Common Triggers I
HALT
Hungry, Angry, Lonely Tired
Avoiding people, social gatherings, avoiding support system
Social Isolation
Type of trigger that is person place or thing
External Trigger
Hobbies, trying new things, enjoying yourself w/o drugs and alcohol
Redefine Fun!
Family, friends, sponsors, treatment team
Support System
Sadness, Guilt or Anger
Challenging Emotions
Breakups; can create "tides of emotion" whether positive or negative
Romantic Relationships
Type of trigger that complex feeling felt by an individual
Internal Triggers
Give equal attention to slip ups as you do successes. After slip ups make changes!
Learn from Setbacks
Take a walk, call a friend, play a game, read a book
Distract yourself
Part of daily life, most common trigger for relapse. Can be acute or chronic
Stress
Positive event that may cause stress for added pressure and responsibility; a life change/transition
New Job or Promotion
Those who are currently engaged in active use, or used to use with you in the past
Other people including Family and Friends
Sitting with feelings of stress and negative emotions rather than trying to avoid these feelings
Become Comfortable with Discomfort
Internal communication; acknowledge trigger with yourself, give yourself reassurance
Talk to Yourself
Feeling that you've got this under control, feeling that you can have "just one", feeling that you no longer require support in your recovery
Overconfidence
Viewing past substance abuse through rose-colored glasses, reminiscing or dwelling on memories from past use
Nostalgia for Substance Use
Neighborhoods, homes, bars, worksites etc.
Physical Locations
Having an "escape plan"
Leave or Remove yourself from Triggering Situation
Meditation, mindfulness, soothing activities
Relaxation
Depression, anxiety, experience of pain
People, places or things that become significant triggers
Places and Situations Where Substances Are Available
Cash, paraphernalia, empty pill bottles
Specific Objects
Review the situation, person, or place that caused triggering feelings
Discuss/Process/Talk through the trigger with others to gain an understanding for next time
Activities or tactics that support you during stressful times and help alleviate distress of triggers or cravings
COPING SKILLS!! Examples: grounding techniques, physical activities, art, journaling, music, deep breathing