Substance use disorder is a chronic disease that can be managed. After treatment, many struggle to cope with relapse triggers such as social, environmental, or emotional situations that reminds them of their drug or alcohol use. Although everyone’s triggers are unique to their experience, the National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that 40 to 60 percent of individuals will relapse after recovery treatment. While not all triggers are the same, this statistic indicates that some categories of triggers are common to many people in recovery.
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Relapse Triggers
Recovery
Relapse Triggers
External Triggers
External triggers are things around an individual. This can include specific people, places, activities, and objects. It is often a mix of conscious or subconscious cues that reinforce thoughts or cravings to use substances. With subconscious triggers, one is unaware of a desire to begin using once again. External triggers can be easily avoided as individuals can choose not to be around them.
The following categories and subcategories are common external triggers:
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People
- Former drug dealers
- Friends
- Co-workers
- Employers
- Family members
- Spouses or partners
- Neighbors
Places
- Neighborhoods
- A particular friend’s home
- Bars and/or clubs
- Hotels
- Worksites
- Concerts
- Freeway exits
- Bathrooms
- Former drug-stash locations
- Schools
- Downtown
- Places they used to meet a dealer or meet friends to smoke or drink
Objects
- Paraphernalia
- Furniture
- Silverware
- Magazines
- Movies
- Television
- Cash
- Credit cards
- ATMs
- Empty pill bottles
Situations
- Parties
- Meeting new people
- Recovery group meetings
- Going out
- Before, during, and after sex
- Anniversaries
- Family gatherings
- Holidays
- Long drives/road trips
- Arguments
- Listening to particular music
- Going out to dance or eat
- Any time of isolation
Internal Relapse Triggers
Internal triggers are what many psychological and behavioral therapies try to address, either in- or out-patient. These triggers have to do with the thoughts of the individual, how they see themselves and others. These are much more difficult to manage because managing them is entirely dependent on the individual.
Many emotions can re-ignite unhealthy behavior in individuals, and it is vital to learn how to cope with emotions. These subconscious and sometimes neurological triggers will signal the brain to act in a certain way, usually signaling cravings, without the individual’s knowledge. These feelings are placed into three categories, but nearly every emotion possible can be the cause of a relapse for any given individual depending on their experiences.
Negative Feelings
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Guilt
- Irritation
- Overconfidence
- Anger
- Hate
- Jealousy
- Shame
- Depression
- Loneliness
- Feeling inadequate or overwhelmed
Uncomfortable Feelings
- Boredom
- Insecurity
- Nervousness
- Sadness
- Embarrassment
- Loneliness
- Pressure
- Tiredness
- Frustration
- Neglect
Relaxation
- Positive Feelings
- Celebratory feelings
- Excitement
- Happiness
- Passion
- Strength
- Confidence
- Exhaustion
- Feeling “normal”
- Sexual arousal
Recognizing Relapse Triggers
Relapse prevention begins in treatment, whether that be an in-patient or out-patient recovery program. Addiction recovery teaches the individual to recognize triggering situations once they are out of treatment to develop a long-term sober life.
+ Sources
https://waypointrecoverycenter.com/understanding-and-avoiding-9-common-relapse-triggers/
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Medical Disclaimer: Dignity Healing uses fact-based content about recovery treatment, addiction medicine, and behavioral health conditions in order to improve the quality of life for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction or mental health disorders. While the information provided is researched and reviewed by licensed medical professionals, it is not intended to replace professional medical guidance, diagnosis, care, or treatment. This information should not be used as a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider and/or your physician.