If you've been thinking about visiting a drug abuse recovery information center or even if you've already visited one, you may find that it's helpful to manage your triggers. In fact, managing triggers in drug addiction recovery can be difficult. Do you need help managing your triggers? Here's what you should know about triggers and addiction recovery.
What Are Triggers in Addiction?
Triggers in addiction can be anything—a person, an event, a location, a smell, or a sound—that reminds you of your past drug use and make you want to start using again. Triggers are especially common during the first few months of recovery when cravings for drugs may still be strong.
How Do Addiction Triggers Lead to a Relapse?
When you feel triggered, your body can produce powerful physical and emotional reactions that make it hard to resist the urge to use drugs. Being in a situation where drug use was once common or being around people who still use drugs can be especially difficult for someone in recovery. The intense feelings of craving that accompany triggers can quickly lead to a relapse if you don't know how to manage them.
What Are the Most Common Triggers in Addiction Recovery?
Some of the most common triggers for relapse are those you least expect. Not all triggers exist in social situations. In fact, boredom is a common trigger. That's why it's important that you find healthy ways to occupy yourself without relying on drugs.
What Strategies Can You Use to Manage Triggers?
Several strategies are available to manage triggers. The most important thing is to identify your personal triggers and create an action plan that you can use when the urge to use drugs arises. Think about situations or people who have been triggers for you in the past, and develop a list of activities that you can do instead of using drugs if cravings arise.
You may also want to join a support group, where you can talk about your triggers and how to cope with them. In addition, call a friend or family member if you feel triggered. Developing a strong support network is key to managing triggers in addiction recovery.
The bottom line is that by recognizing your triggers and having an action plan for dealing with them, you can avoid a relapse.
Contact a Drug Abuse Recovery Information Center Today
If you need help managing your triggers, reach out to a drug abuse recovery information center. The professionals there can provide the support and resources needed to manage your triggers and stay on track for a successful recovery. Relapse does not have to become your reality.
