Every so often, it is wise to review our five primary triggers for acting out. You can remember them with the acronym B.L.A.S.T. We tend to be at greatest risk for relapse when we are:
Bored
Lonely
Angry
Stressed
Tired
Don’t let your triggers stop you. The temptations and roadblocks to recovery can seem overwhelming. Jack Canfield, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, was helpful: “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”
Recovery Step: God wants you to walk in confidence. Will you be triggered occasionally? Yes. But do your triggers need to control you? Absolutely not. Embrace the one who promised, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Do not let our hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
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.
