In addiction recovery, understanding and managing triggers is one of the most important features for an individual to experience readjustment. Addiction triggers, what can seem like routine, normal, and harmless parts of our daily lives, can be the hidden instigators of substance abuse. They are the people, places, objects, feelings, and times that inadvertently ignite cravings for substance use.

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One example that can help us think about this is a situation that typically happens for everyone about every two weeks. Here, we have a person who, every other Friday night cashes their paycheck. In this normal routine of life, for a person in substance abuse, after cashing their paycheck, he/she goes out with friends to a bar and uses stimulants. The triggers in this basic scenario are multifaceted – the Friday night itself, the post-work relaxation, the influx of money, the influence of friends who use, and the environment of the bar or club.

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Our brains are fascinatingly complex machines that form associations based on our experiences and habits. In this Friday night paycheck situation, the brain has formed a neural network linking these triggers to substance use. This linkage becomes so strong that the presence of just one trigger can initiate the entire sequence of thought, craving, and ultimately, substance use. It's a compelling cycle that can feel almost insurmountable. However, breaking this cycle is crucial and achievable. The first step is identification. Recognizing the triggers is no different than needing a warrior to know their battlefield. Once identified, the strategy shifts to prevention – avoiding exposure to these triggers whenever possible. For example, handling less cash or altering social circles. The third and perhaps the most challenging step is to develop new, healthier responses to these triggers. This could mean planning alternative activities like exercising or attending a 12-Step or mutual-help meeting, especially during vulnerable times like Friday nights.

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At Valor Lakes, we emphasize that while your intention to stop substance use is a vital starting point, it must translate into tangible behavior changes. This is where our approach to courageous transformation and personalized IOP treatment becomes a practical solution to addiction triggers and leads to readjustment. 

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We understand that triggers do not just challenge your resolve; they physiologically affect your brain, reigniting cravings despite your conscious decision to stop using substances. Our focus is on equipping you with the tools for lasting recovery, ensuring that you can identify, avoid, and cope with triggers in a way that supports your journey towards a healthier, substance-free life. Our approach combines trauma-focused therapy and life skills development, aimed at not just fighting the addiction but also at empowering you as a veteran to reclaim control over your life. We believe in a compassionate, structured, and accountable process, understanding that each individual's triggers and responses are unique. Our mission at Valor Lakes is to stand with you in this battle, offering a safe harbor as you navigate the choppy waters of recovery, and guiding you towards a future where triggers no longer hold the power to dictate your choices. Remember, every step away from a trigger is a step towards freedom and health.

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This whole process of overcoming trigger responses and discovering readjustment is full of inner conflict, a phenomenon we might call “The Losing Argument.” This internal struggle is a very real system within the relapse process, where your rational self battles against your substance-dependent self. Understanding this dynamic is essential for veterans seeking lasting recovery. When you decide to stop using substances but find yourself veering towards using again, it's often because your brain has initiated a process known as relapse justification. This is not just a momentary lapse but a cognitive process where your mind starts to search for reasons or excuses to return to substance use. It's as if there's an argument inside your head, a tug-of-war between your commitment to sobriety and the part of you that's still anchored in dependency.

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Cravings don't always announce themselves with clarity. Often, they start as a fleeting thought of using, which might seem harmless initially. However, it's necessary to recognize these thoughts for what they are – potential triggers for relapse. Allowing these thoughts to linger or grow unchallenged is akin to choosing to relapse.

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The more you entertain these thoughts, the stronger the likelihood of them evolving into cravings, and subsequently, substance use. In addiction, the sequence of trigger, thought, craving, and use often seems almost automatic. Breaking this chain requires a conscious, deliberate effort. At Valor Lakes, we teach the importance of “thought stopping” – a technique essential in disrupting this automatic process. The idea is to intercept these thoughts at their inception, preventing them from escalating into cravings that can overpower your resolve.

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Thought stopping involves identifying and halting a thought about using as soon as it arises. This proactive approach prevents the thought from developing into a craving. It's about being vigilant and responsive to your mental processes, recognizing the early signs of relapse justification, and actively countering them. To initiate recovery, it's essential to disrupt this sequence. Thought stopping acts as a critical tool in this disruption, helping to prevent the progression from a mere thought to an overpowering craving and eventual substance use. This process is not automatic; it requires conscious effort and choice. Every individual facing addiction must decide at the moment a thought about using substances arises: either to allow this thought to continue, potentially leading to relapse, or to actively stop it in its tracks. 

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One effective technique in thought stopping is visualization. Visualization leverages the power of the mind to combat the very thoughts that threaten sobriety. For instance, imagine a scene in your mind where you exercise control over your thoughts about substance use. This could be visualized as a switch or a lever in your brain. When thoughts about using substances begin to surface, picture yourself firmly moving this switch from ON to OFF. This act symbolizes taking control over these thoughts and effectively shutting them down.

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It's beneficial to have a replacement image or thought ready. Once the negative or triggering thought is switched off, immediately replace it with a positive or neutral image. This could be a serene landscape, a happy memory, or any other thought that brings peace or neutrality. The key is to occupy the mind with something other than the thoughts of substance use. In the progression towards recovery and readjustment, especially for veterans who often face a unique set of challenges due to their experiences, employing practical and effective techniques to combat the cycle of addiction is very helpful. Valor Lakes emphasizes a range of methods to disrupt the trigger–thought–craving–use sequence.

