ClickCease Addiction Triggers | Preventing Relapse Triggers | Relapse Prevention

Addiction Triggers

Drug and Alcohol detox and treatment programs are crucial to learning to identify and understand addiction triggers. Addictive substances trigger cravings that are often hard to ignore. Being unable to control the urge to use keeps people in a cycle of alcohol or drug abuse. If you decide to seek treatment at Granite Recovery Centers, our detox and therapy professionals will design a plan to help you resist the triggers. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in an emergency.

Drug and Alcohol Addiction is Widespread

Millions of Americans struggle with addiction to drugs or alcohol. Substance use disorder (SUD), or addiction, is a chronic relapsing disease that requires medical treatment. This is according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The disorder arises from brain changes that keep the individual hooked on the substance.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSHDUH) released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that in 2021, 61.2 million individuals aged 12 or older had used some form of illicit drug. Among these people, 9.2 million had misused opioids. This annual report also stated that 46.3 million people met DSM-5 criteria for having substance use disorder. However, individuals find it hard to quit because of addiction triggers. Even after addiction treatment, they still face relapse triggers that threaten their sobriety.

Addiction Triggers Help Fuel Substance Abuse

Addiction triggers, or substance use triggers, can be people, places, moods, smells, music, dates, or seasons of the year. Any of them can tempt you to re-experience that euphoric high again and again. Some common factors that prompt drug and alcohol use include:

  • Loneliness or chronic stress
  • Negative thoughts or emotions, e.g., frustration
  • Withdrawal symptoms such as intense cravings
  • Job, relationship, or financial problems
  • A social gathering where drugs or alcohol is present
  • Co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or PTSD

Remember that each person may have different addiction triggers. However, recognizing your triggers and how they fuel substance abuse can be the key to finally kicking the habit. There are a number of methods for redirecting triggering thoughts and feelings. The evidence-based practices and care curriculum introduced at Granite Recovery Centers holps our clients establish effective tools for overcoming addiction triggers and achieving long-term recovery. The more strategies you use, the more likely you will overcome the triggers.

 

Managing Relapse Triggers to Stay Sober

Seeking treatment at an outpatient or residential treatment program is a great place to begin laying the foundation for lasting recovery. Even though 40 to 60 percent of those treated for SUD are likely to relapse at some point, seeking an established treatment program like Granite Recovery can put you on track for lasting recovery.

During therapy and continued care, clients learn how to spot and manage substance use triggers, so they can remain sober for as long as possible. Your doctor or therapist may also prescribe medications, such as methadone or disulfiram, to help ease the symptoms and keep you off drugs or alcohol. Once you leave rehab, you can enroll in an aftercare program that focuses on preventing relapse.

 

Preventing Recurrent Addiction and Relapse with Treatment

Evidenced-based treatment models have proven effective for helping people recover from a substance use disorder. Treatment is usually tailored to address the client’s medical, mental, behavioral, and social problems linked to their substance abuse disorder. At Granite Recovery Centers, clients have access to various treatment programs. The programs offer different levels of care, from dual diagnosis to medical detox to aftercare. Care is delivered in a residential, outpatient, or intensive outpatient setting. Other treatment options include:

 

You Don’t Have to Deal with Substance Use Triggers on Your Own

Addiction has no cure, but you can manage it successfully. The treatment staff at Granite Recovery Centers are trained to help you recognize and overcome addiction triggers in New England. Your loved ones are also welcome to get involved in your recovery and relapse prevention planning. Our doors are open to men and women in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and other areas of New England. Feel free to call 855.712.7784 , and let’s talk.