Recovering addicts know the danger zones they need to stay away from, but there are some relapse triggers that can sneak up on a person. Identifying triggers in addiction in extremely important to the person in recovery, and being aware of the lesser known ones is critical.

Identifying Triggers In Addiction – Little Known Triggers

The common triggers are discussed frequently, and every addict is aware of the risky behaviors that can lead to relapse. Some triggers are not as well known and can sneak up on the recovering addict. Identifying triggers in addiction helps keep relapse from occurring.

  1. Trying too return to normal immediately can camouflage some triggers that were part of everyday living before he or she became addicted. Life needs to be different in recovery and not the old normal. That normal contains the elements that caused the addiction in the first place.
  2. A new job, town, and friends all sounds like great helps to the recovering addict, but in reality they offer temptations that can lead to relapse. When the support system is left behind, there is no one to lean on if a craving or weak moment comes.
  3. It’s easy to become overconfident when an individual has been successful in detox and rehab. While self-confidence is a healthy attribute, it’s dangerous if it encourages the recovering addict to think he or she has “made it” and doesn’t need to attend regular meetings.
  4. Disappointment in the relapse of a friend can trigger feelings of despair. The individual in recovery needs to talk to a sponsor right away for help in processing the situation to avoid allowing it to trigger his or her own relapse.
  5. Undiagnosed mental health problems can be strong relapse triggers. Personality disorders, depression, and anxiety are often part of the recovering addicts daily issues. When seeing a doctor about mental health, he or she must be advised the patient is in recovery to avoid a risky prescription.
  6. Boredom can be a relapse trigger because of the void left when the addict stopped using. If that void isn’t filled with some healthy pursuits, such as art classes, music lessons, jogging, volunteering, or joining a sports team, the recovering addict can become bored and relapse.
  7. A physical illness can be a trigger. Having a fever and feeling weak may stir a feeling that a pill or a drink could block the unpleasant feelings. Battle it by taking Vitamin C, drinking fresh orange juice, and getting some light exercise.

Substance Abuse Triggers

Substance abuse triggers can be different for each person. If love relationship problems were associated with the original addiction, they may always present a risk for relapse. The partner may change and the specific problem may differ, but the trigger is contained in the unstable relationship. Emotional distress of any type such as anxiety, fear, depression, frustrations, or anger can lead to relapse. In many past emotional situations drugs or alcohol were the coping mechanism used. The acronym HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) describes difficult situations for recovering individuals. Keeping HALT in mind allows you to prevent getting into any of those four states of mind.

Common Relapse Triggers

In addition to individual relapse triggers, there are some common ones most recovering addicts have to deal with. Social isolation is a dangerous trigger. Support groups are vitally important to provide the recovering addict with the sense of belonging to a group or family. When an individual is lonely, it’s easy to be be seduced by drugs or alcohol. Loss of a job or the death of a friend are other common relapse triggers because it seems like everything is falling in on the person in recovery. His or her support network is very important when situations similar to this arise.

There are relapse triggers hiding everywhere, but when the recovering addict is armed with a strong support team, he or she can be ready to repel the temptations when they come. Get help and support to stay strong by calling White Sands Treatment Centers and speaking with a trained specialist.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.