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• Snapping Technique: This method involves wearing a rubber band loosely around your wrist. When you become aware of thoughts about using substances, you snap the rubber band against your wrist while firmly saying “No” to these thoughts. This physical sensation acts as a prompt to shift your focus. It's important to have a meaningful and interesting subject ready to think about as a replacement. This could be a future goal, a pleasant memory, or any thought that engages you positively and distracts from the craving.
• Relaxation Technique: Cravings often manifest physically, sometimes as feelings of hollowness, heaviness, or cramping in the stomach. A simple yet effective relaxation technique involves deep breathing. You can often alleviate these physical manifestations of craving by inhaling deeply (filling the lungs with air) and exhaling slowly. This process, repeated three times or more as needed, helps release the tightness and stress from your body, providing a sense of calm and control.
• Communication Strategy: One of the most powerful tools in combating cravings is communication. Conversation with a supportive individual can provide a much-needed outlet for your feelings. It also allows you to externalize and hear your thoughts, which can be instrumental in breaking the cycle of craving. Keeping phone numbers of supportive and available people on hand is essential, ensuring you can reach out to someone whenever needed.

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We understand that allowing thoughts about substance use to develop into cravings is, in essence, a choice to remain dependent on substances. Therefore, our approach is to empower you with techniques and strategies that help you make a different choice that leads to lasting recovery and freedom. These techniques, combined with our comprehensive services like trauma-focused therapy and relapse prevention, are designed to support veterans in their courageous transformation toward a healthier, substance-free future.

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The roadmap for recovery from a substance use disorder is a structured, albeit individualized, process. Understanding this journey, especially in the context of veterans facing addiction, is vital for effective treatment and lasting recovery. At Valor Lakes, we recognize that recovery is not shrouded in mystery but instead follows a biological readjustment as the brain heals from the chemical changes caused by substance use. 

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Let's look at the stages of this recovery process:

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Withdrawal Stage (1 to 2 weeks): This initial stage occurs immediately after the cessation of substance use. The severity and nature of withdrawal symptoms vary significantly based on the substance used, the frequency and amount of use, and individual differences. Common symptoms for stimulant users include drug craving, depression, low energy, sleep disturbances, increased appetite, and concentration difficulties. Although physical symptoms might be less intense than those experienced by alcohol users, the psychological symptoms can be profoundly challenging.

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For those who heavily consumed alcohol, withdrawal symptoms can be more severe, including nausea, anxiety, shakiness, intense emotions, insomnia, and concentration issues. These symptoms typically peak within 3 to 5 days but can persist for several weeks. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary for safe detoxification. Opioids and prescription drug users often undergo a physically uncomfortable withdrawal period lasting 7 to 10 days or longer, particularly for benzodiazepine users. Symptoms include nervousness, sleep disturbances, depression, and concentration issues. This period may also necessitate hospitalization and medication, and completing withdrawal is a significant milestone in early recovery.

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Understanding these stages helps to set realistic expectations and prepare for the challenges ahead. It's important to note that the duration and intensity of these stages can vary widely among individuals. Additionally, the specific substance used significantly influences the progress through these stages. For instance, clients who used methamphetamine may spend more time in each stage compared to those who used cocaine or other stimulants.

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Early Abstinence (4 weeks; follows Withdrawal):

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• For stimulant users, this is often termed the "Honeymoon" period. Many feel remarkably better and might prematurely consider themselves "cured." This false sense of security can lead to dropping out of treatment or skipping support meetings. It's vital to use this period to build a strong foundation for recovery by channeling the newfound energy and optimism into recovery activities.
• Alcohol users might find this period challenging as the brain continues to recover. Despite the end of physical withdrawal symptoms, clients may struggle with unclear thinking, anxiety, irregular sleep, and intense emotions.
• Opioid or prescription drug users typically experience gradual normalization during this period, mirroring the alcohol recovery timeline to some extent.

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Protracted Abstinence (3.5 months; follows Early Abstinence):

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• This stage, known as "the Wall," can be particularly trying. Clients may experience depression, irritability, concentration difficulties, low energy, and cravings. The risk of relapse increases during this period. Exercise and a focus on day-to-day abstinence can be highly beneficial.
• Completing this phase is a significant achievement in the recovery process, indicating substantial progress.

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Readjustment (2 months; follows Protracted Abstinence):

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• After about 5 months, the brain has significantly recovered. The focus shifts to developing a fulfilling life that supports ongoing recovery. This stage requires hard work to enhance the quality of life and avoid complacency, as the reduced frequency and intensity of cravings might lead to underestimating relapse risks.

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Valor Lakes prioritizes guiding veterans through these stages with a compassionate, structured approach. We understand that recovery is not just about stopping substance use; it's about healing, readjustment, and building a life that supports sobriety. Our personalized IOP treatment plans, combined with trauma-focused therapy and life skills development, aim to provide veterans with the tools and support they need for each stage of recovery.