The Behavior Chain: Triggers and Cravings

The Behavior Chain: Triggers and Cravings

All behaviors happen in a certain order. First, there is the trigger. This is the external event that starts the behavior sequences. The trigger is follow by the thinking. If we are not mindful we will miss our thinking process and will not be conscious. When we are thinking about using we start to experience the feeling and sensations that will give energy and direction for the action to use. When we have the thoughts and the feelings follow the behavior ending always with the consequences for our actions.

How to cope with triggers

Triggers are real but you can plan have a plan of how to deal with them.  Learning to cope with triggers can be the big difference between sustain clean and sober or relapse. First thing that you need to do is know your environment. Does your environment facilitate your sober life and recovery lifestyle?  Is your environment prompt to put you in high risk situations? Be honest with yourself about what people, place and things put you in risk to relapse. Is your own responsibility to avoid situations that will be a trigger for you; stay away as much as possible. If you get trigger, remember to use your coping skills.

Only you can prevent a trigger initiate an old behavior pattern. You have to be in control of your thoughts and willing to stop and think about the consequences.  Take a time a review the following of some thinking errors:

1.       Is only one.

2.       No one will know.

3.       I will sleep better.

4.       Alcohol has never been my problem.

5.       I can control this time.

6.       I will not have fun if I don’t use.

How to cope with cravings

If you don’t stop and think, then you are going to start craving. The cravings are powerful feelings that may lead to compulsive drug use. If you remove your self-form the trigger and change your thought, the cravings will not last for long time. Keep you I your mind that drug use is no longer an option for you.

If you have decided that drug use is not an option for you, then what you are going to do? What are you going to do to stay clean and sober? Doesn’t matter how much you plan, you may run to high risk situations. You responsibility is to take the action and maintain your sobriety. Don’t be cocky and have a plan!

http://www.mindfuljourneycenter.com/the-behavior-chain-triggers-and-cravings/