06/23/2026
Knowing and having a plan for common substance use triggers is essential for protecting your recovery. Triggers can be external (people, places, and situations) or internal (thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations).
Here are 5 common relapse triggers and strategies to help you navigate them:
✨ Stress
Build regular stress-relieving activities into your routine, such as exercising, journaling, meditating, spending time outdoors, or connecting with loved ones. During times of heightened stress, turning to these activities, even for just 10 minutes, when you feel a substance craving creep in.
✨ Environmental Cues
Certain people, places, routines, and even smells can bring back memories associated with substance use. Identify locations and situations that feel triggering, and make a plan for avoiding them, even if that means taking a new route to work or changing up your weekly routine.
✨ Social Pressure
The people we surround ourselves with have a significant impact on our recovery. Spend time with people who support your sobriety and little to no time in environments where substance use is the focus. Meetings, peer support groups, volunteer opportunities, and sports- or hobby-based communities can be great places to build new connections.
✨ Difficult Emotions
Loneliness, anger, anxiety, sadness, guilt, and frustration can all trigger substance use cravings. Rather than pushing these emotions away or ‘escaping’ with substance use, practice reaching out for support. Talking with a trusted friend, sponsor, therapist, or with a support group can help you process difficult feelings and develop healthy ways of coping.
✨ Major Life Changes
Job loss, relationship changes, financial challenges, moving, or other significant life transitions can create uncertainty and stress. During these times, maintaining structure is especially important. Stick to recovery and healthy-living routines, stay connected to your support system, and focus on small, manageable goals each day.
Remember: Feeling triggered is not a failure; it’s a signal that you may need additional support or to walk away from old habits and connections that no longer serve you.