We can’t talk too much about triggers to addiction. From my work with hundreds of addicts, I have created B.L.A.S.T. Most of us tend to be triggered when we are bored, lonely, angry, stressed, or tired.
Let me suggest four ways to avoid or mitigate your triggers.
- Pray. Recognize the temptation and pray for strength to say “No.” (Matthew 26:41)
- Submit to God. Choose God’s will instead of allowing your emotions and thoughts to lead you. (James 4:7)
- Stay accountable. You need someone who can ask the hard questions. (Proverbs 11:14)
- Change your lifestyle. Create new habits and a new way of doing things. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Triggers will always be with you. So will answers.
Recovery Step: For every trigger learn a response. Then use the tools in your recovery toolbox.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
