Relapse II

C. Trigger Events

3. Any internal or external occurrence connected to using which activates the craving cycle. These may include thoughts, emotions (anger, boredom, excitement), people, places, things, audio, visual stimuli, even smells.

In early recovery it is best to try to avoid trigger events as much as possible as we build our foundation and become stronger and stronger. But eventually we have to recover from triggers instead of avoiding (many) of them. This is possible and classical/Pavlovian conditioning tells us why:

Bell rings: trigger event for dogs who expect meat after the sound

Dogs salivate: craving

What is your bell?

What makes a trigger a trigger is the connection between the trigger event and actual use. Eventually, with strong support, this association can be broken - literally: the neural pathways will rewire. This is called extinction in the psychological literature.

The critical point here is how and why you approach this. You MUST have some time, be active, honest, and have a plan before you attempt, for example, to go to a wedding with an open bar.

THE TRIGGER RECOVERY PROCESS

1. Avoid situations

2. Gradual reintroduction into some situations (concerts, sporting events, weddings are one thing, going to Crack Row is another - there is probably never going to be a legitimate reason to do the latter and you wont be missing out on anything).

2A. Process with Sponsor/support group whether it's a good idea to

go.

2B. Develop a sobriety plan: carry AA/NA/CMA/TARP/SMART/Life Ring literature with you, get a meeting schedule and directions, agree to check in with Sponsor/support group at certain points, don't go alone

Avoid at first but then DEAL WITH IT, EMBRACE IT, MAKE SENSE OF IT, AND THEN MOVE ON. Talking about what you think and feel with the right people in the appropriate setting is the single most powerful tool there is.