Whether you are new to recovery or have gone through detox, it’s important to understand the triggers of drug use. Otherwise, you may find yourself in danger of a relapse. At Bayview Recovery in Tacoma, WA, we teach our clients how to make the best use of the second chance they’ve been given.

Triggers of Drug Use

Drug triggers are cues that cause you to crave drugs. If left unchecked, they can lead to a relapse. External triggers include smells, locations, or access to drugs. Internal triggers include physical symptoms such as strong emotions or thoughts involving drugs or alcohol.

Everyone in recovery experiences triggers that are specific to them. However, the most common triggers include:

• Social: This may include spending time with friends who still use drugs.
• Emotional: Moods have an intense effect on causing a person to turn to substance abuse.
• Environmental: Seeing wine glasses stacked in a store and walking by a place with traumatic memories can act as environmental triggers.

These triggers can be countered with the skills learned in our cognitive-behavioral therapy program and our dialectical behavioral therapy program.

Most Common Triggers

Triggers of drug use vary greatly for clients in recovery. It is important for patients to identify what could undo their progress in recovery. Some of the most common substance abuse triggers include:

• Stress: Everyday events and major life changes such as moving or buying a house cause stress. You may feel tempted to use drugs or alcohol for temporary relief. Financial problems also cause many clients to consider drug use.
• Locations: Bars, concerts, and other places that provide access to drugs can trigger drug use.
• Moods: Both intense feelings of hate, fear, or guilt and normal feelings of boredom or exhaustion can lead you back to substance abuse.
• Smells, tastes, or sounds: Your senses can trigger memories of times that you’ve used drugs in the past. For example, if you used to eat pizza after using drugs, your triggers of drug use might include the smell of pizza.
• People: When you return home from our medication-assisted treatment program, family members, friends, and coworkers may remind you of using drugs. causing you to crave them.
• Dates: The holidays may be a tough time for you if you’re used to drinking or using drugs to celebrate. The anniversary of a traumatic event also serves as triggers of drug use for some people.

How to Identify Drug Triggers

At Bayview Recovery, we understand how important it is to identify your personal drug triggers. To accomplish this, you will meet with therapists in our individual therapy program as well as participate in the group therapy program where you can give and receive support from your peers in recovery.

We have a variety of tools that help you not only identify your triggers but develop strategies to overcome them. By taking advantage of these facilitated discussions, you can also delve into the root cause of your substance abuse disorder.

Overcoming the Triggers of Drug Use in Tacoma, WA

Addiction does not have to control your life forever. We offer several programs to help you begin a new, drug-free chapter of your life. Some of these programs include:

• Family Therapy Program
• Gym Therapy Program
• Experiential Therapy Program
• Recreational Therapy Program

At Bayview Recovery, we know that going through detox and recovery marks the beginning of a lifelong journey. That’s why we also offer an aftercare program for clients who are struggling. Our caring staff will walk with you every step of the way until you can stand on your own. Contact us at 855.478.3650 today to find out more about our substance abuse and mental health rehabilitation programs in Tacoma, WA.