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3 Triggers for Relapse in Alcohol Addiction and How to Avoid Them

When you are in recovery for addiction of any kind, avoiding triggers is important. For alcohol addiction, you may have the unique problem of addiction triggers being ingrained in society and harder to avoid. Alcohol is so widely accepted and common that according to the National Institute on Alcoholism Abuse and Alcoholism: “85.6 percent of people ages 18 and older reported that they drank alcohol at some point in their lifetime, 69.5 percent reported that they drank in the past year, and 54.9 percent reported that they drank in the past month.”

In this article, we’ll share a few of the most common triggers for relapse in alcohol addiction and how to avoid these triggers. Remember, if you are struggling with addiction you should reach out to Phoenix House Florida for Tampa alcohol addiction treatment.

Trigger 1: Celebrations

You may be able to avoid being around alcohol during your day-to-day life when you are in recovery, but there are certain celebrations and family events that simply can’t be avoided. These situations might not feel overly stressful, and on the contrary they may create a false sense of control. When you are feeling relaxed and joyful in the presence of alcohol, you might feel that one drink is not a problem, which can quickly cascade into relapse.

In order to avoid triggers while still taking part in celebrations, consider talking to your counselor or therapist before a celebration or family gathering. Together, you can create an action plan to keep you on the right track. You might also consider bringing or designating someone to act as your buddy to remind you that you should not drink if you are concerned that you might relapse.

Trigger 2: Family and Friends Who Drink

People with whom you used to take part in addictive behaviors can become very triggering to be around. The bigger problem is when those people who might trigger you are family or friends who might still take part in addictive behaviors of their own. Being around them might not immediately stir up old habits, but it might make it more of a struggle, especially if they are people who cause you a great deal of anxiety or stress.

A Tampa alcohol abuse treatment center can help you find the best ways for your unique situation to help you cope. Remember, it is okay to distance yourself or create healthy boundaries in support of your recovery.

Trigger 3: Stress

Stress is one of the main triggers of addiction. For many people, it is the reason to be trapped in the addiction cycle in the first place. It’s important to take stock of what is creating stress in your life and attempt to find better ways to cope. Of course, this is easier said than done sometimes. For this reason, undergoing addiction treatment can be incredibly helpful.

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction, help is available. Services are available through Phoenix House Florida to help you navigate your addiction and recovery, including helping you identify possible triggers and equip you with the tools you need to handle these triggers.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, speak with a Tampa alcohol abuse treatment center. To schedule a consultation with Phoenix House Florida, please request an appointment today.

Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Phoenix House Florida website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services provided by Phoenix House Florida or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

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