Trigger–Thought–Craving–Use
Craving can be activated by external triggers.
Triggers can cause thoughts, which can turn into cravings and lead to use.
The earlier this chain of events is interrupted, the more likely relapse will be avoided.
An effective technique for coping with triggers and cravings is thought stopping.
Thought Stopping
Simply put, thought stopping interrupts the usual process that culminates in using or drinking.
The usual reaction to thoughts about using “argue” with the developing thought/craving. The argument usually results in the addiction winning.
Arguing precedes negotiation, compromise, justification, and, possibly, relapse.
Thought stopping ends this process before relapse begins, usually stopping cravings in their tracks.
If thought stopping works, but the thoughts frequently keep coming back, people in recovery may have to change their immediate environments or engage in tasks that require full concentration.
Thought stopping techniques include
Visualization
Relaxation
Rubberband snap
Calling someone
Visualization
When people experience thoughts of using drugs or alcohol, they can visualize a switch or lever and imagine actually moving it from ON to OFF to stop the drug- or alcohol-using thoughts.
It is important to have another thought ready to replace the drug- or alcohol-using thoughts.
It should be a pleasurable or meaningful thought and one that does not involve drug or alcohol use.
From Break The Cycle. Volusia County Outpatient Programs
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