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The difference between triggers and cravings

Triggers and cravings are connected but not the same. A trigger doesn’t always lead to a craving if you have strong coping strategies. A craving can also happen on its own, especially early in recovery.

 Trigger = The Spark

• A trigger is something external or internal that sets off a reaction, like a reminder or cue that makes you think about using. It can be:
• A person, place, situation, or emotion
• Seeing a drug, smelling something familiar, feeling lonely, stressed, or excited
• A memory linked to past use

Example: seeing an previous hook-up and feeling stirred up or thinking about chems.

Craving = The Fire
A craving is the intense desire, pull, or urge to actually use a drug after being triggered (or even without a trigger). It feels:

• Physical, eg: tight chest, restlessness
• Emotional, eg: yearning, obsessing
• Urgent, like you "have to" get the substance

Example: after seeing a previous hook-up (trigger), you start strongly craving using again.