List of Common Relapse Triggers my Counsellor give me

niceone freda

i am sure that many people can relate to each one of them

good to speak to you

take care

love

rusty

xx

What an excellent post Freda.

Thanks a million.

Brian

Thanks Freda,

That'a a very helpful list but quite worrying at the same time as from time to time i suffer from most of them. I have stopped buying newspapers a month ago. I felt that this was a strong cue to gambling. Whenever i pass a bookies i curse it ha ha. Interesting post tho.

A superb posting Freda, thank you. I'm going to copy this list and keep it safe. It makes you aware of the pitfalls ahead, Steve

Yes a great post. Thanks Freda.

I'm going to type this list into a word document and increase the font and make it all fancy (guess who's doing a computer course) and then print it out and stick it on the wall as a daily reminder of things to watch for... S.A

what u might want to consider when u are re typing is to have an additional column to include things u might do to block those triggers. For example

External trigger: Passing betting shop/arcade/casino/bingo hall

Block: Take a different route

Internal Trigger: Anger/frustration

Block: Learn to recognise unwanted feelings as they arise

Changes in thoughts/attitudes: “Seductive” self-talk: Denying/forgetting how bad problem has been

Block: Keep a record of bank / credit card transactions readily available for review

Changes in behaviour: Unhelpful changes : Cutting yourself off from other people

Block: Join a gym, or think about enrolling in an evening class

just a thought

love

rusty

xx

Good idea Rusty! I am really thrilled people have found this useful 🙂 everyone is different, and it's not an exhaustive list, but I'm sure everyone can identify with at least one trigger.

Can just help you think about what may trigger you in the future too.

Love to you all,

f x

Excellent!

Bump!

Xx

Great bump S_J_B

Nice One Freda.

Yes it was many of those things that triggered me. A big one with me was sudden bad news and threats of sanctions as I was getting messed around a lot. I was an addict anyway and Ive even discussed with my medical counsellor that it was a way of self harming and a cry for help.

Triggers are so important to discuss as they can instantly come out of the blue. I know they can be for all sorts of reasons other than the money. I remeber feeling overwhelmed in one town as if I couldnt cope. The only thing that gave me a soothing feeling was thinking about and finding a gambling arcade.

I remember now that once inside I felt soothed as if this is something I can cope with and hide in my own world staring at a machine. An activity that was destroying me but I just needed the fix of playing.

Internal or external Im sure that people can relate to these triggers and how dangerous they are.

Best wishes to everyone on the forum

What a helpful post