External Triggers

• Triggers prompt strong cravings to engage in addictive behaviors.

• External triggers: people, locations, or objects that remind you of addiction.

  • Locations where addictive behavior occurred.

  • People involved in past substance use.

  • Specific times of day associated with use.

  • Objects related to substance use (e.g., alcohol bottles, drug paraphernalia).

Internal Triggers

• Internal triggers are emotions or thoughts that prompt a desire to use.

  • Negative emotions (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, frustration).

  • Positive emotions that you might want to enhance with substance use.

  • Physical sensations such as pain or discomfort.

  • Thoughts or memories related to past substance use.

Identifying Your Triggers

• Identification involves close attention to thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

  • Keeping a Trigger Journal: Noting time, location, people, activities, and thoughts/feelings during each craving.

  • Reflecting on Past Use: Considering circumstances surrounding past substance use.

  • Practicing Mindfulness: Focusing on the present moment to identify triggers.

  • Therapy and Counseling: Professionals can help identify less obvious triggers.