Drug addiction is a challenging struggle to overcome. It’s especially difficult to keep away from substance abuse for the long term. According to a study, there are approximately 31.9 million people who have uses an illicit drug within the past thirty days. And although many people make the first steps towards quitting drugs, it’s a lot of work to stay off of drugs. Relapse prevention is a big part of any successful drug treatment program. As you start your journey to a healthier life, it is vital to have a plan that does address your common addiction triggers.
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What Is Meant By An Addiction Trigger?
An addiction trigger is simply anything that tempts you to start using drugs again. It doesn’t have to be an external thing necessarily. Often, it is internal struggles that trigger people to start using drugs again.
What Are Common Addiction Triggers
Everyone is unique. What triggers one person may not trigger another, and what may be a huge trigger for you may be only a mild trigger for another person from substance abuse. There are, however, some common addiction triggers that would be a difficulty for all users. These are as follows:
- Environment — sometimes just the environment can trigger you to start using drugs again. Certain places could remind you of doing drugs, and you may need to avoid these places (at least for a while).
- Certain people — if there are people in your life who are using drugs, then being around them would potentially be a trigger for you. Also, they may even encourage you to use it again. Even toxic people can serve as a trigger for people who are trying to live a sober life.
- Emotional trauma — when emotional problems arise, it can quickly escalate, causing trauma. As substance abusers are attempting to heal, it may be tempting to reach out to drugs when facing an emotional problem. However, this will only worsen the situation.
- Holidays or birthdays — some people feel nostalgic or emotional during holidays or at their birthday time. They may trigger them to think about past birthdays when they were doing drugs or just about how much time has passed by. Some people have had traumatic childhoods, and holidays make them feel sad in general.
Therapy for Overcoming Triggers
Being successful in overcoming the common addiction triggers, so you don’t relapse will require therapy. Through therapy, you will be able to get to the root core of your problems so that you can find a resolution. Furthermore, therapy helps teach strategies and solutions for overcoming these addiction triggers when they arise. Some of the therapies that you’ll find helpful include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- EMDR
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy programs
- Family therapy
Overcome Addiction At Northern Illinois Recovery Center
At Northern Illinois Recovery Center, you can find a haven to begin the healing process. We will walk with you on your journey to where you will discover a place to heal from alcohol addiction. We offer you the tools for recovery and living a relapse-free life. You can look forward to a sober future when working with our therapists.
Compassionate staff will greet you and guide you forward on your journey to a brighter future. Connect with us to create your customized treatment plan. Some of these programs include:
- Partial hospitalization treatment program
- Medication-assisted treatment program
- Intensive outpatient treatment program
- Sober living treatment program
- Alcohol Detox treatment program
Don’t let addiction interfere with your joy in life. Now that you understand more about common addiction triggers get in touch with a rehab center. Contact us at 855.786.1978, and we’ll help you find healing.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
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