Triggers

 

In recovery, a pesky little thing called triggers is often mentioned. The official definitions of the word read as follows:

A small lever that fires gun: a small lever that is pressed with a finger to fire a gun

A lever that operates mechanism: a small lever or device that is pressed or squeezed to operate a mechanism, e.g. by releasing a spring

 

A stimulus for something: a stimulus that sets off an action, process, or series of events

Triggers are a challenging obstacle. They can seemingly pop up out of nowhere at inopportune times.  We need to be sensitive to our own recovery and to the effect it as on other people as well. We never know what someone’s Achilles’ heel will be.

“But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.”

1 Corinthians 8:9

“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”

Romans 14:13

And fortunately, God has promised to lead and help us:

“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it, whenever you turn to the right hand, and whenever turn to the left.’”

Isaiah 30:21

I recently came across some helpful recovery advice:

17 Relapse Triggers and A Plan For Developing a Winning Relapse Prevention Course of Action

The Mark Houston Recovery Center

www.MarkHoustonRecovery.com

Here’s a sampling of those practical tips:

Maintain regular contact with one or two people that you can call when you need an immediate pep talk.

Recognize that having a positive outlook and confidence in yourself does not mean you

do not need help. You are no more successful if you recover on your own or with the

support of people who care for you.

 

 Become an active participant in your church or closely involved with your personal God.

Write down a few realistic goals and keep them visible. Hang them on the refrigerator if

you need to! Examples include “I will take a walk today.” “I will call a friend this week.” “I

will read at least a chapter a day in my book.”

 

 When things do not go as planned, strive to remind yourself how far you have come.

Setbacks do not define your recovery. How you handle them will.

 

Understand that life will not always unfold exactly the way you expect it. We must keep a

healthy understanding that we do not control the universe and to develop ways to deal

with stress and anxiety when things do not go exactly as planned.

Forgiveness is a powerful tool. Let go of unhealthy thoughts and focus on recovery.

 

 Keep a journal. Writing down your thoughts is a therapeutic way to purge those

unresolved feelings. It also gives you the unique advantage of documenting your feelings

and progress through recovery.

Do not isolate yourself.

 

Honor your limitations and don’t deny that you have them.

 Whether it’s drugs, alcohol, food or any other compulsion, these tips hit us right where we are. We’re never without hope or help. We must apply both. Let that be triggered instead!

Copyright © 2014 by Sheryle Cruse