drug addiction triggers

When you least expect it, the urge to use your favorite drug can sneak up on you as furiously as a tornado. You can feel it coming, and you know it will be a horrible outcome, but you feel powerless to stop it. That’s the nature of addiction. As soon as the familiar routine kicks in, all bets are off. Afterwards you might feel failure, shame, or a sense of self-loathing strong enough to jump start the cycle of abuse all over again.

The trick is to cut it off at the pass. Pay attention to the people, places, and things that activate your urge to use. The easiest way to deal with these situations is to avoid them at all costs. Sometimes, though, that’s easier said than done.

The People That Trigger Drug Addiction

The first hurdle most addicts encounter during rehab is the suggestion that they need to cut off contact with their friends who are drug users. Understandably, resistance to this idea is strong, because it means burning bridges with those who have helped you out and been loyal to you in the past. It also means you’ll be totally alone, and that can be much more frightening than the chronic effects of long-term drug addiction.

The Places That Trigger Drug Addiction

Avoidance also means steering clear of the places you used to frequent to buy drugs. Nightclubs, bars, and private parties are out. The risk is just too great that you’ll encounter someone you know that has drugs available. And if it’s available, are you strong enough to resist the temptation? In the beginning, probably not, but after years of sobriety… maybe.

The Things That Trigger Drug Addiction

When you think about the lifestyle that revolves around drug use, what comes to mind? Music, clothing, pipes, bongs, needles, even trippy toys can conjure up the anticipation of getting high. What’s the point in keeping these items around when you’re trying to stop? They become painful reminders of what you are giving up and only serve to keep you tied down to your old habits.

So when you’re ready to leave rehab and face life with renewed clarity and courage, clean out the clutter when you get home and make a statement to yourself that it’s not the way you want to continue living your life. There are better hobbies out there that can bring you much needed relaxation and a boost of self-esteem while encouraging new friendships and discoveries. The old adage “there’s a whole wide world out there just waiting to be explored” has never been truer than when you complete your stay at rehab.

What are your triggers? How do you fight them?

Tags: Alcohol Rehab, alcohol-addiction-treatment, Drug Addiction, drug addiction recovery, drug-rehab

   

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