If you’re in substance recovery, successful management of your relapse risk factors is crucial. For many people, those factors include the effects of stress and anxiety. To keep your stress and anxiety low, you must understand what tends to trigger them. You must also know how to cope when a triggering event occurs. For these reasons, going through an anxiety treatment program while in rehab may boost your overall odds of recovery.
What Are Anxiety and Stress Triggers?
Anxiety and stress are related concepts. A stressful event is anything that puts you under significant pressure. That pressure can be emotional, physical, or a combination of the two. It can also be short-term or long-term. Anxiety occurs in response to stress. It can manifest in a range of emotions, including worry, fear, panic, dread, restlessness, or nervousness. It can also affect a number of physical systems throughout your body.Â
Stress is typically triggered or set off by external events or situations. The specific sources may vary from person to person. Potential examples include:
- Parties or other social gatherings
- Public speaking
- Money problems
- Interpersonal conflicts
The same kinds of events and situations may also trigger anxious feelings. In addition, you can trigger anxiety internally when no external stress is present.
Recognizing Your Anxiety and Stress Triggers
It’s hard to manage your stress and anxiety when you don’t know what triggers them. This means that it’s critical that you learn to spot the things that affect you, in particular. You have a number of options for meeting this important goal.
As a rule, self-observation is key. When you feel your stress and anxiety levels rise, take note of your immediate circumstances. The details of those circumstances likely hold clues to your emotional and physical reactions. A journal or smartphone app can help you keep track of potential triggers.
A therapist in an anxiety treatment program can be an invaluable resource. Anxiety specialists understand the things that typically trigger stress and anxiety. They can help you talk through and clarify your experiences. A therapist can also help you identify possible triggers that you have difficulty recognizing on your own.Â
Manage Your Triggers On Your Own or in an Anxiety Treatment Program
You may be able to successfully manage your anxiety and stress triggers on your own. Experts recommend doing this through methods such as:
- Getting plenty of rest and exercise
- Sleeping at regular times each day
- Eating a nutritious, balanced diet
- Watching your caffeine intake Â
- Relying on the support of helpful friends and family
However, if your own efforts are not enough, you may need formal anxiety treatment. Many people who enroll in treatment get better with the help of psychotherapy. Others benefit from anti-anxiety medications. In addition, some people receive both psychotherapy and medication.
High-quality drug and alcohol rehabs may provide anxiety treatment onsite. Why would that be the case? In fact, anxiety is a common factor in both addiction and substance relapse. Treatment for its effects may substantially increase your chances of meeting your recovery goals.
Seek Help From New Start Recovery’s In-House Anxiety Treatment Program
At New Start Recovery, anxiety treatment is available to anyone recovering from drug or alcohol problems. The care we provide can help reduce the impact of your anxious feelings. In turn, reducing those feelings may help you break the cycle of drug or alcohol abuse. It may also further your long-term sobriety efforts.Â
Anxiety treatment is just one of the many options offered at New Start Recovery. Our team of specialists will help you create a customized care plan that fits your unique situation. Call us today at [Direct] to learn more. You can also reach us through our convenient online form.