Internal Triggers
This trigger involves an uncomfortable feeling such as anger, sadness, loneliness, or anxiety that increases the desire to use.
What is an emotional trigger?
Walking past the neighborhood where you used to purchase drugs is an example of what?
What is an external trigger?
A person becomes angry after an argument with their partner and starts thinking about using. Internal/External/Both and why
What is both internal and external?
Why: The argument is external; anger and thoughts about using are internal.
This strategy involves identifying people, places, emotions, thoughts, and situations that increase the risk of substance use.
What is trigger identification?
Marcus has been in recovery for several months. He gets into an argument with his partner after work. He feels angry and rejected. He starts thinking, “Nobody understands me. I might as well use.” He drives past an area where he used to purchase drugs and receives a text from an old using friend asking if he wants to hang out.
Identify two internal triggers
What is Anger, Rejection, Loneliness, Thoughts about using, Feeling Misunderstood.
A person thinks, “I can't handle this without using.” This is an example of what type of trigger?
What is an internal thought/cognitive trigger?
Seeing an old friend who still uses substances can become what type of trigger?
What is a social trigger?
A person walks into a bar and immediately experiences a strong craving because of memories associated with the location. Internal/External/Both and why
What is both internal and external?
Why: The bar is external; the craving and memories are internal.
When experiencing a strong craving, a person notices the craving without acting on it and allows it to rise and fall like a wave.
What is urge surfing?
Marcus has been in recovery for several months. He gets into an argument with his partner after work. He feels angry and rejected. He starts thinking, “Nobody understands me. I might as well use.” He drives past an area where he used to purchase drugs and receives a text from an old using friend asking if he wants to hang out.
Identify two external triggers
What is Argument with partner, Driving through old neighborhood, text from former friend
After several weeks of sobriety, a person suddenly remembers how good it felt to use. The memory itself becomes a trigger. What type of trigger is this?
What is an internal trigger?
A person receives a text message from someone they used to use substances with. What makes this an external trigger?
What is an outside person or event that activates thoughts or cravings?
A person feels lonely while sitting alone at home and begins thinking about using.
What is an internal trigger?
Why: The primary trigger is the emotional experience of loneliness, although the environment may contribute.
A person receives a text from an old using friend. Instead of responding, they block the number and contact their sponsor/support person. What strategy are they using?
What is avoiding a high-risk situation and reaching out for support?
Marcus has been in recovery for several months. He gets into an argument with his partner after work. He feels angry and rejected. He starts thinking, “Nobody understands me. I might as well use.” He drives past an area where he used to purchase drugs and receives a text from an old using friend asking if he wants to hang out.
What are possible cognitive distortions
What is all-or-nothing thinking, emotional reasoning, rationalization, or catastrophizing
A person experiences racing thoughts, restlessness, irritability, and intense anxiety before a difficult appointment. These physical and emotional reactions may become what?
What are internal triggers?
A person gets paid and immediately thinks about going to the place where they used to buy drugs. Identify the external trigger.
What is having access to money/payday associated with past substance use?
A recovering person sees an old using friend at the grocery store and begins experiencing anxiety and cravings.
What is both internal and external?
Why: The person is the external trigger; anxiety and cravings are internal responses.
A person notices the thought, “I deserve to use because I've had a terrible day.” They challenge the thought by asking, “Will using actually solve the problem?”
What is cognitive restructuring/CBT?
Marcus has been in recovery for several months. He gets into an argument with his partner after work. He feels angry and rejected. He starts thinking, “Nobody understands me. I might as well use.” He drives past an area where he used to purchase drugs and receives a text from an old using friend asking if he wants to hang out.
What are some relapse prevention strategies Marcus can use.
What is ..
A person tells themselves, “I've been doing well, so one time won't hurt.” Identify the internal trigger and the thinking pattern that could increase relapse risk.
What are a relapse-related thought/cognitive trigger and minimization or rationalization?
Name three different external triggers that could increase relapse risk
Examples include people, places, objects, money, celebrations, conflict, certain music, drug-related conversations, social media, or paraphernalia.
A person receives stressful news from their employer. They become overwhelmed, think “I need a drink,” and begin planning where to buy alcohol.
What is both internal and external?
Why: The stressful news is external; feeling overwhelmed, the thought, and planning are internal processes.
A person identifies an upcoming stressful event, anticipates possible cravings, plans transportation, removes access to substances, schedules support, and identifies alternative activities. What relapse-prevention principle are they demonstrating?
What is anticipating and planning for high-risk situations?
Marcus has been in recovery for several months. He gets into an argument with his partner after work. He feels angry and rejected. He starts thinking, “Nobody understands me. I might as well use.” He drives past an area where he used to purchase drugs and receives a text from an old using friend asking if he wants to hang out.
Which stage of change is Marcus in?
What is relapse stage