KNOW YOUR TRIGGERS
What is a trigger?
Anything internal or external that creates an emotional response, craving, urge, or connection to past substance use.
You're home alone, bored, and suddenly start thinking about getting high. What's your next move?
Change the situation. Call someone, go somewhere safe, attend a meeting, exercise, use a hobby, or use another healthy coping skill.
TRUE OR FALSE: Walking away from an argument until you calm down can be a healthy coping skill.
TRUE. Taking space can prevent an emotional reaction and allow you to return to the situation calmer.
Why can old people, places, and routines become triggers?
Because your brain can associate them with previous substance use and behaviors.
You wake up angry, irritated, and feeling like everybody is getting on your nerves. What should you recognize?
Your emotional state itself can be a trigger, so you should slow down and use coping skills before reacting or making decisions.
What are the two major types of triggers?
Internal and external triggers.
You have a huge argument with your partner and immediately want to use. What's your next move?
Create space, calm down, contact support, and avoid making an impulsive decision while angry.
TRUE OR FALSE: Sleeping every time you're stressed is always a healthy coping skill.
FALSE. Rest can be healthy, but constantly sleeping to escape emotions or responsibilities can become avoidance.
Your best friend still gets high but promises, “I won't use around you.” What should you consider?
Whether maintaining that relationship puts your recovery at risk and what boundaries you need
Your partner says, “I don't believe you've changed. You've said this before.” You're hurt and angry. What's your next move?
Manage your emotions without using, communicate appropriately, seek support, and allow your consistent actions over time to demonstrate change.
Name THREE examples of internal triggers.
Anger, loneliness, anxiety, boredom, sadness, shame, stress, excitement, or memories. Any three count.
Someone you used to get high with texts: “Yo, where you been? Come through.” What's your next move?
Don't go. Set a boundary or block the person if necessary, contact support, and remove yourself from the opportunity to use.
TRUE OR FALSE: Calling someone and telling them you're struggling is a coping skill.
TRUE. Asking for support is a healthy coping strategy.
You HAVE to go into a neighborhood where you used to buy drugs. Name TWO things you can do to protect your recovery.
Plan your route, bring support, limit your time there, avoid unnecessary stops, tell someone where you're going, or have an exit plan. Any two count.
You unexpectedly receive $1,000. In the past, extra money meant getting high. What can you do differently?
Make a plan for the money, pay bills, save it, involve a trusted accountability person if appropriate, and recognize money as a possible trigger.
TRUE OR FALSE: Triggers are always negative situations or emotions.
FALSE. Positive things like getting paid, celebrations, weekends, excitement, or success can also be triggers.
PAYDAY! You have money, nobody is watching you, and getting high crosses your mind. What's your next move?
Follow your financial/accountability plan, pay necessary expenses, contact support, and avoid people or places associated with using.
TRUE OR FALSE: Anything that keeps you from using drugs or alcohol is automatically a healthy coping skill.
FALSE. Gambling, fighting, unhealthy relationships, compulsive spending, or other harmful behaviors aren't healthy replacements for substance use.
Your family is having a celebration where alcohol will be present. What should you consider BEFORE deciding to attend?
Your current stability, cravings, support system, boundaries, transportation/exit plan, and whether attending is worth the risk.
You receive devastating news about someone you love. Your first thought is, “I can't deal with this sober.” What's your next move?
Don't isolate. Immediately activate your support system and focus on safely getting through the situation without using.
Why is identifying your triggers BEFORE leaving treatment important?
Knowing your triggers allows you to prepare a plan before you encounter them and experience cravings or urges.
You've had cravings ALL DAY. You've tried several coping skills, but they're getting stronger. What's your next move?
Increase your support. Tell someone, contact recovery/treatment support, get into a safe sober environment, attend a meeting, and don't fight the craving alone.
What is the difference between COPING with a problem and AVOIDING a problem?
Coping helps you safely manage emotions while addressing the situation. Avoidance repeatedly escapes the situation without dealing with it.
Avoiding certain people and places means you're weak because recovery should teach you to handle anything.
FALSE. Protecting your recovery sometimes means intentionally avoiding unnecessary high-risk situations.
You're angry, just got paid, your relationship is falling apart, someone from your old life contacted you, and nobody would know if you used. What's the FIRST thing you should recognize?
You're angry, just got paid, your relationship is falling apart, someone from your old life contacted you, and nobody would know if you used. What's the FIRST thing you should recognize?