Relapse: Become Aware of the Seven Triggers

Relapse: When a Thought Becomes an Action

Imagine yourself sitting in the movie theater and an advertisement for a refreshing coca cola and box of salty popcorn flashes on the screen.  You had not planned to visit the concession stand.  The thought of having a cold drink and some popcorn is now in your mind.  

The power of suggestion turns into an action.

You tell yourself that the movie won't start for five more minutes.  You get out of your seat and walk out to the concession stand and purchase a coca cola and popcorn.  This is an example of how the power of suggestion works. Seeing the popcorn image on the screen triggered a desire to eat some popcorn and drink a cold drink.  Triggers begin as a thought or suggestion which turns into an action.  

Staying sober and one day choosing to use again is called "relapsing."  A relapse is a common aspect of recovery.  When an addict has a relapse and returns to their recovery path they can become stronger in their recovery as they will realize they are powerless over their addiction.  Relapse starts with a trigger which begins the thinking about using.  The thinking about using, gives birth to the action of using or relapsing. 

There are seven triggers that can stimulate the urge to use. 

The seven triggers are:

* people

* places

* things

* events

* activities

* feelings

* physical health

People - When a person is actively using drugs and alcohol they typically have people around them that they either use with or supply them.  Once you are on the path to recovery, the people you spend time with may need to change.   As you begin to recover, spend time with people who are supportive of your new life of recovery.  

Places may trigger the desire to use drugs.

Places - Perhaps you are in the habit of going to the local bar for a burger after work or the casino with friends. Certain places will be reminders of using drugs and alcohol.  It will be important for you to avoid these places especially as you begin recovery and learn how to relax without using drugs or alcohol.
Things - Possessions can be reminders of using drugs and alcohol.  What is in a person's home reveals how they spend their time.  If you have bongs on the coffee table, subscribe to High Times, use tin foil in the kitchen, have a special drinking glass or a liquor cabinet, you may need to replace these items in order to remain on the recovery path.

Events - Celebrations such as weddings, New Year's Eve, July 4th, Super Bowl Sunday, and birthdays may have be times of drinking and using drugs. Learning to attend these events and stay sober will take time.  You may need to decline invitations as you learn how to make healthy choices in recovery.

Activities and habits - Perhaps you are the type of person who would come home after work and pour yourself a drink or light up a blunt.  Maybe on dates you would order wine with your meal.  Attending sporting events, concerts, cook-outs, weddings and girls night out may have been times of partying and using.  It may be helpful to begin new activities and habits as you walk on the recovery path.

Feelings -  Emotional times may stir the thought of using drugs or alcohol.  Learning how to handle feelings in sobriety is a new skill.  Having a sober coach, mentor or sponsor to call when you are feeling like using again is one way to grow stronger in managing feelings on your path of recovery. 

Physical health - Bodily aches, an onset of a disease, old injuries, tooth pain, headaches, broken bones, and surgery are all opportunities to return to using.  It is possible that the doctor will prescribe a new drug that could be addictive.  Being aware that taking care of your health with exercise, proper nutrition and rest will help combat the risk of using when your body is weakened. It is important to discuss with your health provider your addiction history.

Triggers will come.  It is important to be aware of each trigger.  You may want to keep a journal writing down your personal triggers and how you will handle triggers when they come.  Having a written plan is one way of maintaining a successful recovery.

To learn more about recovery check out our web site:

www.stages2change.com

The Healing Power of Affirmations

Genuine Words of Affirmation

"I believe in you."

Harsh words and criticisms pollute the air.  All too often, criticisms are handed out freely and compliments are stingily withheld.   Spouses, parents and bosses seem to enjoy criticizing and pointing out mistakes.  Some say this is a way to make themselves feel better - noticing others faults.  This negative form of communicating is destructive and creates walls in relationships.  There is a better way to relate.  Giving a sincere compliment, noticing when someone does something well, are ways to build relationships. Too often we may admire someone, yet never tell them. 

We all want to know that we are valuable and good at things.  Hearing affirmations is empowering and healing. 

When you share a genuine compliment, walls come down, the relationship becomes a little closer and self confidence increases.  Friends, family and employees have an on going need for sincere verbal affirmation.  It is unrealistic to expect people to figure out that we appreciate them when we do not tell them in words.  Instead of being sparing in our compliments, perhaps we could adopt a philosophy of being generous in sharing genuine words of affirmation.

Today is the day you can begin to share words of appreciation.  You may not like everything about a person and they may not like everything about you.  However, every person has something about them to like.  I have created a list of 20 affirmation statements that show appreciation and bring encouragement: 

 

Thank you for taking the time.

I enjoy being with you.

You are right.

I am proud of you.

I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

I believe in you.

I appreciate all you do.

You are special to me.

I needed your help.

Together we can make it.

You are important to me.

Your smile is contagious.

You are a good listener.

I appreciate your honesty.

I admire you.

You are my hero.

That is a wise thing to say.

You bring my life meaning.

I am happy when I am with you.

I am glad you are in my life. 

To learn more about recovery or to make an appointment with Susan check out our website at www.stages2change.com

A Night on the Town - 7 Keys to Staying Safe in the City

Developing Street Smarts

I have spent a lot of time visiting cities.  I enjoy going to a sporting event, club, restaurant or theater.  In this day and age, it is critical to have some street smarts when going out in the evening - especially when the event is in the city.    

Having "street smarts" is developing an ability to read people and to stay safe in a dangerous situation.  Street smarts is an understanding of the cultural norms.  It is knowing how to interact safely with strangers in an unfamiliar environment.  Going out on the town for a night of entertainment is fun.  Staying safe is often an overlooked yet necessary goal for going out.  Staying safe means avoiding unsafe places and unsafe people.  There are other things to consider to maintain safety.  Below are seven practical keys to help you to stay safe while having fun when you go out at night.

Keeping the "Fun" in a Night on the Town

Seven keys to staying safe in the city: 

1. Tell someone where you will be at all times.
2. Apply the buddy system when you go out - go with friends and have a designated driver.
3. Dress comfortably and blend in - forget the spiky heals
4. Avoid a strangers car and do not go home with a stranger.
5. Use reliable transportation - have a full tank of gas and know how to use public transportation.

6. Know your surroundings - be aware of exits and safe spots.
7.  Listen to  your intuition.  If something or someone feels uncomfortable - remove yourself. 

www.stages2change.com