Ep. 50 When Triggers Are Triggering: Strategies for Overcoming Sobriety's Unexpected Hurdles
Today, we’re chatting about understanding and managing triggers on the path to sobriety. Triggers, those little sparks that push us towards a drink, come in various forms, and today, we're unpacking them one by one.
We start with emotional triggers. From feelings of loneliness to grief, we explore how uplifting and challenging emotions can lead us to seek solace in a bottle of wine. Next, we tackle environmental triggers. We discuss how certain places, like a favorite restaurant, a sunny back patio, or even a concert, can reignite the urge to drink. We delve into strategies to navigate these settings without succumbing to old habits.
Then, we shift our focus to exposure triggers. Being around alcohol or in situations where drinking is the norm can be challenging. We discuss practical ways to handle these scenarios, ensuring they don't derail our progress.
Temporal triggers are up next. We delve into how specific times of the day, week, or year, like holidays or personal anniversaries, can be challenging. If you're worried about the upcoming Christmas season, this part of our podcast is especially for you.
Throughout our conversation, mindfulness emerges as a key theme. We emphasize the importance of being in tune with our body and emotions and how this awareness can be a powerful tool in managing triggers.
Whether you're just starting out or well into your journey, there's something here for everyone. Join us as we navigate the complexities of triggers together, one step at a time.