As people go through the recovery process, one of the most challenging obstacles they’ll face is triggers that threaten their sobriety. These triggers can lead to drug cravings that can be difficult to deny when you’re not equipped with the right skills. As a drug rehab in Arizona, Hope and Healing Addiction Treatment Centers is committed to helping patients learn the the skills they need to deal with triggers and cravings. Here, you will learn several tips on how to manage cravings and overcome triggers as we look at the common triggers that threaten sobriety.
Common Triggers That Threaten Sobriety
Triggers remind people of their drug use and can bring them back to a time when they thought using substances was a good idea. Although they are no longer using substances while in a treatment program, triggers bring that temptation to use again and threaten the recovery process. This is especially true when people complete their program in drug rehab in Arizona and are trying to build their new lives.
While everyone’s triggers will differ, here are some common triggers that many people face while in drug rehab:
- Being around people who continue to use substances
- Visiting places where you used to use substances
- Social events
- Stressful situations that ended with you using drugs to feel more relaxed and cope
- Financial stress
- Dysfunctional relationships
- Abuse
- Seeing drug use in pop culture
There are also several internal triggers that people may experience that can lead to drug cravings, such as:
- Co-occurring mental health disorders (anxiety, depression)
- Emotional issues
- Trauma
- Guilt
- Shame
- Loss
Recognizing Triggers
One or a combination of these triggers can lead to cravings for a substance and cause relapse. Patients in a drug rehab program need to be able to recognize these triggers and avoid them as much as possible so that they are not tempted to revert to their old habits.
You can recognize triggers by paying attention to how your mind and body respond to the people and places around you. You can also write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal and look for patterns that can help you recognize the triggering emotions and events.
How to Manage Cravings and Overcome Triggers Drug Rehab in Arizona
There are several ways that people can learn to manage their cravings and overcome triggers that threaten their sobriety. Here are some things to consider:[1]
Have a Support System
Having a support network of people who will encourage you to stay on the path to recovery is crucial to overcoming triggers. You can lean on these people to support you when facing a moment of weakness. This can be a group of friends or family members or through group counseling and meetings.
Learn to Set Boundaries with A Drug Rehab in Arizona
One of the hardest things to do during rehab and recovery is to disassociate yourself from the people who led to your drug use. These may be people you were friends with for years. Cutting ties if they still use substances can help you to avoid triggers. By setting boundaries, you are taking action to maintain your sobriety.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully aware of the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.[2] It can include deep breathing techniques, meditation, and simply taking the time to notice the things around you, including your feelings and thoughts. Learn to slow down and enjoy what is happening around you during drug rehab in Arizona.
Find Hobbies to Stay Busy
Distracting yourself by finding hobbies to stay busy can help you avoid triggers. Go to the gym, take a walk, read a book, or find any activity you have to focus on that will take the attention away from any triggers and cravings. These activities can also provide positive outlets for stress and negative thoughts that can lead to relapse. As you look for hobbies to stay busy, you may also discover a new passion that can open doors to other exciting possibilities.
Stay Social
If you recognize that loneliness can trigger cravings, stay social with those who respect your sobriety. Have coffee or dinner with friends regularly to engage with others and to prevent feelings of isolation.
Create A Plan During Drug Rehab in Arizona
No matter how hard you try to avoid triggers, they can still pop up when you least expect them. This is why you should plan how you will respond. This can include reassuring yourself that you don’t have to give in to your craving and removing yourself from a situation. If you find yourself at a social event where you are tempted to use drugs, leave. While it may be hard to pull away, it will be even more challenging to deal with what lies ahead if you continue to relapse.
Stay Healthy
By prioritizing health, you can keep your body strong and able to resist triggers. Eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. These things can help your body feel strong when triggers arise, allowing you to resist using substances.
Hope and Healing Addiction Treatment Centers Provide Drug Rehab in Arizona
Hope and Healing Addiction Treatment Centers provide drug treatment programs for people looking to overcome their substance use disorders and live a healthy life. We offer various program options that are tailored to suit your needs.
At Hope and Healing Addiction Treatment Centers, you will find full-time residential treatment in a caring and therapeutic environment that lends itself to the recovery process. This addiction treatment program supports adults as they overcome their substance use disorders and learn to live a sober life.
We also offer intensive outpatient services several days a week. This program can help those requiring a shorter stay and those with other commitments outside of their treatment program. Our facility also offers a partial hospitalization program that allows patients to return home daily after participating in different therapy services.
Contact Hope and Healing Addiction Treatment Centers today to learn more about how our drug treatment programs can help you battle your substance use disorder.
Sources:
[1] https://psychcentral.com/addictions/5-tips-for-managing-triggers-during-addiction-recovery#coping [2] https://www.verywellmind.com/mindfulness-the-health-and-stress-relief-benefits-3145189As the Director of Community Relations, Michael’s focus is on creating and maintaining strong relationships with individuals and organizations in the community we serve. His goal is to offer our program as a resource to those seeking treatment for addiction and general mental health. He is driven, passionate, and feels a sense of purpose in his work—confident that his experience has value and can help others find the miracle of recovery.