There is a belief by some in the recovery realm that “trigger” is a “dirty” word when it comes to addiction. They believe that the concept of addiction triggers takes away individual accountability. However, this is a fallacy, and such a misconception doesn’t take into account the human nature of association and reaction. Reacting to triggers is a human condition, not just a condition of addiction. For example, what happens when we see one of our favorite foods? Most likely, we get hungry. Understanding addiction triggers doesn’t need to be more complicated than that. However, due to their detrimental and potentially deadly nature, they must be taken very seriously.
What Are Addiction Triggers?
Perhaps the best way to understand addiction triggers is by addressing a concept often promoted in 12-Step recovery. This is the concept of “people, places, and things.” These are the three main categories of addiction triggers that have the potential to inform a relapse.
For example, regarding people, there are two types of people that individuals struggling with addiction are often triggered by. First is the people that use to engage in addictive behaviors alongside the individual in recovery. Even if these individuals no longer engage in this type of activity, just the memory of their past activities can be triggering. Second to this is the people that the individual in recovery feels resentful toward. In 12-Step recovery, they also say that “resentment is the number one offender.” This is because individuals without a strong foundation of recovery may slip back into their old coping mechanism for resentment.
The addiction triggers of “places and things” are often much more straightforward than those of people. For example, an individual in recovery from substance abuse might be triggered by seeing someone use their substance of preference. They may see a brand of alcohol they once drank and, as a result, physical cravings may set in. On that same note, an individual may find themselves in an environment that they associate with a time when their substance use was prevalent. This place could trigger a false sense that things “weren’t as bad as they actually were.”
This is the cunning nature of addiction and addiction triggers. They offer a false narrative of nostalgia that active addiction was an okay way to live.
Some Signs That Your Daughter Is Struggling With Addiction Triggers
The best way to prevent triggers is to enact an effective relapse prevention plan. In order to do this, we must first be able to spot the warning signs that our daughter may be struggling with addiction triggers. The following are just a few of those warning signs:
- No longer engaging in their recovery plans; distancing themself from the community or 12-Step meetings
- Having trouble communicating their feelings or disturbances
- Isolating more than normal
- Becoming more withdrawn and secretive
- Experiencing a loss of interest in the activities they once enjoyed
- Expressing feelings of anxiety and/or depression
- Exhibiting mood swings
- Experiencing trouble at school
What Does an Effective Relapse Prevention Plan Look Like?
Once we recognize that our daughter may be struggling with addiction triggers, then we can do something about it. As previously mentioned, we can enact a relapse prevention plan. However, the best way to enact a release prevention plan is to already have one in place.
An effective relapse prevention plan will already take into account the concept of “people, places, and things.” This account can even take place while your daughter is in residential recovery. For example, we can contact the people in their lives that are potentially toxic and inform them they must distance themselves from our child. This may seem difficult, even awkward at times, but remember it is for the well-being of your daughter in recovery.
Another highly effective way to avoid addiction triggers is to create a safe and sober space in the home. This includes getting rid of any alcohol or potentially harmful substances in the home, or at the bare minimum, ensuring that they are out of sight while your daughter is at home. Making these very small moves can help prevent a lot of destruction down the road.
What to Do if a Relapse Occurs?
The truth is that, even with all of our best efforts, sometimes a relapse occurs. That is the insidious nature of the disease of addiction.
If this happens, the key is to avoid placing blame on anyone (including yourself) and to get your daughter back on track in their recovery as soon as possible. Address the relapse and reengage with the recovery plan that is set in place. Reaching out to their recovery community and treatment professionals is also critical.
The Recovery Mission at Clearview
Here at Clearview, we understand that not everyone’s recovery journey is linear. Sometimes there is a side-step or even a step back. The key is to simply help your daughter make one right move forward. Eventually, you will see that they are back on the right track.
Matthew 6:24 tell us that “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” Addiction triggers are just a way to distract us on our ultimate road to recovery and fool us back into consort with a false master. However, with help and guidance, we know that your daughter can become a master not only over her triggers but of her journey toward the life of success and peace she deserves.
After leaving addiction treatment, it is important to continue to focus on your daughter’s recovery. The journey doesn’t end just because they have completed residential treatment; rather, monitoring relapse triggers is an ongoing challenge. A focus on “people, places, and things” can help prevent triggers and, in turn, prevent an eventual relapse. Creating a relapse prevention plan before your daughter returns home can help to ensure that both you and her are ready to take on lifelong recovery. Preparedness is key. If you feel like your daughter may be struggling with addiction, we can help. For more information on relapse prevention, please reach out to Clearview Horizon today at 866-584-4788.
