substance abuse triggers, recovery
1. In order to manage your substance abuse triggers they all need to be identified. Each individual will have specific triggers, and these are not the same. You have to identify what triggers your cravings and negative emotions in order to avoid these until you can deal with them and work past them.
2. Expect to have some triggers during recovery, this is part of the process and one reason why so many people relapse. Understand going into recovery that you will have some bad times and moments when you feel torn and want to go back to the substance abuse. When you are aware of these facts you can prepare for them so that you do not relapse.
3. Put a plan in place so that you are better prepared when substance abuse triggers occur. Role playing, discussing possible scenarios, and even setting up an extensive network of support people and groups so that when a trigger happens you know just what to do and how to respond.
4. Take good care of yourself during your recovery. Negative emotional states, poor health, too much stress, and even a lack of sleep or a poor diet can cause triggers to happen. Take the time to pamper yourself once in a while, and make sure that you eat right an get plenty of sleep and exercise.
5. Avoid trying to cause substance abuse triggers in order to test your will to stay sober, this is not a good idea and will usually end badly with a relapse.
