Top 4 Types of Relapse Triggers & Best Ways To Avoid

Both types of triggers present unique challenges that can derail a recovery process. Understanding how these triggers affect you is vital to avoid potential relapse. Learn about some common triggers that raise the risk of relapse and how they can be avoided.

H.A.L.T. stands for “Hungry,” “Angry,” “Lonely,” “Tired,” and if you are experiencing one of those common emotions, it is an opportunity to practice positive coping mechanisms. Coping in a healthy manner requires that you have a plan in place to address your needs when you cannot directly respond to the particular trigger.

Autumn is a Time of Letting Go In Order to Change

You can get a craving whilst watching TV or while you are trying to work or go to sleep. All you know is that your body is telling you how much better you’d feel if only you took a drink, smoked a joint or took that drug. Your biological body clock is a trigger to undertake any routine behaviour. All living creatures have an internal timing system that tells us what we should be doing at any given time to satisfy our needs. So whether it’s a lunch time drink, evening joint, bedtime pill, weekend cocaine, daily or sometimes hourly fix, you are programmed to expect it. 1) Clients often want to put their addiction behind them and forget that they ever had an addiction. They feel they have lost part of their life to addiction and don’t want to spend the rest of their life focused on recovery.

Bunny’s favorite activities are Lunch, DBT, and also sitting in on individual sessions. When they aren’t working, Murphy likes to play with her little brother , go on hikes, dig holes, sleep and eat. During Bunny’s time off, he likes to destroy squeaky toys, play with his nerf dog gun, and sleep. Call 24/7 to have a discussion with one of our treatment professionals the call is completely free. Admission Line and explanation of convenient private phone and free prescreening.

How Do I Tell My Family That I’m Addicted to Drugs?

Perhaps your partner or friend at these events can have your back and help you resist if you are inadvertently offered something that could trigger a relapse. Depending on a trusted friend can get you through a tempting situation unscathed. Reminders of your addiction can trigger relapse during recovery. A whiff of cigarette smoke, watching people sip cocktails in a bar or restaurant, or a couple locked in an erotic embrace are reminders that seem to be everywhere in the early stages of quitting. External triggers can be very powerful and sometimes, you may not be able to dissociate certain things with your past substance abuse. As a result, when you are confronted with those things, you may experience a very strong desire to drink or get high again. Alone, each of those can cause strain and make days a little more difficult.

For many people, their daily routine is so hectic that sleep is the last thing on their minds. However, not getting the rest you need can put you at risk of relapse. Being fatigued lowers your immune system and impairs your judgement. This makes it harder to continue making the types of healthy choices you need to stay sober. Set yourself up for success by creating a relaxing nightly routine that promotes a restful slumber. Part of any successful treatment plan for alcohol or drug addiction involves managing the risk of relapse.

Learn to Recognize Your Personal Relapse Triggers at Discovery

Having a buddy can help in situations where you are at risk of relapse. Find someone you trust and respect to kindly, but firmly, persuade you to stop what you’re doing if you do start to types of relapse triggers relapse. If you don’t prepare for these situations ahead of time, you are vulnerable to relapse. Try brainstorming ideas or work with your counselor or therapist to come up with a plan.