People who beat drug addiction or alcoholism have a period when relapse can destroy everything they have accomplished in overcoming their addiction. Some people have to make attempts at quitting drugs or alcohol several times because of relapse triggers. There are triggers that can be avoided, such as places or certain people. But recovering alcoholics and addicts have to learn to deal with situations that cannot be avoided.
Reminders
Relapse triggers may occur with any place, situation or people in which feelings are revived about using drugs or alcohol in the past. The triggers may even be sparked at certain times of the day or week when the addict remembers using drugs or alcohol, Everyday Health points out. During social functions, recovering alcoholics or addicts may come across people they drank alcohol with or have been with during their time addicted to drugs.
Exposure
Recovering addicts may be at risk for triggers when they are exposed to drugs or alcohol. Alcoholics will see people drinking alcohol in restaurants and they will be in establishments where alcohol is sold. Addicts may be visiting medical facilities where medications can remind them of the past. Family members may be using prescription medication. Even the mention of a drug or descriptions of its effects can cause triggers. Some situations can be avoided for a time after rehab treatment. Recovering addicts must struggle sometimes to get comfortable with everyday surroundings where alcohol and drugs may be present.
Stressful Situations
Stress and anxiety may result in triggers because recovering addicts remember how using drugs or alcohol soothed their feelings during such situations. Trauma may have been a part of their drug or alcohol past, further triggering episodes that may have brought them relief through their addictions.
Confronting Triggers
The best way addicts and alcoholics can protect themselves from triggers is to get out of the situation, according to Michael's House, a drug and alcohol rehab treatment center in Palm Springs, California. Sometimes it can be as easy as leaving a location when seeing a place or person that brings back memories. The addict may be able to simply take a walk and get away for a while when dealing with uncomfortable situations. It can be difficult, however, when living with a person who has guests who drink or use drugs. The person the addict lives with may be a drug user or heavy drinker. Getting away from such a situation may be the only answer, even if it means moving to a new home or never again seeing people you once loved as long as they continue their current behavior.
