Putting your finger on the trigger of a gun indicates a bullet is about to be fired. For addicted persons, triggers are signals that they are entering a stage that brings them closer to relapse. Whether it's a struggle with a substance or behavioral addictions, Claudia asks the viewer to think seriously about triggers and identify warning signs that one is entering a zone of jeopardy.

Claudia sets the foundation for addressing triggers by using the analogy of how triggers are like a roller coaster that once it begins its downward descent, there is no turning back. Staying on the cutting edge of the field of addiction, she describes the relationship of triggers to brain chemistry and how triggers can hijack the brain's thinking and lead to relapse. She reinforces the concept that repeated recovery practices help to rewire the brain.

With the use of eight actors, male and female of all ages, Claudia introduces and discusses six critical triggers:

Romanticizing the Behavior - glamorizing the using behaviors and in the moment totally forgetting the negative consequences.

Feelings - you can numb them, medicate them, but look at where it gets you.

Loss ñfrom loss conditions to loss events, the goal is not to dwell on them but put them in proper perspective.

Resentments - like burrs under a saddle blanket, if you do not get rid of them, they'll cause an infection.

High Risk Situations - places, people and emotionally charged situations. Are they worth the risk?

Being One's Own God - are you a Yes But person? Do you discount what others say? Old tapes begin to play and soon you are back in control.

In conclusion Claudia walks the viewer through a plan of recovery:

Recognize Your Triggers

Identify and Build a Support System

Talk about Triggers and Accept Feedback

Stay in the Present

Recognize the Gifts of Recovery

Practice Gratitude Daily

Trust Your Higher Power Is On Your Side

This video can be utilized with an individual client, in group settings and with families. It is appropriate for all addiction services, ranging from drug courts, to intensive outpatient, residential, extended care, and correctional facilities.

Preview

To view a short clip of this video, click on the View Video Clip. You will need to have QuickTime Media Player installed on your computer. A free download is available here.

Running time is 36 minutes.

Handout

To further your use of the Triggering Effect video, see Helpful Documents at the bottom of this page for handouts that you are free to use with clients.