We understand that each individual has unique needs, and we offer a variety of treatments, including partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). Others turned to substance use because of boredom or to enhance pleasurable experiences. The ideal situation for a person in long-term recovery is that they reach a point where they no longer know where to get their drug of choice.
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The research maintained that subconscious cues are dangerous because they reinforce the patient’s desire to restart using drugs without them being aware of it. Researchers highlighted the importance of avoiding the people, places and things that remind patients of their former lifestyle. Avoid external triggers whenever possible, and get rid of any item that may lead to a trigger. Recognize that these friendships are harmful to you and be sure to cut the friendship off completely; a half-way ending to a bad friendship will be much less likely to succeed.
Physical Relapse
Substance abuse treatment aims to help individuals recognize the early warning signs of relapse and develop healthy coping skills to thwart a potential relapse. If you regularly feel triggered and unable to cope with situations or feelings that arise in your mind or body, make an appointment with a healthcare provider or mental health professional to discuss your symptoms. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ External triggers are factors outside of an individual that may provoke a craving or desire to return to substance use. Developing an understanding of these external triggers and learning effective strategies to cope with them is essential in preventing relapses. The removal of external triggers can be as simple as a change in scenery or new group of friends.
- Uplift Recovery Center provides you with recovery in a loving, professional environment.
- Having a plan to get through times when your cravings are triggered will be very helpful in avoiding a relapse.
- Triggers may test your willpower and can be personal or shared with others in recovery.
- Life goes on, and you will eventually find yourself in the presence of an external trigger, plus you have internal triggers.
- Don’t face these challenges alone—join our community at The Retreat today!
How to Recognize Internal vs External Relapse Triggers
- They give themselves permission to use substances in a controlled way, but the frequency of use generally increases until they fully relapse.
- Developing an understanding of these external triggers and learning effective strategies to cope with them is essential in preventing relapses.
- A trigger is social, psychological, and emotional situations and events that compel an addicted person to seek their substance of choice, eventually leading them to relapse.
A post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) trigger can include any sound, sight, smell, thought, or another reminder of a traumatic event. Such triggers are sometimes apparent, but they can also be subtle and more challenging to identify. For someone in drug addiction recovery, triggers link the brain back to something in addiction that causes the cravings to use. Triggers and cravings are not permanent and will quickly pass when dealt with in a healthy way.
Psychologist-Recommended Strategies
It’s important to remain conscious of the fact that addiction is a chronic illness, and relapse is always a possibility. Additionally, setting boundaries in relationships can help protect against overwhelming emotions that could lead to a relapse. By Matthew Tull, PhDMatthew Tull, PhD is a professor of psychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder. Even though internal vs external triggers it may sometimes feel like PTSD symptoms come out of the blue, PTSD symptoms rarely spontaneously occur. Grounding yourself can help you stay in the present moment, organize your thoughts, pull back from unwanted flashbacks, and more. It’s an important tool in the toolkit we can use to manage trauma in healthy ways throughout our lives — and one you can practice anywhere and at any time.
Exposure to Substances
This not only helps you overcome them but may also be beneficial for examining and understanding what may have led you to substance use disorder. It’s important for people in recovery to be aware of the internal triggers they struggle with the most and have a plan in place to seek support when needed. 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. An internal trigger is something going on inside our minds or bodies that promotes the urge to relapse. Whereas external triggers are defined as people, places and things; internal triggers generally fall under hunger, anger, loneliness or fatigue.
Deciding to get treatment for substance use disorder can be a life-changing decision. Users in recovery can ask themselves some questions to help them understand their internal thoughts and feelings. Physical relapses are one of the most challenging stages of relapse to overcome.