5 Notorious Triggers and How You Can Avoid Them

For those in recovery, relapse is one thought, one attitude, one drink or one drug away. Sustaining sobriety is like walking through a minefield of past thoughts, attitudes and, yes, one drink or one drug.

Fighting Through Your Triggers

Although treatment programming and community-based support groups are beneficial, sobriety and relapse are at the discernment of the individual.

Unfortunately, people often get overwhelmed with the recovery process. Without the proper support, our disease tells us that it would be easier to give up and give in – especially for those with itchy trigger fingers. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the recovery process, or you are concerned that you might be at risk for a relapse, know that help is out there. Reach out to one of our admissions navigators at for the support and information you need to get your recovery back on track. Call .

Everyone has their own particular relapse triggers, so let’s take a look at five of the most common and how you can avoid them.

#1 Mind Racing

Sometimes breathing is the hardest thing to do. When your mind and emotions start racing, you can lose your grip on the wheel. In active addiction, we functioned a certain way. It’s not uncommon to be in recovery and search hard for a place for your displaced energy. Breathe.

#2 Who’s Terms?

Living life on life’s terms. It’s a great sentiment, but it really is harder in practice day-in, day-out. Sure, stress is just a part of life, but it’s still stress. However, when we begin to see the typical day-to-day stressors as monumental problems, relapse is sure to follow. Live life as life.

#3 Confidence

Pride before the fall. The support groups are great, life is now great, and we’ll never have a problem with drinking or drugs again. Caution is paramount in recovery. It’s fine to be happy, appreciative and, to an extent, proud of your sobriety. However, ego-driven pride is a recipe for disaster. Be humble – it’s practical and useful.

#4 Irritability

The term “dry drunk” has its place in the five most common triggers for relapse. Although ‘white-knuckling it’ works for a small minority, most find irritability and an ease-to-anger just steps, or a phone call, away from using again. Once we become irritable at all times, we try to find relief — and not in useful or healthy ways. Be forgiving and understanding.

#5 Visiting Old Haunts

Old stomping grounds, old friends, old haunts. AA has a saying, “If you visit the barber shop often enough, you’re bound to get a haircut.” One of the biggest triggers, for any of us, is visiting the friends and places we had in active addiction. Once there, you’re transported right back into the same atmosphere that kept us in active addiction. Simply put; don’t go.

Additional Reading: CDC: Social Media Can Fight Opiate Addiction

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