We have a lot of shared
experiences of which alcohol is the common factor. People who successfully quit
drinking recognize their 'triggers' and plan for the urges and situations.
I once started writing down some
of those obstacles, triggers, factors--whatever you want to call them--to talk
about how we can plan for them. Certain themes kept coming up, sort of a mix of
the things that lead us to choose alcohol, and the beliefs and conditions that
make it more difficult for us to not choose alcohol.
Emotional distress
Anxiety
Depression
Moderation of drinking (when it
doesn't work)
Repetitive/compulsive behavior
Social environment
Peer pressure
Denial
Boredom
Adrenalin and excitement from
reckless behavior
Poor self-image/self-esteem
Low frustration tolerance
Family dynamics and background
Cultural/holiday events
Ambivalence (lack of commitment)
Vacation mentality
Reward behavior
Added by others:
"Escape" would be my
most close-to-the-bone reason for using.
Drama and chaos
To avoid thinking about the
possibilties of what I "should" do with my life
* "The Number One cause of
relapse is lack of coping skills"
Lack of motivation for abstinence
Wanting a drink!
Social anxiety.
Avoidance behavior (escapism).
Wondering if I will become alienated,
unless I drink. I would like to hear more about what people've learned about
Coping with social anxiety--without alcohol.
A biggie on my list of triggers is
MARITAL PROBLEMS.
Being tired!
Feeling more sexual gratification?
Better performance? Less inhibitions. Less shy.
Feeling more attractive.
Total apathy.
To just feel better.
Cause I deserve it! I deserve to
get drunk. What a laugh.
Unrecognized and untreated mood
disorders.
Obviously many of these overlap!
Any more? What is the greatest trigger to your drinking, and obstacle to your
sobriety?