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













 

Antisocial Personality Disorder and Psychopathy

 

Antisocial Personality Disorder and Psychopathy: Understanding the Differences

The term Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) was first introduced in 1980 when personality disorders entered the DSM (in DSM-III). However, prior to that time, clinicians and researchers had been interested in a syndrome that was initially called sociopathic personality but is now usually referred to as psychopathy.

Psychopathy was first identified in the nineteenth century when terms such as manie sans delire (insanity without delirium), moral weakness, or moral insanity were used to describe it. The most comprehensive early description of psychopathy was made by Cleckley in the 1940s. In his book, The Mask of Sanity, Cleckley provided detailed case studies of people he identified as psychopaths and outlined 21 core traits of psychopathy, which were later revised and reduced to 16 traits.

The prevalence of psychopathy is unknown because no epidemiological studies have assessed this. However, for males in North America, the prevalence is estimated to be about 1 to 2 percent. Rates for women are estimated to be much lower (well under 1 percent).

It is important to note that the features of DSM-5 ASPD do not fully map onto the construct of psychopathy as originally described. This was done deliberately in an attempt to increase the reliability of the ASPD diagnosis. However, many researchers expressed concern that reliability was being emphasized at the expense of validity and that many key features of psychopathy were not included in the diagnostic criteria. This has raised questions about whether the ASPD construct is the same as psychopathy. It is generally accepted that there is a good deal of overlap, although the diagnosis of ASPD is more inclusive and reflects a lot of criminality, whereas the diagnosis of psychopathy is more narrow and much more focused on personality structure.

References

 Hooley, J. M., Nock, M. K., & Butcher, J. N. (2019). Abnormal Psychology (18th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780135191033

Schizoid Personality Disorder

Schizoid Personality Disorder: Understanding the Loner

Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD) is a condition characterized by difficulties in forming social relationships and a general lack of interest in doing so. Individuals with SPD tend to be seen as cold and distant, often lacking social skills and being classified as loners or introverts. However, it is important to note that not all loners or introverts have SPD.

People with SPD tend not to take pleasure in many activities, including sexual activity and rarely marry. They are generally not very emotionally reactive, rarely experiencing strong positive or negative emotions, and instead show a generally apathetic mood. These deficits contribute to their appearing cold and aloof.

The prevalence of SPD, which is more common in males than females, is a little over 1 percent. In terms of the five-factor model, people with SPD show extremely high levels of introversion (especially low on warmth, gregariousness, and positive emotions). They are also low on openness to feelings (one facet of openness to experience) and on achievement striving.

It is important to understand that individuals with SPD are not choosing to be distant or aloof; it is simply a part of their condition. With proper support and understanding, they can lead fulfilling lives.

References:

Hooley, J. M., Nock, M. K., & Butcher, J. N. (2019). Abnormal Psychology (18th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780135191033