Many people who suffer from drug and alcohol abuse struggle to identify the triggers that make them want to drink and use. These triggers are key in exacerbating the symptoms that make them think that it would be okay to drink a glass of wine or beer. The truth is that someone who has a problem with substance abuse could not just have one glass of wine or only one beer. With a trigger, their addiction sets off a chain of events that makes it really difficult to stop without help.

Identify your triggers.

Take some time to put pen to paper and figure out what triggers you. Think back to people, places, and things that cause you anxiety or trick you into thinking you were having fun under the influence. Other triggers to consider is where you purchased the substances you consumed like the grocery store or the drug dealer, people who pressured you with their drugs and alcohol, and events that you are used to drinking at.

Make a plan of action

Knowing what you will do before these things happen can assist you in making better decisions when these circumstances pop up. Obviously, you may not cover everything, but knowing who to call such as your sponsor, can give you the motivation you need to stop before you start. Get a list of people together who you feel comfortable with calling in a pinch and let them know they made your list.

Go to a meeting

If you have a craving or a trigger that makes you feel nervous, get to a meeting. Being around people who understand what you are going through can make all the difference in the world. Share what you are going through because not only are you helping yourself. You are helping others to stay sober by letting them know what you are going through. Stick close to the people who there to support you because they will be instrumental in saving your sobriety.

There may come a time where you come to a turning point in which you will either choose to act on the trigger or know that staying sober is the only choice to make. By taking account of your triggers before you get on a slippery slope can help you to better cope if and when this happens. Addiction warfare is pretty common, and you can combat it more efficiently with some preparation on your part.

Here at The Kimberly Center, we offer a variety of recovery programs that are designed to help our clients with their substance abuse. We treat our clients on an individual basis to help them transition into a new life of sobriety.

Call us today to begin: 855-4-KCENTER (855-452-3683)