Knowing how to properly manage your triggers could help you
avoid relapses during addiction recovery. This article will explain actionable
tips for effective results. It should help you feel more empowered about
setting yourself on a path towards lifelong freedom from substance abuse.
Successfully getting through a treatment for drug addiction
is a huge accomplishment, but your work is far from over once you’ve reached
that point. Specifically, even once you have gone a significant length of time
without consuming your substance of choice, there will still be psychological
effects that cause you to crave it again, especially if you’re around certain
environments that were characteristically tied to your usage habits. Below, you
can get some strategies for managing your triggers and therefore reducing their
power over you.
Don’t Try to Move Forward Without Help
If you are a newly recovering addict, the concept of relying
on others for help can seem truly foreign. That’s because, previously, your
sole priority might have been to get your next dose of drugs or alcohol. In the
process, you most likely severed connections with loved ones and may even be
wondering if you’ll ever be able to either repair those old friendships or find
new friends. However, most drug addiction recovery programs available equip you
with tools that help you adapt to a new way of life. Some resources may even
offer programs for family members to assist people who are going through
recovery. For example, Ambrosia drug addiction treatment participants may begin
getting support from family members approximately three weeks after first
entering the program. However, family members will learn how to best support a
recovering addict, including helping them manage triggers.
Be Open to New Experiences
There is a good chance many of the activities you once loved
are somehow connected to your drug or alcohol abuse habit. That means it will
be necessary to branch out and be willing to try other activities that don’t
remind you of the place in life you’ve now left behind. Consider doing things
that put you in the company of others, because those individuals will be there
to provide support if you need it.
Plan in Advance
Most recovery centers, including Ambrosia drug addiction
treatment options, assist with both the detoxification phase and recovery
process. You’ll probably be taught that even once you’ve adjusted to a way of
life that doesn’t include substance abuse, triggers can still happen to you,
and they are almost inevitable. Don’t fall into the trap of assuming you have
everything in place and don’t need to worry about being triggered by something
in your environment. Sooner or later, you’ll almost certainly feel the urge to
use again, and when it comes, it’s essential that you have an action plan.
Recognize When You’re In Trouble
Whereas the previous three tips have focused on being
proactive before triggers happen, the final suggestion is more closely related
to what to do after you’ve found yourself in a situation that makes you want to
return to old habits. Even if you just have a single instance where you nearly
partake in drugs or alcohol again, that’s enough of a reason to reach out to
professionals and let them know you need help getting past this rough patch.
There is no shame in feeling tempted to use again,
especially since much of what you’re feeling is related to biological feelings
that may be outside of your conscious control. However, it’s crucial to handle
triggers properly so they don’t derail your recovery process.
