Here’s an approach to help you deal with your triggersTriggers are situations and circumstances that lead to triggering thoughts around drinking. More. I call it a 3D approach because it helps deal with triggersTriggers are situations and circumstances that lead to triggering thoughts around drinking. More no matter their angle, and they all begin with ‘D’ to support recall.
Dodge
If you can see a situation or circumstance where you might get triggered, it may be easiest – especially in the early days – to avoid it altogether.
However, remember that avoiding a triggerTriggers are situations and circumstances that lead to triggering thoughts around drinking. More can lead to a sense of loss, which can also be triggering. For example, if you usually drink with friends after a day of cycling, seeing a football match or hanging out at a spa together, then would you be happy to remove that from your life to avoid alcohol? No? In which case, we move on to the next ‘D’, deal.
Deal
If you can’t or don’t want to avoid a triggering situation, you could consider how you deal with your reactions. There’s no reason you should fall into the same behaviour patterns – you’re in control and can choose to manage your actions differently. Dealing with your triggersTriggers are situations and circumstances that lead to triggering thoughts around drinking. More is about altering your response to them rather than trying to change them. For example, there will be some triggersTriggers are situations and circumstances that lead to triggering thoughts around drinking. More in your life you don‘t want to change – like going out to dinner with loved ones. In a situation like this, you could plan to have an AFAlcohol-free More drink instead.
Out of the 3D’s, dealing with your triggersTriggers are situations and circumstances that lead to triggering thoughts around drinking. More is the best way forward, as confronting them weakens them to a point where they are no longer a threat. However, sometimes we may misjudge the situation or a triggerTriggers are situations and circumstances that lead to triggering thoughts around drinking. More we hadn’t planned for rears its head. In this situation, we can use the third D – depart.
Depart
Sometimes you can be caught off guard, or new and unexpected triggersTriggers are situations and circumstances that lead to triggering thoughts around drinking. More can emerge due to your heightened sensitivity, thanks partly to you paying attention and being mindful. Whatever the triggerTriggers are situations and circumstances that lead to triggering thoughts around drinking. More, if you can’t dodge it or deal with it, it’s time to depart.
Departing isn’t a weakness or a sign of failure – it’s simply an avoidance of an unplanned triggerTriggers are situations and circumstances that lead to triggering thoughts around drinking. More, a survival instinct – and sometimes, it’s merely the best choice.
But just because the triggerTriggers are situations and circumstances that lead to triggering thoughts around drinking. More is unplanned doesn’t mean your exit should be too. Planning what you say or do in this circumstance can help in an awkward situation.