Know Your Triggers
Three types of triggers discussed in Res treatment.
Internal, external, and sensory triggers.
What is the first step in the four-step process from trigger to relapse?
Trigger.
What is the first step in dealing with a trigger?
Identify it.
What can happen if a person continues thinking about using substances after experiencing a trigger?
The thoughts can become a craving.
What is one way talking about triggers can reduce their power?
Talking about them prevents cravings from becoming secrets and allows a person to receive support.
What type of trigger involves feelings such as anger, loneliness, sadness, depression, or boredom?
An internal trigger.
What happens during Step 2 of the relapse process?
The trigger leads to thoughts about alcohol or other drugs.
What should you do when you recognize a high-risk trigger that you can avoid?
Avoid it or leave the situation.
Name one physical sign that may occur during a craving.
Faster heartbeat, sweaty palms, irritability, or feelings of emptiness/cramping in the stomach, etc.
Why can keeping cravings to yourself be risky?
The craving can build when it is not discussed, potentially increasing the risk of relapse.
What type of trigger includes people, places, and things associated with substance use?
An external trigger.
What is Step 3 in the four-step process?
Craving.
What can you do when a trigger, such as Friday night or payday, cannot be avoided?
Interrupt the trigger by changing your routine and participating in a healthy activity.
What technique involves imagining a switch that you can turn OFF when thoughts about using begin?
The mental switch technique.
Joe arrives at a party and sees familiar people, hears loud music, sees low lights, and notices people smoking marijuana. Name one possible trigger.
Any of these could be a trigger: familiar people, loud music, low lights, or seeing marijuana being smoked.
What type of trigger involves sight, sound, taste, or touch?
A sensory trigger.
What is the fourth and final step?
Use.
Why is planning healthy activities ahead of time helpful?
It makes it more likely that you will follow through instead of falling back into old habits.
In the mental switch technique, what should you replace substance-use thoughts with after turning the switch OFF?
Peaceful, comfortable, or healthy thoughts.
If Joe realizes he is in a high-risk situation and his cravings are increasing, what should he do?
Leave or interrupt the situation and engage in a healthy activity or contact someone who supports his sobriety.
Why is identifying personal triggers an important first step in preventing relapse?
It helps a person recognize situations that may lead to cravings and gives them an opportunity to avoid or interrupt the trigger before it progresses.
Put these four steps in the correct order: Use, Craving, Trigger, Thought.
Trigger → Thought → Craving → Use.
What are the four steps for dealing with triggers?
Identify, avoid, interrupt, and talk about them.
Name two techniques from Session 3 that can help interrupt thoughts about using.
Mental switch, snapping, or relaxation techniques.
Why is it important to interrupt the relapse process early rather than waiting until the craving is strong?
The process is easier to interrupt near the beginning, before the craving becomes powerful and makes clear thinking more difficult.