Tim
Tim Phillips
#114: The Truth About Triggers: Why Avoidance Isn’t the Answer
#114: The Truth About Triggers: Why Avoidance Isn’t the Answer
#114: The Truth About Triggers: Why Avoidance Isn’t the Answer
Friday 20th December 2024
Discover how to navigate recovery triggers effectively with practical tools and strategies, turning potential setbacks into growth opportunities.
11 minutes
informative
challenging
hopeful
empowering
About this podcast
Author:
Tim
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Creative Recovery Journeys
Financial Health in Recovery
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Episodes:
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Episode Overview
- Triggers are a normal part of recovery.
- Avoidance isn't always the solution.
- Understanding triggers can empower us.
- Create strategies for managing triggers.
- Lean on your support system for help.
Acceptance deflates triggers. 'Accept, then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it.' - Eckhart Tolle
In this insightful episode of the Sober and Happy Podcast, the hosts delve into the often-challenging topic of recovery triggers. Triggers are a normal part of the journey towards sobriety, yet they can feel like ambushes, catching us off guard and challenging our resolve. The episode highlights the pitfalls of avoidance, advocating instead for understanding and facing triggers to diminish their power over us.
Recovery is not about living a life free of triggers, but rather about developing the resilience to face them head-on. The hosts share their personal experiences, illustrating how avoidance can sometimes amplify the fear and anxiety surrounding triggers. By avoiding situations where alcohol might be present, they found themselves limited in their activities and social interactions, ultimately feeling more isolated and frustrated. Instead of avoidance, the episode encourages listeners to embrace triggers as valuable sources of information.
Understanding what sets off cravings or emotional responses can lead to significant personal insights. Whether it's stress at work or boredom, these triggers highlight areas of life that might need attention. The hosts suggest practical strategies to handle triggers, such as journaling to track patterns, planning for social situations, and gradually exposing oneself to triggering environments.
Acceptance is emphasized as a powerful tool for reducing the emotional charge of triggers, with a nod to the wisdom of Eckhart Tolle: "Accept, then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it."
Ultimately, the episode underscores the importance of a supportive community in navigating recovery. Triggers can feel overwhelming when faced alone, but sharing experiences with friends or recovery groups can lighten the load and provide much-needed encouragement.
Listeners are challenged to reflect on their own triggers, get curious about their origins, and develop personalized strategies for handling them. Recovery is a journey, and with the right tools and support, triggers can become opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.