Internal Vs External Relapse Triggers & Warning Signs
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They can be internal, such as feelings, or external, like coming into contact with people, places, and certain stressors. But recovery is a journey, and there are many other tools in treatment that can support your sobriety. Also, writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a daily journal could help you identify trends, events, or stimuli that lead to triggers. Increasing your self-awareness may improve your chances of success. High-risk places remind former drug users of the times they engaged in substance use.
In addition, some new, non-addictive medications can reduce the desire to drink or lessen the rewarding effect of drinking so it is easier to stop. Because many people begin using drugs to manage pressure, they might not know how to handle stress triggers if they haven’t developed other coping mechanisms. Practices like mindfulness allow individuals to focus on right now, placing their mindset in the present moment. This encourages detaching from painful or distressing experiences and can reduce stress. Healthy ways of managing triggers allows individuals to thrive without turning to damaging coping mechanisms that can harm them or others. Although it is important to increase your awareness of your triggers, doing so can cause some distress.
A Multifaceted Approach: Addressing Internal and External Triggers in Addiction Recovery
One of the biggest obstacles people face when they are suffering from a substance use disorder are triggers that cause relapses. Dr. Ashish Bhatt, MD explains how to recognize these triggers and avoid relapse. External triggers are situations or objects in your environment, while internal triggers emerge from inside of your own body. Triggers bring up intense memories and feelings of using substances.
Mental relapse, or relapse justification, is the continuous fight between wanting to use and knowing you should not use. Individuals often underestimate the dangers of situations and fall into the trap of single-time use. They give themselves permission to use substances in a controlled way, but the frequency of use generally increases until they fully relapse.
What is a Trigger?
Mental health professionals don’t yet know precisely how triggers form. Some researchers believe that the brain stores memories from a traumatic event differently from memories of a non-traumatic event. Triggers vary widely from person to person and can be internal or external. Following are examples of events that might be considered triggers. Attending an addiction treatment program is a life-changing opportunity. Treatment is often the last resort for individuals and families who….
Individuals develop new thoughts, feelings and behaviors while using substances. These may include shutting family off, denying issues or justifying substance use. Healthier practices need to replace these negative internal processes in order to help people succeed in their path to a substance-free life.
Identifying Internal Triggers
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Reach out to one of our understanding team members today to learn how you can start on your path to recovery. There are two main types of triggers that can start someone towards the path of relapse. External triggers are environmental events and situations that make you want to use drugs or drink alcohol. This can be anything from certain social situations, responsibilities, and even specific places that trigger your desire to use again. For those struggling with substance abuse and addiction, it isn’t uncommon for the affected person to return to alcohol or drug use.
