Disarming Internal Triggers Alcohol Moderation & Substance Abuse Treatment

When someone has a history of any of these issues, being unexpectedly exposed to imagery or content that deals with that history can cause harm or relapse. Others say trigger warnings can reinforce avoidance behaviors, which might only exacerbate PTSD in the long term. Instead, they argue that the emotions that arise from triggers should be appropriately dealt with in therapy, particularly if the feelings and resulting behaviors interfere with daily life. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ External triggers are people, places, things, and situations that awaken cravings. They differ from internal triggers, which are negative emotional states such as anger, fear, or boredom. Once patients have learned to identify their triggers, a plan of action is necessary to help avoid and anticipate the effects. Specialists often recommend “thought stopping” strategies, the development of refusal skills, and the avoidance of high-risk situations.

They often arise when a person feels a need for acceptance, security, or control. Only about 2% of drinkers in this group has alcohol use disorder. Heavy drinking during pregnancy can cause brain damage and other serious problems in the baby.

Internal Drug And Alcohol Relapse Triggers

Neither Addiction Group nor AAC receives any commission or other fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a visitor may ultimately choose. Relapse Prevention Relapse is sometimes seen as an inevitable part of addiction… Equine therapy uses horses and related activities to help patients gain insight into themselves. An addiction specialist can answer your questions and guide you through your options. Memories can also give rise to intrusive thoughts and emotions, which can be triggers themselves.

In regards to addiction and recovery, a trigger refers to a person, place, or event that may cause your brain to flashback to the days when you were using. With external triggers, there are some steps you can take to manage our environment , but you cannot control everything that happens to you. For example, you might inadvertently come internal and external triggers into contact with a news story or conversation that reminds you of your traumatic event. Certain thoughts, feelings, or situations can bring up uncomfortable PTSD symptoms, such as memories of a traumatic event or feeling on edge and anxious. One way of coping with these symptoms is by increasing your awareness of these triggers.

Seeking Help for Addiction at North Georgia Recovery Center

These «tempting situations» are more obvious, predictable, and avoidable than internal triggers. Not everyone will relapse, but for some, it can be a part of the recovery process. To fully recover from addiction, you must modify the harmful behavioral and thought patterns in your life. If you relapse, it’s a red flag that you need to get with your doctor or treatment provider to resume treatment or modify your existing treatment plan. Although these numbers may be discouraging, the important thing to remember is that relapse is not a sign that addiction treatment failed. Drug detox, rehab, and other forms of treatment are not cures for addiction, and substance use disorders cannot be cured. Rather, research shows evidence-based treatment methods can help people manage their addiction more effectively.

• An internal trigger is something going on inside our minds or bodies that promotes the urge to relapse.
• Many people who want to avoid relapse need to avoid the triggers once they recognize them.
• It is encouraged that when a person starts their journey of recovery, they plan to avoid situations that could possibly trigger them, and plan for what to do when cravings arise.
• If you’re not sure what kind of external addictive triggers you should avoid, keep reading.

Some people might become triggered by trying to identify their triggers. Therefore, before you take steps to identify your triggers, ensure you have a safety plan in place in case you experience some distress. Get out a sheet of paper and write down as many internal and external triggers as possible. For example, a news report covering a trauma similar to what you experienced might trigger symptoms of PTSD. However, other cues are more subtle reminders that you might not even notice until after you’ve had a negative reaction.

Emotional highs or lows

In many cases, users cave to drug use during a window of opportunity and falsely believe it will cause no harm. Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the individual.

Gatehouse Treatment would like to help you overcome your relapse triggers. We propose you take a moment to learn about how addictive triggers can impact your life. In doing so, you will be able to spot the different signs of addiction and protect yourself better in the future. Then think of 3 outlandish external triggers (e.g. brain implants, electric shocks). It’s understandable to be concerned about relapse after completing a substance abuse treatment program. Triggers may seem to be everywhere, and you might want to isolate yourself to avoid them. If you do relapse because of your triggers, using substances can be deadly.