Learning Triggers and Limiting Lapses

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For those going through any part of addiction recovery, dealing with temptations and the threat of relapse is always one of the most important areas. A “lapse” or “slip” refers to any re-engagement with an addictive behavior, and these can be very difficult to avoid for some participating in addiction therapy programs. At Acqua Recovery, we can help you work on learning triggers. Let us look at some basic underlying causes behind lapses, and how you can put a plan in place to help yourself avoid and manage these causes.

Learning Triggers

In most cases, a lapse is triggered by an event that, at least at first, is unexpected. It is never possible to control every single element of our lives, and we can not always know how our minds will respond to various pressures or stresses that may come up. In some cases, a trigger can be something someone else says or does. In others, it could be a strong emotion based on something heard or seen that results in strong urges. Lapses are often unexpected, but the next section will go over how to best prepare yourself in case they happen. Lapses and triggers can vary in intensity depending on each person’s situation.

Make a Plan

When lapses are banging at your door, you need to have a plan ready to combat them. A great strategy here involves using reminders, often in the form of a card or another small item that is easy to keep around. During a period when you are calm and not threatened by any triggers, write out a card or another basic reminder with simple steps for dealing with triggers. Keep the reminder in a simple place, such as a wallet or purse. Over time, as you use the reminders more often, they will become more natural for you and you might not even need the card.

Reminder Items

There are a number of ways you can keep yourself grounded when experiencing a trigger. Some suggestions for reminders you can list for yourself include:

  • Contact info for your sponsor, or a close friend you trust in times of need

  • A directive to follow when experiencing cravings or triggers – maybe a meeting to go to, or a number to call for help

  • Something inspirational or that will ground you and remind you of the importance of your recovery goal

  • Other calming suggestions, such as a walk or meditation

  • Any other tactics you believe might help you resist strong urges

How you deal with these moments can make all the difference during your recovery. Staying sober after leaving rehab can be the hardest part of recovery for a lot of people. Staying focused and learning triggers can save your life once you are out on your own. It is never the wrong time to get help for addiction or staying sober. For more on helping limit lapses, or to learn about any of our addiction treatment programs in Utah, speak to the caregivers at Acqua Recovery today at (866) 830-4628.

Learning Triggers and Limiting Lapses

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Dr. Daniel Pickrell

Dr. Daniel Pickrell
Medical Reviewer

Dr. Pickrell is a board-certified psychiatrist with interests in addiction and psychiatry. He strives to identify the underlying cause of substance use. His understanding of addiction as the overlapping symptoms of biopsychosocial development is the foundation to his care model. He is committed to helping both patients and families understand that addiction is a treatable medical illness. He has been involved in the treatment of addiction for the last 17 years and completed his residency training at the University of Utah.

By: Acqua Recovery

Posted Date: Jan 31, 2023

Updated Date: Jun 21, 2024

For those going through any part of addiction recovery, dealing with temptations and the threat of relapse is always one of the most important areas. A “lapse” or “slip” refers to any re-engagement with an addictive behavior, and these can be very difficult to avoid for some participating in addiction therapy programs. At Acqua Recovery, we can help you work on learning triggers. Let us look at some basic underlying causes behind lapses, and how you can put a plan in place to help yourself avoid and manage these causes.

Learning Triggers

In most cases, a lapse is triggered by an event that, at least at first, is unexpected. It is never possible to control every single element of our lives, and we can not always know how our minds will respond to various pressures or stresses that may come up. In some cases, a trigger can be something someone else says or does. In others, it could be a strong emotion based on something heard or seen that results in strong urges. Lapses are often unexpected, but the next section will go over how to best prepare yourself in case they happen. Lapses and triggers can vary in intensity depending on each person's situation.

Make a Plan

When lapses are banging at your door, you need to have a plan ready to combat them. A great strategy here involves using reminders, often in the form of a card or another small item that is easy to keep around. During a period when you are calm and not threatened by any triggers, write out a card or another basic reminder with simple steps for dealing with triggers. Keep the reminder in a simple place, such as a wallet or purse. Over time, as you use the reminders more often, they will become more natural for you and you might not even need the card.

Reminder Items

There are a number of ways you can keep yourself grounded when experiencing a trigger. Some suggestions for reminders you can list for yourself include:

  • Contact info for your sponsor, or a close friend you trust in times of need

  • A directive to follow when experiencing cravings or triggers – maybe a meeting to go to, or a number to call for help

  • Something inspirational or that will ground you and remind you of the importance of your recovery goal

  • Other calming suggestions, such as a walk or meditation

  • Any other tactics you believe might help you resist strong urges

How you deal with these moments can make all the difference during your recovery. Staying sober after leaving rehab can be the hardest part of recovery for a lot of people. Staying focused and learning triggers can save your life once you are out on your own. It is never the wrong time to get help for addiction or staying sober. For more on helping limit lapses, or to learn about any of our addiction treatment programs in Utah, speak to the caregivers at Acqua Recovery today at (866) 830-4628.

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