Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

lets talk about triggers to use

HI EVERYONE today I was pondering over triggers and the importance of knowing what yours are....
trigger are the beginning of cravings for most of us and often lead to relapse...it is critical to learn what your triggers are and what to do with them when they occur...I am no expert by any means but I do see a substance abuse conslor once a week to help me wth my recovery and I will share some of what he has tought me...
first off let me tell you about some of my triggers so you get the idea of what I am trying to explain...
im 174 days clean and sober off methadone and the pills yet even after 6 1/2 yr of methadone "PAIN"
is a big trigger to use/abuse pills ...when I throw my back out one of the first things I get hit with is cravings
for pills...not just a pill but cravings for 1/2 a dozen at once...my mind runs wild with the thought of "if I just had a handful of pills I could make the pain stop...I share multiple addictions im clean and sober from pot and alcohol for 5 yrs this last march...but yet there are still 'TRIGGERS'  out there that haunt me...for 1 I have to avoid the liqueur isle in drug stores and supper markets because when I see whiskey bottles the color of the liquid in them makes my mouth water....you wouldn't think after 5 yrs that it would still affect me in this way but it does so I avoid those isles in the stores ....I live in phoenix az and the weather is mild most of the year...I drive around with my windows down in the car...every once in a wile ill smell some "really good stuff " not just your run of the mill refer but that "killer bud" that causes me to crave ....again one of my triggers....so what do we do with this when it happens to us...?? the first thing is captivate your thoughts...nip it in the bud so to speak...ask yourself is this rational thinking??...or is it the addict in me rearing its ugly head....first its a thought ...then it becomes an obsession..if not stoped it could very well become an action..we all need to learn what are triggers are so where on guard ageist them...for me it could be a simple as walking around the liqueur section in the grocery store or as complex as having to deal with real life "stinking thinking" about craving pills because of back pain...a few tricks I have learned that help me ...for 1 I have learned to not obsess over anything if I start off with wrong dangerous thinking I rationalize and try and nip it in the bud b/4 it gets any farther ...if this dont work and it progress into bad cravings I have learned over time that cravings usually only last briefly for me ....usually less the a 1/2hr if I was actually time it...its only a problem if I start to obsess on it....ok ive started to obsess even though I have tried not to...now is where your aftercare becomes critical...you need to call someone....although my conslor and I meet only once a week he makes himself available 24/7 if I need to talk I can get in touch with him...I value my sobriety very much so I have back ups I can call on...I have a list of several people I can go to if things start to get out of hand..I have had to make more then a few phone call in the past....it is vital that you have these go to people out there N/A and A/A are good places to meet people that can help...a good sponsor can be a life saver...now lets all jump on the band wagon and list some of our "TRIGGERS" and some of our copping skills so that we can all learn for one another...good luck and God bless.......your friend and fellow addict...Gnarly                  
30 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Acually this has been something Ive been thinking about lately. I met up with my old school friend that I use to party with. she didn't use to fix with me but just being in the city I started using in and being with her and thinking about all the old times get s me obsessing to get high again. I had to up my methadone dose to jsut get by so that i wont start using heroin again. Yes I aam sorry to admit I am still addicted to methadone so I am not really clean. I have recently realized how much I lie to myself. My husband and I both until recently use to pretend we were clean for longer then we acully were since we used only 3-4 times a week and not everyday! Now we think were clean because were on methadone.
I never thought about triggers until recently. Now I see that my last relapse into heroin after being completely clean and drug free for 10 yrs, was from a trigger and that trigger was seeing one of my old fixing buddies. I jsut starting ODCing about fixing and tried to fight it for about 2 months then finally jsut gave in. That was the beginning of a 2 yr run.   and a huge habbit that made me lose everything i had worked for. I cleaned up off of the street junk but now can't get off methadone. Triggers are a big deal. this is a good thing to think about.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Really well said Htown. I love your last paragraph.

Boredom remains and will always be my #1 trigger.  

Everything else is a very close second place and it consists of just that: everything else.  

My addict mind can make ANYTHING a trigger.  Happiness. Sadness.  Anger.  All triggers.  Tired.  Awake.  Too much to do.  Too little to do.  All triggers.  A pack of tic-tacs.  A bottle of Advil.  Trigger.  It doesn't really matter.  Being high is such an ingrained part of my past, anything can cause a thought or craving.  

