What are addiction triggers. These are the things that make addicts go back to their addiction. The cause of them going back to their addiction. And the excuses I get from addicts, to why they went back to their addiction, in most cases you would find pathetic. It is even hard for me to believe “is that all it took for you to go back to a life of hell” I seem to get a lot of clients tell me they were depressed. They had lost their job, their partner had just left them, and so on. I explain to them lots of people lose their jobs. Loads of people break up. Lots of people get depressed. But they do not all turn to Heroin / Alcohol etc as the answer.
Addiction triggers
Addiction triggers can be caused by a number of factors. Some of which can be avoided, and some which cannot (ie Bereavement which is a very common trigger). Strong emotions such as distress, pain, anger, frustration, are all triggers in the case of addiction, and recovery. Addiction triggers usually internal or external stimulus which causes the recovered addict to want to use drugs or alcohol once more. Then their addiction is back. There are other factors which trigger their addiction. These can be:
- stress
- sexual and physical abuse
- exposure to drugs at a young age
- peer pressure
- parental guidance
There can also be factors as small as, hearing a song on the radio which triggers memories, tooth ache, back ache etc. In a lot of cases the triggers can be so small. I spoke to a client yesterday who had relapsed from Heroin after 14 years. I asked him what made you go back to Heroin after all his time? and his answer was “I lost my job, and I was feeling depressed”. It was just another lame excuse I get from so many addicts. Even after explaining you can still get off it, if you act now. He had no intension of wanting to stop. It was almost as if he had come back home. A place where he wanted to be, despite the consequences. A place where he was comfortable. Sometimes there is no helping some people. Very sad. But it is his choice.
Addiction triggers are specific stimuli, situations, or emotions that can lead to cravings or a strong desire to engage in substance use or addictive behaviours. Triggers can vary from person to person, but here are some common types of addiction triggers:
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Environmental Triggers: Certain environments associated with past substance use or addictive behaviours can act as triggers. This may include specific locations, social settings, or even certain objects or paraphernalia associated with substance use or the addictive behaviour.
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Emotional Triggers: Emotional states, such as stress, sadness, anger, or boredom, can serve as triggers for individuals with addiction. They may turn to substance use or addictive behaviors as a way to cope with or escape from these emotions.
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Social Triggers: Social interactions, peer pressure, or being around individuals who use substances or engage in addictive behaviours can act as triggers. The desire to fit in or the fear of missing out (FOMO) may contribute to the urge to engage in substance use or addictive behaviours.
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Sensory Triggers: Certain sensory cues, such as the smell of alcohol, the taste of certain foods, or the sight of drug paraphernalia, can evoke strong cravings and trigger addictive behaviours.
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Positive Triggers: Positive emotions or experiences, such as celebrations, parties, or achievements, can also act as triggers for individuals with addiction. They may associate these positive events with substance use or addictive behaviours, leading to cravings or a desire to engage in the behaviour.
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Negative Triggers: Negative experiences, conflicts, or challenging life circumstances can serve as triggers for individuals with addiction. They may turn to substance use or addictive behaviours as a way to numb emotional pain, escape reality, or self-medicate.
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Withdrawal Triggers: Physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms experienced during attempts to quit or reduce substance use can act as triggers for relapse. The discomfort and cravings associated with withdrawal can make individuals vulnerable to returning to their addictive behaviours.
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Routine Triggers: Engaging in specific routines or activities that were frequently associated with substance use or addictive behaviours can trigger cravings. These routines may become strongly linked in the individual’s mind with the addictive behaviour.
It is important for individuals in recovery to identify their personal triggers and develop strategies to cope with them effectively. This may involve building healthy coping mechanisms, developing a support network, engaging in therapy or counselling, and practicing relapse prevention techniques. Understanding and managing triggers is a crucial aspect of maintaining long-term recovery and preventing relapse.
Contact us
If you are finding it hard to stay clean form your addiction. Call us now before you think of relapsing, as we can help you get through this. We deal with 100’s of people every year who are in exactly the same position as yourself. Call Tel: 07811 606 606 (24 hours)
