A group of mixed ethnic people sitting in a circle in comfortable chairs holding a support meeting, as they smile and chat with each other

A group of people sit in a circle and discuss their recovery

The journey to recovery from addiction often involves challenging obstacles and temptations that could lead to a devastating relapse. One of the biggest challenges during recovery is managing triggers and cravings. While these concepts are related, they refer to different aspects of the journey. 

A trigger is anything that recalls thoughts, feelings, or memories of an addiction, whereas a craving is an intense, urgent desire for a particular substance or activity.

Both triggers and cravings can arise unexpectedly, potentially jeopardizing progress toward sobriety. Recovery programs, such as the Substance Use Recovery and Wellness program at Loma Linda University Behavioral Medical Center, help individuals understand their triggers and develop healthy strategies to cope with cravings, significantly improving the recovery process. 

"We individualize care because every patient has different triggers,” says Paola Vidauri Luna, LMFT, Clinical Therapist II. “When addressing triggers, we also involve family, because healing isn't something you do alone. A lot of what we do follows the idea that “it takes a village.” If you're thinking you can do it all by yourself, we rewrite that thinking.”

While triggers and cravings tend to decrease over time, Vidauri Luna offers valuable guidance on acknowledging and managing them as they arrive. 

Understanding Triggers

Identifying triggers early in the recovery process is vital to help limit exposure and establish appropriate coping strategies.

Triggers often present themselves in someone's daily or weekly patterns. For example, if someone recovering from alcohol addiction typically meets co-workers every Friday night at a particular restaurant, simply driving by that location during the week can cause a trigger and lead to a craving.

Similar situations can occur almost anywhere, such as seeing alcohol advertisements on TV, having a meal with a family while alcohol is present, and even at a local movie theater that offers access to a full bar. 

Read: The importance of therapy during addiction recovery

Navigating Cravings

After encountering a trigger, an individual is likely to experience a craving, which can spiral into a cycle of ruminating thoughts and increase the risk of relapse.

Research from the National Library of Medicine reports that cravings typically last anywhere from a few minutes to 30 minutes. However, during an intense craving, even a few minutes can feel like hours.

To help manage these challenging moments, addiction recovery programs focus on teaching individuals positive lifestyle changes to handle cravings effectively.

For instance, the individual who recently stopped meeting co-workers every payday for drinks might experience cravings on Fridays, which can present as physical symptoms that include sweating, restlessness, changes in energy levels, and shaking.

When a craving occurs, it's crucial that individuals avoid turning to their previous addictive behaviors for distraction, which is why having pre-established healthy distractions in place is essential. Vidauri Luna says that effective coping strategies can include deep breathing exercises, meditation, gardening, walking, or reaching out to a program sponsor. Being equipped with these healthy distractions allows individuals to manage their internal struggles better and resist the urge to relapse.

The importance of a recovery program

When individuals white-knuckle their recovery –– that is, going through the process alone –– it's harder to maintain long-term success. However, with recovery programs, there is a higher chance of being sober for years and decades to come. 
 
“When you try to handle it by yourself, it can get lonely and self-sabotaging,” Vidauri Luna says. “Everyone has different triggers, and sharing those experiences helps you recognize what to watch out for and learn what’s helped others. That sense of fellowship is something you just don’t get when you try to do it alone."

Addiction is a devastating disease that affects individuals, families, and communities. If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care to help you overcome your challenges and achieve lasting recovery. Call us today at 909-558-9275 or visit us here.