Eventually most of this will lessen over time as it has in the past.  But there will probably always be triggers for us. We just need to recognize them and move on.
Helpful - 0
725350 tn?1318680468
As long as I'm spiritually fit today, I don't have triggers. Didn't happen overnight, however.

Triggers for me earlier in recovery:
Driving. I used to use every single time I would get in the car.
Being Bored. My idle mind would immediately go to drugs.
Pain. "Boy, 5 or 6 80's would take this headache away"
Failure. I hated feeling like a failure, as I often did.
Smells. Smell is the most powerful memory inducing agent.
Pretty much everything. If I had a bad day, use. Good day, use. I used to mourn and to celebrate.

Warning Signs were easy to spot for me:
Procrastination.
Dishonesty.
Dereliction.
Isolation.
Getting a case of the "F' it"s

Even though I'm not triggered to use anymore, I don't think I'll ever forget the way 50 units of H feels. So when I hear the addict in me say, "damn that would feel good", I say the NA third step prayer.

God, take my will and my life, guide me in my recovery, and show me how to live. Clean.

I have to remember, as an addict, I'm not responsible for the first thought, but I am responsible for the action I take after it. As long as I use the tools I have been given to stay away from the dope house, everything turns out ok!

Helpful - 0
1253584 tn?1332877954
I've been thinking bout this and came up with some. A hospital, I don't know how many times I was sitting at a hospital and thought " if I could only find where they keep their pain pills at, ud be set" . A credit card, I would use a card to cut lines out.  It sounds so sad that u could see a card and think of ppills, which could send u into relapse, and possibly die or or od, all of that could happen just by seeing a credit card which sets ur trigger off. That's y it's important that we know what our triggers r so then we can know what to do. Ty for ur post gnarly u really helped me think of what my trigggers r.  
Helpful - 0
557230 tn?1269429829
Thanks... :-))

I have to do everything I can to stay clean.  It is the most important thing in my life...because without my sobriety, I will lose everything else...maybe not today, or tomorrow, but sometime.  

I am 21 months clean from opiates and 101 days completely sober.  :-))
Helpful - 0
1202033 tn?1273771354
wanttobeclean,

You are really putting a lot of thought into this and working really hard!!

I admired your post! You are doing great!

Jacky
Helpful - 0
557230 tn?1269429829
Great post.  

Last week, I had my perfect storm of triggers...

1. Being exhausted
2. Someone saying or doing something that makes me feel like they think I'm stupid
3. Feeling overwhelmed with stuff I need to do
4. Feeling guilty (especially when it comes to my kids...when I'm at work or away from them for whatever reason, I feel I'm being a s*** mom..oh boy that was a huge one)
5. Loneliness and fear of being alone.. not necessary physically alone...I acutally like to be physically alone sometimes...but not feeling conneceted to anyone.  

So last week...
1. I was exhausted (often getting about 3-4 hours of sleep and that's it).....
2. Got insulted by an immature a-hole half my age at work who made me feel like an idiot, 3. Was overwhelmed with stuff to do...freakin' taxes due, extra shifts at work and a b'day party to prepare for. (hence the scant sleep) which led to
4. A lot of time away from my kids (and feeling like a s*** mom) and
5. Feeling disconnected from my husband because his schedule was worse than mine

I think back 2 years...
I would have had several pills, probably many at once.  
And for a brief moment, all would have seemed right in the world.  I would have been a great mom, felt in control, felt smart and whipped through a bunch of "to-do"s.

Then, when they wore off, I'd notice how bad I'd screwed up those to-do's, not remembered anything I had actually done with my kids, realize I really WAS an idiot and didn't know what I was talking about (because the drugs made me feel I didn't have to actually prepare for anything) and felt even more disconnected from my husband because of the deep down shame and unworthiness I felt because I was addicted.

But last week....
1.I drank some coffee (ok...a lot of coffee)
2. Fumed inside about the stupid idiot Doogie Howser at work...and vented to my husband about it instead of swallowing all that angst
3. Said "screw it" to many things on my to-do list.  My kid is only turning 3.  He doesn't really need much except cake, ice cream, the sandbox and us all having a great time
4. Called my kids every shift, and spent all the time I could playing with them
5. Made myself forget all the things I was irritated at hubby for, had a great date night at our favorite restaurant and talked for 3 hours.


Helpful - 0
1202033 tn?1273771354
Hi Everyone,

I thought of another trigger of mine so thought i would share.

Since i have become seriously addicted, it became much less about the high and more about just feeling normal, as i know this tends to be the case with most of us.

