Internal Triggers
This feeling can cause someone to isolate and think about using.
Loneliness
These individuals may increase risk for relapse if they are still actively using.
Old using friends
Spending less time with sober supports and isolating.
Isolation
Talking to a sponsor or trusted person when triggered.
Reaching out for support
A person who guides you through recovery and the steps.
Sponsor
This emotion often leads people to want quick relief or escape.
Stress or anxiety
Driving past this type of location where substances were previously used can trigger cravings.
Bars, liquor stores, or drug houses
Thinking “one time won’t hurt.”
Justifying or rationalizing
Writing thoughts and feelings down to process emotions.
Journaling
People who encourage and support sobriety.
Sober support network
Feeling this after past mistakes can make someone believe they don’t deserve recovery.
Shame or guilt
Receiving this may trigger urges to celebrate or spend money on substances.
Payday
Skipping meetings or recovery activities.
Disengaging from recovery
Attending one of these can help reconnect someone to recovery.
Support meetings
Regular gatherings where individuals share recovery experiences.
Recovery meetings
This emotion can cause impulsive decisions and relapse if not managed.
Anger
This stressful life event can increase relapse risk if coping skills are not used.
Conflict or arguments
Romanticizing past substance use.
Glorifying past use
This technique involves pausing and focusing on breathing to calm the body.
Mindfulness or deep breathing
Helping others in recovery can strengthen this.
Your own sobriety
This internal trigger happens when someone believes they can use “just once.”
Overconfidence or complacency
Certain songs, smells, or environments connected to past use can cause this.
Cravings or memories of using
Believing you no longer need support or recovery work.
Complacency
Leaving a high-risk situation immediately.
Removing yourself from the trigger
This recovery principle involves asking others for help instead of trying to do it alone.
Humility