Triggers

The Importance of Identifying Addiction Triggers

Addiction is a complex disease that can be triggered by a variety of factors. These triggers can be internal or external, and they can be physical, emotional, or environmental.

Internal triggers are those that come from within the individual. They can include things like negative emotions, such as stress, anxiety, or boredom; physical cravings; and thoughts about using drugs or alcohol.

External triggers are those that come from the environment. They can include things like being around people who use drugs or alcohol, going to places where drugs or alcohol are used, or seeing or hearing things that remind the individual of using drugs or alcohol.

Triggers can be very powerful, and they can make it difficult to resist the urge to use drugs or alcohol. For people in recovery, it is important to identify their triggers and develop strategies for coping with them.

The contextual analysis: Learn about your triggers

Think of anything that you are trying to quit such as smoking, drinking, certain behavior, etc...

Ask yourself these six questions:

1. What are your expectations or what do you hope to gain with whatever you are trying to quit?
1. Examples include relaxation, sleeping better, weight loss, improving social interactions, or just feeling better.
2. What internal things cause you to do the thing that you are trying to quit or cut down on?
1. 
   Examples include your emotions, thoughts, cravings, and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
3. What external things cause you to do the thing that you are trying to quit or cut down on?
1. Examples include certain people, places, songs, seeing needles, etc...
4. What are your immediate reinforcers? Or what do you perceive to be the immediate benefit of what you are trying to quit?
1. Examples include feeling relaxed, escaping, or feeling high.
5. Does what you are trying to quit or cut down on have any positive aspects?
1. Examples include making friends, feeling good, productivity, and enhanced pleasure.
6. What are the negative aspects of that thing you are trying to quit?
1. Examples include expenses, hangovers, loss of employment, and interpersonal problems.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

Triggers can change over time, so it is important to be constantly vigilant.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to coping with triggers. What works for one person may not work for another.

It is important to be patient and persistent. Coping with triggers takes time and effort.

• Using the information you learn from the six questions formulate a plan of action. If you are having difficulty dealing with any of your answers or formulating your plan of action, then work with someone you trust or your therapist. 
  

 

If you are struggling to cope with your triggers, please reach out for help. There are many resources available to you, including your therapist, counselor, or support group. You are not alone.




References

Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (2019). Foundations of Addictions Counseling (4th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780135169858