identify these risks upfront. The better you are at managing your health – both mental and physical. This can give you a better level of control over triggers.
What to Do When Triggers Happen?
When you are facing addiction triggers, reach out to a trusted, experienced professional for help. It is always best to immediately contact your mentor or head to a meeting for help. The sooner you recognize the trigger and how you are struggling with it, the sooner you can get help for it. Our team is here for you when you need more help to put yourself back on the road to healing and health. Reach out to us if you think you’ll start using or after you do.
- Residential drug treatment
- Partial hospitalization treatment
- Intensive outpatient program
- Traditional outpatient program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
You’re Not Alone When You Call Crestview Recovery for Help
Addiction triggers put you at risk for relapse. When you cannot manage them well or avoid them, it may be time to turn to a trusted team of professionals for help. At Crestview Recovery, we offer a wide range of treatment options to meet each one of your needs. Call our addiction rehab center at 866.262.0531 to schedule a consultation.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
