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.
| Trigger | Craving |
| The spark | The fire |
| Something that reminds you | The powerful urge to use |
| External or internal cue | Internal emotional and physical reaction |
