No matter if you’ve been sober for a day or for months, you are likely already aware of the work involved. Not only are you renewing your commitment to sobriety every day, but you’re probably experiencing addiction triggers, which can make it very difficult not to use again. There are a few vital things you can do to manage and avoid triggers as you keep recovering.
The team at BlueCrest Recovery Center can help you identify the right strategies to manage your triggers. Our relapse prevention program is built to meet the unique needs of each individual. We offer cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies, support groups, and more in order to help you manage your triggers. Get more out of your addiction treatment and learn how to manage addiction triggers today by calling 888.292.9652 and getting started. Keep reading to learn how to manage addiction triggers on the road to recovery.
Get to Know Yourself
Now that you’re sober, you may see life differently. You can likely better identify what typically triggers you—and it may not always be something obvious. Or, you may not realize that something is a trigger until you find yourself in the middle of it.
Drug rehabilitation programs will tell you that triggers and the cravings which accompany them are very common. Once you understand what triggers you, you can devise a plan.
Learn to HALT
This acronym is used to help remind individuals which triggers are among the most common. HALT stands for:
- Hungry
- Angry
- Lonely
- Tired
These are all high-risk situations that can trigger you. In addition to HALT, there are other things, places, and people that might be triggering. For example, you may have things around your home that remind you of when you were using substances.
You may also be tempted to visit places where you used to buy or use, or you may still want to stay in touch with those who you used to party with. While you can’t always avoid these situations, being aware of these triggers will prevent you from being caught by surprise. Make a list of what triggers you and keep it with you so that you can remind yourself of them.
Avoiding Your Triggers
One way to avoid your triggers is to be prepared. For example, bring a snack with you to work so that you aren’t hungry when you get home. Joining an addiction discussion group can go a long way toward helping you maintain your sobriety and help you feel as though you’re not dealing with things all by yourself.
In order to maintain your sobriety for the long term, it will be necessary to create a new life. That means you will need to stop getting together with friends who used to use, avoid places where you used to party, and eliminate drugs or alcohol from your home. Making this series of small changes will help you manage triggers as you create a different and healthier life for yourself.
Being completely honest with yourself and your support network about your addiction may not be easy at first, but by doing so, you will have no excuses to lie about or to use. Practice this skill with those who support you, and you’ll discover that you’re likely doing better than you expected.
Relapse Prevention at BlueCrest Recovery
If you’re ready to begin a better journey in addiction treatment, BlueCrest Recovery can help. Our addiction rehab addresses the spiritual, mental, and physical aspects of addiction so that you can break the cycle for good.
Get started on the road to recovery and learn how to manage addiction triggers today. Call us at 888.292.9652 or contact us online to get started. Our experienced team of professionals will help you take the next step in your treatment journey. Start now, and soon you’ll be on your way to a healthier, happier life.
