Types of Triggers
Running into someone from your using days unexpectedly is an example of this kind of trigger.
What is a social trigger?
This daily routine helps regulate your mood, energy, and decision-making.
What is getting enough sleep?
This simple action, like going for a walk or calling a friend, helps redirect cravings.
What is a distraction?
This intense emotion can mask pain and often leads to impulsive reactions
What is anger?
Eccentric musician who battled cocaine and alcohol addiction, and has been sober for many years.
Who is Elton John?
Feeling bored or having nothing to do can lead to relapse due to this type of trigger.
What is an emotional or psychological trigger?
Avoiding processed sugar and caffeine can help reduce this common relapse symptom.
What is anxiety (or cravings)?
HALT is a reminder to check in with these four internal states.
What are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired?
This emotion is sometimes confused with guilt but is more focused on who you are, not what you did.
What is shame?
After a near-fatal overdose in 2007, this Grammy-winning rapper got clean, found strength through fitness and fatherhood, and has been open about his recovery from prescription drug addiction.
Who is Eminimem?
Certain songs, smells, or TV shows may serve as these sensory-based triggers.
What are environmental triggers?
This two-letter word is essential for maintaining boundaries.
What is “No”?
This skill helps you avoid impulsive reactions by pausing and evaluating a situation.
What is mindfulness?
Feeling tired, hungry, or isolated may trigger this state.
What is emotional vulnerability?
After multiple arrests and years of drug use, this Marvel star turned his life around and became Iron Man—literally and metaphorically.
Who is Robert Downey Jr.?
Lack of structure in your day can often lead to this feeling, which is a known relapse risk.
What is boredom?
Building a sober lifestyle includes avoiding this type of event, especially in early recovery.
What is a high-risk environment (or triggering social event)?
Replacing substance use with hobbies and purpose is part of this model of recovery.
What is lifestyle change?
This part of the brain is responsible for emotional regulation and is strengthened through mindfulness.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
Known for her edgy fashion and family ties, this reality TV personality went to rehab at age 17 and has since become an advocate for sobriety and mental health.
Who is Kelly Osbourne?
This internal trigger comes from feeling like you don’t deserve recovery.
What is shame?
This long-term attitude acknowledges that recovery is an ongoing process, not a destination.
What is progress, not perfection?
Recognizing emotional, mental, and behavioral warning signs before a relapse is part of this model.
What is the relapse cycle?
Suppressing emotions too long can lead to this emotional "explosion" or relapse risk.
What is emotional flooding or breakdown?
This talk show host and actress has been sober since her early teens, after years of heavy drug and alcohol use in her childhood Hollywood years.
Who is Drew Barrymore?