Anyway, because of this, lately, whenever i have to engage in a social situation i really start craving to use. I feel socially awkward since quitting and have almost come to the point where i am avoiding having to go out much, or at least anywhere that i will have to interact with people. I know this seems awful, but is where im at right now.

My therapist is working with me on this one but it's really a hard one for me. I really need to be able to interact comfortably with people again. Feeling like this is miserable and i feel like i am missing out on so much and that it's affecting my children.


I know i am kind of venting here too but thank you again everyone for your unrelenting support!!

Luv, Jacky
Helpful - 0
949477 tn?1247796031
For a while it felt like everywhere I looked there was a trigger: pill bottles, bathrooms, rolled up dollar bills, any kind of pill or powder, even the color white was sometimes enough to set me off. Now that I've got some 24 hours under my belt it's not so constant, but I still get triggered by those things sometimes, certain songs definitely get to me, and of course seeing pictures or videos of people using or reading/talking about getting high. Things that remind me of my ex also do it lol. In terms of emotions, I'm triggered by feeling restless, lonely, or angry, and shame and fear are big ones. When I get like that, I call a close friend, go to an AA meeting, or try and distract myself by watching a movie, listening to music, going for a walk or eating something sweet.
Helpful - 0
1278336 tn?1271816114
great post...triggers are very important to identify so you can be aware and be more in control when they hit you.  When I was using Heroin 10 yrs ago there was a certain exit to the highway that I always took on the way to score drugs.  After quitting everytime I passed by it crossed my mind...trigger.  I learned how to deal with it another way.  I would say out loud with tears streaming down my face "Thank you Lord for your many blessings, thank you for the strength to keep going down the path to the true happiness in life that You want me to have"  There are certain songs that trigger me, seeing a movie or tv show about drug abuse...so many different ones.  

so here I am working through day three of kicking vicodin. Im ready for the triggers...Im bigger than they are, Ive got God on my side

Im going to do this...for myself but even more importantly for my family that needs me.

Good luck and God Bless to anyone out there who is fighting the good fight with me today, we can do this xoxo

p.s.  I like to listen to inspirational songs to help inspire me it helps
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My coping skills are to think more positive when having negative thoughts. I also rember how bad i felt and familly felt when i was using heroin. I was not living just exsisting thats no life to lead. Now im so proud of me and Kim everyday we spend clean is a step closer to complete freedom. And thats our goal to live life the way its ment to be  (not numb with heroin ) But to feel normal smell the fresh air i really missed that just to name a few things. Thanks gnarly its a great post ,,,,,James
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
HI Everyone where getting some really good responses its amassing how the slightest thing like the rattle of a pill bottle or even the smell of something from your past can be a TRIGGER that sets our minds spinning ...lets keep going and list some more as well as your cooping skills you have learned...everyone can learn something here....Gnarly  
Helpful - 0
363110 tn?1340920419
Great post!
Something I've learned I had to deal with recently is pain. My doctor prescribes the pain meds for a back injury I had in 08 that left me with chronic pain. I've
. In pain mgmt some dr's tell you to take the med around the clock but not many ppl do. You end up missing a dose or being late taking one and by then the pain is so bad you just want to make it stop and will do anything.

that has always been my #1 biggest mistake
I've gone nearly a week now with NO narcotic pain meds, and using Flexeril for the muscle spasms. I'm just over a month clean from Soma. Yes recovering from the rebound pain was hell for almost 3 days straight and I know that there will be times I have to take pain medicine since I have my two little guys to lift and everything but not having it in my system right now is WONDERFUL.

My biggest triggers are :

Pain
Conflict (arguing)
Stress.

I learned some coping techniques for the stress and arguing through a counsellor and for the pain I'm taking it slow and using every other method I have available to me like excercise, hot baths, stretching. etc.. Today was the first day I got up and cleaned house without feeling like I was dying from the pain. :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I was just putting some clothes away and came acrossed a pill bottle.  Thank God it was empty because I have to say I got a little excited and shook it kinda hoping for that rattling sound.  Its just a reminder to me that even though the physical part is mostly over, its the mental part that stays with you for a long time.  I've only been clean for 32 days and the cravings haven't been too bad until I came across the darn bottle.  

