top of page
Search
Writer's pictureMichael Pezzullo

Substance Use: Dealing with Triggers


Navigating substance use triggers
Navigating substance use triggers

September was National Recovery Month, a time to highlight key aspects of the recovery process for anyone curious about it. One of the biggest challenges people in addiction recovery face is navigating triggers.


What are triggers?

A trigger is something that prompts a reaction. In addiction recovery, triggers are cues that lead to the desire to use substances. These triggers can be either internal or external.

  • Internal triggers are thoughts, feelings, or sensations that elicit a craving to use a substance or engage in addictive behavior. For example, after a breakup, feelings of insecurity may arise, which could trigger a desire to use.

  • External triggers are people, places, or things that lead to cravings. For instance, walking into a bar might trigger the urge to drink alcohol.


Both internal and external triggers can increase the risk of relapse.


Why are some people in recovery more triggered than others?


This is always a tough question to answer, and there is no perfect explanation. Generally speaking, people in early recovery tend to be more easily triggered. As time away from the substance increases, they typically experience triggers less frequently and with reduced intensity.


Another major factor is the severity of the physiological dependence a person had on their drug of choice. Some of it is purely biological. For instance, heroin addicts often experience more intense cravings than those recovering from cocaine addiction.


Can you avoid triggers?


Not all triggers can be avoided. While you can steer clear of certain environments—like clubs, hookup apps, or places where drugs are readily available—there are many triggers that are unavoidable. A fight with your partner, losing your job, or facing a health scare can all be equally triggering. Since these are often inevitable parts of life, avoidance isn’t an option. Instead, you must strengthen your ability to tolerate these situations.

To me, this is the most important recovery skill: building resilience. The things that drive you crazy or send you spiraling may happen again. So rather than waiting for them to catch you off guard, it’s essential to plan ahead. Focus on how you can tolerate the distress a particular trigger may cause, rather than trying to avoid the feeling altogether.


Do they ever go away?


In a certain sense, whether you've struggled with addiction or not, we all deal with triggers. We all encounter internal and external stimuli that elicit unpleasant thoughts and feelings. This is part of the human experience, and it's unlikely to ever change. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make significant improvements. When it comes to overcoming triggers related to substance use, the effort one puts into recovery will inevitably lessen the frequency and intensity of their triggers and enhance their ability to manage them.


In all my years working in addiction recovery, I’ve never met anyone who didn’t improve their ability to tolerate triggers over time.


For the best results in managing triggers, find a therapist who specializes in substance use recovery. Engage in a 12-step program. There are also medications that a doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe to reduce certain triggers. Most importantly, practice radical acceptance. Navigating triggers is simply part of the recovery process, and you don’t need to fear them.


Check out this blog on Weho Times.

5 views0 comments

コメント


bottom of page