Dealing with Triggers: How to Avoid Relapse

Going for a run, watching a movie, having dinner with a sponsor, or reading a good book are all healthful alternatives to these triggering activities.
You put yourself at risk for relapse if you don’t make plans to deal with these events in advance. If you need help coming up with a strategy, talk to a therapist or counsellor about it.

Difficult emotions

Those struggling with Substance Use Disorder need strategies for coping with and making meaning of the unpleasant emotions they experience on a regular basis. You used to be able to temporarily escape those feelings with alcohol, drugs, or addictive behaviours, but now you can’t.
Try to train yourself to accept and even welcome negative emotions.
Think of your feelings as a chance to learn more about yourself and the world. Taking stock of your emotions and pondering their origins can teach you a lot about yourself. In fact, it’s priceless to learn how to deal with your feelings without turning to drugs or alcohol.
When you’re feeling down, consider writing in a journal, meditating, or even praying. Do something constructive to relieve stress and improve your disposition. Additional coping mechanisms can be taught to you by a professional in the field of addictions or mental health.

Encountering the addictive substance

During sobriety, you need to avoid situations that could lead you back to using. In the early stages of recovery, triggers are everywhere: a smell of cigarette smoke, seeing people sipping cocktails in a pub or restaurant, or seeing a couple locked in an amorous embrace. It’s natural to feel tempted to return to your old habits. After all, it is a comfortable environment for you. However, recovery is about more than just stopping and abstaining; it’s also about creating a new life in which abstinence is not only possible, but also preferable. Keep in mind the positive adjustments you’re making and the new life you’re creating for yourself.

Consider the people you wounded and the connections you shattered while you were engaging in your addiction.
These encounters with the substances of your past life may make you feel nostalgic, but remember that everything about it was a struggle.

Celebrations or parties

Triggers can also be happy events like birthdays and vacations. You might be feeling good, in charge, and certain that you can handle just one smoke, one drink, or a little light flirtation with the gorgeous stranger. Is it possible for you to maintain control?
Those struggling with substance use disorder often lose the ability to self-regulate, which can lead to dangerous relapses. Having that one drink could easily lead to binge drinking, for example.
Having someone to talk to while you’re feeling vulnerable to relapse might be really helpful. If you start to relapse, find someone you trust and respect who can gently but forcefully convince you to stop.