Triggers and the Drinking Habit Loop

In this Episode:

A common concern for alcoholics is how to deal with the things that trigger them to drink. In fact, many relapses happen at the start of a trigger. Familiar environments, people, or events launch a thought in the alcoholic’s brain that says, “let’s deal with this by drinking” and often, the alcoholic follows the routine without even realizing they are doing it.

In this episode of Back Porch Chats, Vince and Jeanna talk about the things that trigger them, how they become habits, and what you can do about them.

Highlights in this Episode Include:

·       Vince compares the Natchez Trace, a historic trail worn down since prehistoric times making it the easiest path from Tennessee to Mississippi, to a habit.

·       Why habits are necessary.

·       The impulses that start the habit process.

·       The neurological loop, Charles Duhigg’s explanation of habits as cues, routines, and rewards.

·       How understanding cues, routines, and rewards can help change the drinking habit.

·       Trauma memories and pain as triggers.

·       Becoming self-aware to identify the true trigger.