Coping Skills for Triggers

A trigger is an emotional reaction to situations or circumstances. As it relates to addiction, the emotional reaction is to drink or take drugs as a way of coping with the situation. Developing coping skills in an addiction treatment program in New Jersey can help you manage your triggers so that you do not relapse.

Triggers can be specific people, places, or situations that you can encounter. They serve as reminders of your addiction through intense distracting emotions. They can cause you to feel frustration, anger, pain, or distress. A trigger can be external or internal, depending on how you respond to situations. Let’s look below at some coping skills that you learn to keep you from relapsing back into addiction.

Healthy Coping Skills to Manage Your Triggers

A drug or alcohol addiction treatment center can help you find ways to cope with your triggers. With the right skills, you don’t have to give in to your triggers any longer. Some of the best ways to cope include:

Exercise or Physical Fitness

Triggers arise as a result of anxiety, stress, or intense emotional feelings. Participation in aerobic exercise can decrease stress levels and stabilize your emotions. Physical fitness elevates your emotions and improves your self-esteem. You’ll notice how much better you feel after a 30-minute aerobic session.

Get Plenty of Rest

Sleep deprivation is a leading contributor to emotional instability, which leads to triggers. Therefore, it is vital that you get enough rest each night so that the mind and body have time to heal. The recommended amount of sleep is seven to eight hours consistently. If you suffer from insomnia due to anxiety, then speak with your therapist about the problem.

Join a Support Group

During your treatment, you may participate in group therapy. A group setting is important in your treatment. You learn from others who are also on the path to recovery while sharing your thoughts and feelings in a safe setting. Support groups are also available after rehab to provide encouragement and keep you accountable.

Meditation or Mindfulness

The key to overcoming your triggers is to be aware that they exist. Mindfulness brings your attention to the present moment, making you aware of your emotions. Therefore, you can control your emotions without judgment while developing the practice of meditation.

Eating and Drinking Healthy

If you want to reduce the stress that often leads to triggers, one of the best coping skill is to eat healthily. Fish, nuts, and seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce stress hormone levels and help with anxiety and depression. Overall, your diet will determine your overall health, strength, and will to get clean and stay clean.

Continued Care for Addiction

Extended care and 12-step programs are available to help you manage your triggers once rehab is complete. You also have access to alumni programs and sober living homes that can help you transition more easily into home and job once you get out of rehab. You may also want to continue seeing your therapist for as long as it takes.

Use Positive Distractions

Addiction isn’t just about the act of using drugs or alcohol. It can also consume your mind. The best way to stop thinking about your addiction is to fill your mind and your time with positive distractions. This can include a hobby, exercise, community involvement, or finding a new job.

Learn New Coping Skills at Victory Bay

At Victory Bay, we are dedicated to helping you overcome your addiction. You can learn coping skills as a part of your overall treatment plan. To find out more about our intensive outpatient program in New Jersey, call [Direct] and speak with a treatment specialist today.