Triggers for alcohol abuse are environmental, emotional, or social circumstances that encourage women to revert to their alcohol use. If a woman gives in to these triggers, they may relapse. Therefore, it’s vital to learn what your alcohol addiction triggers are during alcohol abuse treatment. Then you can prevent relapsing, allowing you to stay sober for more extended periods. For more information about how you can avoid your alcohol addiction triggers, reach out to Crossroads Maine today at 877.978.1667 or by using our convenient contact form.
Triggers of Alcohol Abuse
Contrary to popular belief, triggers of alcohol abuse don’t force you to drink alcohol again. That said, they do make relapse more likely. Alcohol addiction rewires the brain, connecting everyday routines to your alcohol use. As a result, you may experience alcohol cravings when you encounter your triggers. These cravings can affect people even if they’ve been sober for a long time. Many people who have attended an alcohol addiction treatment program may relapse if they do not prepare for their triggers. Triggers for alcohol abuse are wide-ranging and may include:
1. People That You Used to Use Alcohol With
In many cases, the people who used alcohol with you during your addiction can be some of the most potent triggers for alcohol abuse. It may be unsafe for you to be around friends and loved ones who often use alcohol. They may offer alcohol to you or inspire emotions that encourage you to use alcohol.
Your friends and family may not recognize that they’re causing you to want to start drinking again. Even innocuous phrases, such as, “Oh, one drink won’t kill you,” can trigger you to start drinking again. To avoid falling back into alcohol abuse, you may need to reach out to your support group or therapist.
2. Place Where You Used to Drink Alcohol
People aren’t the only triggers of alcohol abuse that you may face. You may also be triggered to drink if you go to places where you often drank alcohol with others. If you walk past your favorite bar or drive through an area where you often participated in alcohol abuse, you may begin thinking about your alcohol addiction again. These thought processes may lead you to start drinking again in earnest. You may need to find ways to avoid places that remind you of alcohol abuse. Alternatively, you may need support from your friends or family members.
3. Situations Where Alcohol Use is Widespread
Other common triggers of alcohol abuse are situations where alcohol use is prevalent. Sporting events, birthday parties, and even holidays can be challenging if you’re in recovery for alcohol addiction. You may surround yourself with friends and family who are all drinking and feel out of place or feel like you need to drink to fit in. To cope with this, you can take a variety of steps:
- Bring a sober friend
- Bring your own non-alcoholic drink
- Take a walk if you’re feeling overwhelmed
- Make an exit plan if you’re overwhelmed
4. Strong Emotions
Addiction is a condition that feeds off of strong emotions, making it challenging to stay sober when you’re feeling very sad or angry. Unfortunately, when these feelings take over, it’s critical that you don’t let them become triggers for alcohol abuse. To avoid relapse, you need to have habits and healthy coping mechanisms in place to manage them.
Reach Out to Crossroads Maine Today
At Crossroads Maine, we’re committed to providing the support and care each woman needs to stay sober. To that end, we offer a range of therapeutic options to manage your triggers of alcohol abuse. For instance, our therapies include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
To learn about our alcohol addiction treatment options, contact Crossroads Maine today at 877.978.1667 or use our helpful contact form.
