triggers

[worried878]

I have been on this forum for a long time.  I remember when I first stopped, and the depression and faigue hit me hard a couple of weeks later, that i wanted to use just to have some energy!  I also figured out what my triggers were during that time, it was like they hit me full force.  Maybe cos I was thinking clearly and able to actually feel something for a change.  Realizing what they were, a major one being my x, helped me work through them.
It is easier to stay clean when all is well...but stress and hard times seem to catch up with me from time to time.  Guess it does with everyone, part of life.  I lost my job where I live as the company closed, and had to move to a place where I dont know a soul to find work.  I found myself thinking about using after all of this time!  Kinda like "u had to something u did not want to do, move, so u deserve it" !  Twisted thinking but an addict brain at work!  I am searching out a meetings here in arizona
Anyway,  for those who know your triggers, was wondering what trigers you to crave, or worse, use.

[worried878]

I am in mesa.  I had no idea u guys were in this area.  It is different from the deep south...for sure!

[gnarly_1]

Hey good to see you post worried we need your wisdom on the forum im in az what part are you in I know some good meetings...as for the triggers I suffer multiple addictions for me here in phx people drive with there windows down all the time....every once in a wile ill smell some killer bud from a car or 2 in front of me...as for the alcohol just looking at the colored liquer in the bottles makes my mouth water and for those 2 its been 6yrs sober this month now the pils are a real bit ch just the sound of them rattling in the bottle...knowing my wife has some
and trips to the pharmacy set me off but by far it is back pain when it flares up I dont think of a pill I think of 1/2 a dozen...the addictive brain is a tricky place sometime but with good aftercare ....never droping your guard you can make it.....thanks for your post and post more often ...good luck and God bless   Gnarly  

[vicki595]

Hi Worried!!     I didn't know you moved!   We're "neighbors" now...I'm in New Mexico! We'll talk...

I was finally able to isolate my own triggers making it much easier to push through them, with A LOT OF HELP!  LOL

I have two that tell me to get my guard up:  memories of the drug and geographical change.  So,I found going on a trip,vacation etc...was a trigger and just remembering "back in the day"... Now,I know what to do.

In the "old" days,everything was a trigger...morning was a trigger!!!    Yuck!

Good luck there and if it gets too hot...move here!!

xoxo

[j34]

Mine was all of the above as well, but most of all when I didnt get my own way, such as I had unrealistic expections of myself and others lol, untill I let go of that, I was always picking up. My last relapse was when my ex wouldnt stay clean and live how i wanted him too lol.

[addict3]

I too would have to say "all of the above", and like Gpison said, time on my hands gets me everytime. I used to like to work in the garden but I think now it was used as a good excuse for me to drink or get high. I still enjoy getting out there but, I'm just not the same dedicated gardener that I once was.

I thank God everyday for my sobriety.

[Greatgreebo]

you should have put a 'being awake' catergory....because for me just being awake is enough to make me want the pills-regardless of what is going on!!


Greebs

[worried878]

LOL
I did forget all of the above
I ran out of room!   LOL

[10356]

my triggers are too much of anything.. joy stress some music. boredom is not something I deal with but a really nice day will cause me cravings. Too Happy causes cravings. places do not as I have not done street drugs in a long time but going to the pharmacy makes me crave sometimes. On my journey I'm always striving for balance as tipping the scales either way triggers cravings. I wish you well in Arizona Worried.. Beautiful spring in the desert :) lesa

[Gpison]

First is Stress for sure. My second biggest is by far being bored....man if I have nothing to fill my time and my mind, it wants to creep back to my using days.

I also had to move to a new place due to work....Moved from a very busy active warm place to the exact opposite..surreal almost, way to much free time here.

[CATUF]

Of those listed, I had to choose "fatigue, need for energy."  I'm a big believer in H.A.L.T. - I need to avoid becoming to Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired, because any of these states, and especially a combination, can threaten my recovery.

Another big trigger for me is PLACES.  If I go somewhere where I used to use or buy, my brain starts firing in odd ways.

An odd trigger I have is looking for lost or hard-to-find things.  If I start digging through a "junk drawer" looking for some AA batteries that I'm sure I saw somewhere, my brain starts firing in ways that are just too close to the insanity of my late using days, which were almost exclusively fueled by cocaine, most of which I cooked and smoked.

Process and place triggers seem to fade significantly over time, as the old, active-addiction associations are replaced with new, healthy associations. Still, I have to be careful.

CATUF
2140

[dominosarah]

3 yrs this month.....Vicoprofen became my DOC.

[Greatgreebo]

how long have you been clean now?? Also, I can't even remember what your DOC was! (that's because it's been so long that you have been clean-good job)

[dominosarah]

You left out all of the above!!  Usually my cravings will come when things are going good, life seems to be running smoothly, not alot of stress and bam....I let myself get lazy.  Cant do that with this addiction.  Thank god for my recovery and my support system as i(we) are able to spot this a mile away.  I always take a few minutes out of each day to look at my life and to really feel how blessed i am to finally have me back.  Today i am so very grateful to be clean~~~~sara