What is the theory behind this substance use triggers worksheet?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) have some of the strongest empirical backings for treating drug and alcohol use disorders. The triggers are seen as a crucial component in the desired reaction displayed by addicts. The individual can relapse after a time of abstinence due to these triggers.

How will the worksheet help?

Identifying triggers is the crucial step in the treatment. The worksheet will help clients to identify their triggers and make them understand how these triggers maintain the substance use cycle.    

How to use the worksheet?  

The therapist can use this worksheet during the session to help clients in identifying their triggers. 

Substance use triggers worksheet

Triggers People, places, occasions, things, emotions,events or anything that leads to substance use are known as triggers. The triggers are linked with substance use in your brain. One trigger can push you into substance usage due to constant triggering and misuse.

References

Asensio, S., Hernández-Rabaza, V., & Orón Semper, J. V. (2020). What Is the “Trigger” of Addiction?. Frontiers in behavioral neuroscience, 14, 54. 

Carroll, K. M., & Kiluk, B. D. (2017). Cognitive behavioral interventions for alcohol and drug use disorders: Through the stage model and back again. Psychology of addictive behaviors : journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, 31(8), 847–861. 

You can download this worksheet here.