Helpful - 0
1253584 tn?1332877954
I had the same problem. When I realized I really wanted help I went thru my cell deleted all my numbers of my hook ups and just stopped associating with those people. It was hard. But got easier with time.
Helpful - 0
699217 tn?1323438700
Great post gnarly.  Im thinking.   Every now and then when I am cleaning or walking the dog, I remember how I felt on pills doing that very thing.  I was always a bit more nervous.  I don't miss that at all.  Talking to my sister on the phone sometimes will trigger memories, but I still have no desire to use pills.  Maybe it's just too early and I remember how horrible I felt coming off them?  Im not sure.  When I have to get around someone on pills, it may be different.  Hopefully will be in aftercare by then...
Helpful - 0
1091472 tn?1268845655
Calls from dope dealers is a huge one for me.  I didn't realize how powerful that could be, because it's like "okay he is fully stocked and available right NOW to give me anything I want."  If telling them to fu*k off doesn't work I may need to change my phone number.  But believe it or not they have actually been fairly respectful of what I'm trying to do.  
Helpful - 0
496208 tn?1271339076
Since I've recently relapsed and am just 7 days w/o opiates, I've had tons of triggers this weekend.  But by the grace of God and several new friends here, I'm hangin' on.

I'm like Vicki.  This weekend I experienced a little more energy than the past couple of days, and everything is turning green and I felt the best I've felt in days and I wanted to   clean and cook something really nice for my family.  IMMEDIATELY after I had those thoughts I wanted a couple of pills.  My experience cleaning and cooking was always so much more enjoyable after several.  

I'm taking amino acids and vitamins.  WHENEVER I swallow those, the anticipation of the buzz pops into my mind.  It's crazy.  Because towards the end, I was so sick and the buzz was sooo small, but each time I took them I anticipated the feeling I'd hope I'd get.

I know I don't want to take them anymore and the insanity is romancing the high I used to get while on them.  

Thanks for the post Gnarly.  
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
Music can be a reminder more than a trigger for me as my music is such a big part of my life i find it more healing than anything.  Thank God music doesnt have a smell.  
Helpful - 0
1202033 tn?1273771354
Sarah, your response really got me thinking, with the smells. I have that same problem with the smells and with music tool. Songs that were on or that played a lot on the radio when i was using. Its like really bad emotional flashbacks, like my senses have memories all their own.........
Helpful - 0
902989 tn?1262960576
TRIGGERS
TRIGGERS are on guns and when they are squeezed they discharge depending on where there pointed there going to cause some major damage.
I have a sister that decided to pull the trigger.
I guess I don’t care much for the word trigger
I have to focus on recovery all the time I can't entertain those thoughts or triggers I have given up my right to self medicate or use.
For me a trigger is putting that gun to my head and squeezing the trigger that’s what triggers are to me.
Nothing more than mental suicide.. Thanks for getting me to thinking about triggers. God Bless and Give Peace a Chance, Mikchez
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
It is hard for me to see some of the old people i hung out with come in all jacked up on pills.  I dont wait on them and my co workers always help me out.  Air freshners for cars also will get to me at times and it will take me back to my using days.  I also avoid pharmacies as much as i can as it makes my mouth water just seeing those bottles.  If i do have to go to one of them i bring someone along with me otherwise i wouldnt actually be able to go thru with it.  Its like i just freeze up.  I guess when i really think about this it is the smells that get to me the most, shampoos that i used while using, lotions, etc.  This was a good post gnarly and you really have me thinking now!!!         sara
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey bud its took me13yrs tofigure out my triggers (here i go )

1The guilt,giving my wife H, My family finding outabout my H addition, I feel i have emmbaressed them, there from i was a junky a junky uses one of my fav excuses  to use they expected me to use H so i did but thats what the expeted me to do soi thughtthatswhat theywanted met do
2 when i feel in under preasure i used to try the easy way ( numd it )
3 meeting lld friends having to much time on my hands. now i do housewrk the garden walk the dog exerise anything to take my mind of drugsmost of all i use my head i could not g through the w/ds i keep thinking im ging t die, It sares me iv been through them lots of times but the last two have been the wrst. I wont be going through c/t ever again this guy has learened his lesson the hard way.....James
GREAT PSR GNARLY
Helpful - 0
1253584 tn?1332877954
Thanks cleanmom if u have nemore u think of letme know. This hasbeen one of the most helpful threads I've been on
Helpful - 0
2
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Addiction: Substance Abuse Community

Top Addiction Answerers
495284 tn?1333894042
City of Dominatrix, MN
Avatar universal
phoenix, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.