Written by Andrew John Tucker, LCSW
Researched by Corina Evi Tucker y de la Huerta
www.addictiontherapynyc.com
Summer can be full of light — and full of landmines. Sunsets, cookouts, vacations… and cravings. As many of my clients know firsthand, being in recovery doesn’t mean avoiding all triggers — it means building a plan to meet them when they come….and to have shit tons of fun….because…that’s the point right?
This week’s Summer Series spotlight is “Coping With Triggers” from AddictionCenter.com, an article that breaks down triggers into three categories: environmental, emotional, and exposure-related. Whether it’s a wedding where wine flows freely, a tough phone call from a parent, or just walking past an old bar — knowing what sets off a craving can be the first step to staying grounded.
This article is worth reading and revisiting. Here are three practical uses for it in recovery:
- Trigger Mapping: Identify your personal top 5 triggers using their categories. What’s environmental, what’s emotional, what’s exposure-based?
- Plan the Pause: Choose one trigger and make a plan for how you’ll pause and respond when it hits.
- Reinforce Recovery Allies: Share this article with a trusted friend, sponsor, or therapist and talk through the examples together.
Recovery isn’t about avoiding life. It’s about learning how to live it more fully — with eyes open, skills sharpened, and self-compassion intact.
Read the original article here
Original article by Addiction Center Staff
If you or anyone you know might benefit from a free consultation with a Clinical Addiction Specialist, fill out the confidential form on my website www.addictiontherapynyc.com, and I will reach out to you within 12 hours.
