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Unexpected Triggers for Alcoholism

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Marketing Department
July 10, 2023

When it comes to alcoholism, the odds are good that you’re familiar with the factors that can lead to an alcohol use disorder. Many aspects are well known, including genetics, family upbringing, mental illness, and traumatic experiences. 

However, every person is different. In many cases, this can mean that an individual has unique factors that lead to alcohol dependency. There is no one “trigger” for alcohol use disorder in any person. Instead, a combination of elements can lead to alcohol use and abuse. The good news is that by identifying the triggers, you can develop coping skills to minimize and handle these triggers without alcohol.

What Is a “Trigger”?

In this context, triggers refer to specific events, situations, emotions, or people that have increased the desire for alcohol in the past. These triggers can also lead to a relapse during alcohol rehab.

Triggers do not only refer to situations that encourage you to drink, like social cues. Triggers also refer to the vast array of emotions you may feel when presented with a challenging situation. This can include anger, shame, guilt, sadness, anxiety, fear, and others. In response to these triggers, you may feel the urge to drink. If you or a loved one is in recovery, it can mean returning to old habits: alcohol. 

In some cases, triggers are obvious. Examples include hanging out with friends who use alcohol, going to bars, or attending major social activities, like sports events or concerts, where you previously drank alcohol. However, other triggers may be much less apparent or personal, and those triggers need to be managed.

What Are Some Less Common Triggers?

Triggers come in a variety of sensations and sizes. Your challenge is to identify your less obvious triggers. Examples can include:

Smells

Smells are the most powerful sense for triggering human memory. This biological reality means that a certain smell may trigger a memory of times you enjoyed alcohol — hamburgers and hotdogs grilling or an ocean breeze — thus encouraging you to drink. Alternatively, a smell may remind you of an anxiety-inducing event, and you may feel compelled to manage this memory by drinking. 

Times or periods

Some people may suddenly feel the urge to drink without realizing why. In that case, ask yourself this: What time is it? What day is it? What time of year is it? You may discover a connection between certain periods or times of the year and alcohol use.

Anxiety-provoking situations

You might believe you can manage your alcohol use disorder, and most of the time, this may be the case. However, in certain situations — specifically, those that produce strong emotions — managing your reaction may be challenging. Anxiety-provoking situations commonly cause people to crave alcohol, and it can feel like it’s the only way to manage your emotions. However, working with a therapist can help develop better anxiety-coping mechanisms in these cases.

What Can Be Done to Manage Triggers?

First, it’s important to recognize that there are some things you shouldn’t do. First, avoiding triggers may not be possible, and even if it is, it may not be healthy. Running away from what triggers you may trigger an anxiety response, which can cause you to turn back to alcohol. 

Instead, a better idea is to work with a trained professional to identify your triggers. You can then determine a specific treatment plan that can help you manage your alcohol triggers. This treatment plan may include the following:

Work with a therapist

Discussing your triggers with an understanding professional can help you understand the thoughts and feelings that may arise when something triggers you. You can then work toward reframing (looking at things from a different perspective) and understanding your reaction. This process is common in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Involve others

Talking about your triggers with supportive people can be helpful. These may include family, friends, or individuals you know from a therapeutic environment. Managing alcoholic triggers is very common for individuals in recovery, and exchanging thoughts and feelings about what causes these triggers and how others deal with them can help you learn key insights.

Manage your self-care

Remember, triggers are more powerful in certain situations, such as when you are struggling emotionally, stressed, or sleep deprived. Prioritizing care for yourself and working to process negative emotions can help reduce the harm a trigger may cause.

Plan and rehearse

As noted above, avoiding triggers may not be possible and may be counter-productive. Instead, working with a professional, you may want to “plan” for how you will react if and when you experience one of your triggers. Doing so can ensure that you are prepared to manage your triggers and have an idea of what you will experience when you run into one.

How Can I Get Help for Myself or My Loved One?

While identifying triggers may be possible on your own, alcoholism recovery without professional assistance is extremely difficult. At Transformations Treatment Center, we can help you identify what triggers you to turn to alcohol. From there, we can help you create a customized treatment plan that fits your needs and helps you better manage psychological triggers. 

We’re here to help. Visit our website or contact us today by calling (800) 270-4315 for more information on how we can help you live a life in recovery.