Internal Vs External Relapse Triggers & Warning Signs

However, the effort invested in understanding and managing these triggers can be a transformative part of an individual’s recovery journey. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. The solution to managing difficult situations is learning how to confront them without drugs and alcohol. If you’re not sure how to confront these situations, contact us today.

Your goal should be to detach yourself from the trigger, recenter, and focus on your coping strategy. What may be a normal, everyday situation or minor inconvenience for some may be triggering to someone living with mental illness. Triggers vary widely from person to person and can be internal or external. Following are examples of events that might be considered triggers. At the Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we provide personalized, comprehensive treatment programs.

Relapse Triggers

For example, a news report covering a trauma similar to what you experienced might trigger symptoms of PTSD. However, other cues are more subtle reminders that you might not even notice until after you’ve had a negative reaction. You may have to try several strategies before finding what works best for you. If you’re ready to seek help, you can visit Psych Central’s guide to finding mental health support.

With a Master of Social Work degree, LCSW license, and extensive training in Rapid Resolution Therapy under her belt, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her unique combination of education and experience allows her to provide exceptional care to clients and lead her team with confidence. Stephanie’s joy comes from witnessing the moments when her patients creatively connect the dots and bravely move toward reclaiming their power. Her purpose is to help individuals understand their past so they can create a future full of hope, growth, and success. Stephanie attributes a large portion of her success to the supportive culture and strong sense of community fostered by the Agape team.

Opioid Use Disorder

Mental health professionals don’t yet know precisely how triggers form. Some researchers believe that the brain stores memories from a traumatic event differently from memories of a non-traumatic event. While many triggers can be negative experiences, it is important to note that positive events can trigger relapsing as well.

Learning healthy ways to cope with triggers is one of the ways that an individual can make their recovery able to last many years. A study from Marquette University pointed out that stress rendered people in recovery more vulnerable to other relapse triggers. Researchers followed the cocaine use patterns of stressed and unstressed rats and used a low dose of cocaine as internal and external triggers a trigger. The stressed rats’ responses to the trigger mirrored those of people during relapse. Proponents of trigger warnings say they give a person a chance to prepare for the potential trigger or even avoid it. Given that a trigger tends to be more distressing if it comes as surprise, a warning can help someone with PTSD or other mental health condition feel safe.

Programs

In order to ensure a happy and long-lasting recovery, addicts must identify both external and internal triggers. Discover a few of the https://ecosoberhouse.com/ more common triggers to help jump-start the process. Triggers for relapse are situations that remind individuals of their drug use.

• A heroin addiction treatment center would likely provide family therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to help the client to learn to address emotional pain without the need for opioids.
• It is the culmination of an emotional relapse and a mental relapse.
• It is also easy to relapse when you are surrounded by people who are using drugs or alcohol.
• It’s important for people in recovery to be aware of the internal triggers they struggle with the most and have a plan in place to seek support when needed.
• Give us a call today and begin your journey toward long-term recovery.
• This will help you become more aware of when and how you experience urges, what triggers them, and ways to avoid or control them.