How to Manage Addiction Triggers in the Workplace 

Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in their place of work.  

Addiction recovery is a journey that requires you to focus on your well-being in many situations. Especially when first starting your path, it is best to avoid things that may trigger a relapse. However, that is easier said than done, as life can be unpredictable, and you cannot always control your surroundings.  

For many, the workplace is one of the factors that may have encouraged the very addiction they are working to overcome. Research shows that individuals in certain professions are more prone to addiction than others.  When in recovery, it is wise to surround yourself with people and places that mitigate triggers. This can be challenging when returning to work.  

With the right tools, you can learn how to manage addiction triggers in the workplace. It will help you feel more resilient and in control of your recovery, even in the face of uncertainty.  

Why it is Important to Manage Addiction Triggers in the Workplace 

Addiction triggers differ for everyone, so understanding your triggers and the symptoms that come with them is key. For many individuals, stress plays a central role in triggering opioid cravings. Studies suggest those who misuse substances are more susceptible to stress than the general population. This may be due to the way opioids impact the body over time: 

Opioids increase cortisol levels. 

Cortisol levels drive the stress response. 

Increased cortisol levels heighten the mesolimbic reward system. 

An activated mesolimbic reward system propels cravings or compulsions to continue using opioids. 

Workplace addiction triggers are fleeting, but they can be powerful. Having addiction recovery tools for when you feel at risk of a relapse can help you deal with those triggers. Because you cannot always plan for triggers, it is important to have coping mechanisms for workplace stress.  

There is no template for the way someone deals with triggers at work. Each person is different, and their recovery process is just as varied.  However, you can use tactics and tools for relapse prevention at work.

Learn How to Manage Addiction Triggers in the Workplace 

There are many different stress reduction techniques for recovery. Some work better than others, depending on the situation. Once established at your workplace, you want to begin recognizing and avoiding relapse triggers. Then, you can deploy these relapse prevention strategies to help with workplace stress management:  

HALT Method  

Sometimes, something as simple as being hungry or bored at work can be a trigger. You can use the acronym HALT to keep track of critical physical and emotional levels that could lead to relapse. 

HALT stands for: 

Hungry 

Angry 

Lonely 

Tired 

Maintaining a good diet, proper rest and positive social engagements is vital to your well-being.  Keeping those things in check is one of the best ways to prevent your HALT levels from spiking. If you feel uneasy, a quick snack or a short break with supportive coworkers can be your lifeline.  

Distract Yourself 

Triggers are usually temporary, and one way to deal with them is to distract yourself until the moment passes. Try taking a short break from work to walk around or read a book chapter. You can also use meditation apps to clear your mind, no matter where you are. 

Another way to distract yourself is by redirecting your energy into journaling about recovery and workplace stress. You can review your entries during a trigger episode to help ease your mind.  The activity you choose can be anything as long as it effectively distracts you until the trigger passes. 

Reduce Stigma 

There is a lot of stigma surrounding addiction.  Misconceptions about what sort of people become addicted and different addiction types perpetuate a closed-minded attitude. Being surrounded by this perspective is detrimental to successful long-term recovery. Part of learning how to manage addiction triggers in the workplace is practicing self-advocacy.  

Requesting addiction education workshops for employers can help lessen addiction stigma. The more knowledgeable people are about addiction, the easier it is to break down unhelpful misconceptions about it. Addressing the stigma can also make it easier for people to be forthcoming about their addiction struggles. This open communication allows for a newfound understanding and camaraderie among employees. 

Utilize Employee Assistance 

If your employer offers an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), it can give you access to recovery counseling support. Your EAP may allow you to speak to someone confidentially about the struggles of addiction recovery. EAPs also can help employees find the appropriate external resources or counseling they need. 

Ask your employer about employee assistance for addiction to expand your options for dealing with triggers. 

Find a New Job 

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, your workplace presents unmanageable triggers. Thankfully, there are plenty of low-stress jobs for individuals in recovery that may better suit your needs. Some people opt for these types of jobs because they do not require a major investment outside of working hours. This allows them to focus on building a support system for recovery. 

Managing stress in recovery may not always be easy, but having a plan will certainly make it simpler. Do not be afraid to reach out and ask your closest friends and family for advice. They may suggest something you had not thought of before.   

Tips for Balancing Recovery and a Stressful Job 

Sometimes, getting a new job is not an option. Or you may love your job and want to keep it.  In any case, you will need to find ways to manage workplace stress. 

Here are some ways to balance your mental health and workplace triggers:  

Prioritize Yourself 

Your well-being and health should be the most important in recovery. If your job is becoming stressful, consider taking time off or requesting a transfer to a less demanding department. Focus on your health and establish a routine that incorporates the following elements: 

Eating well 

Exercising 

Getting plenty of rest 

Getting an appropriate amount of relaxation 

The importance of self-care in addiction recovery cannot be understated. Feeling cared for makes you more equipped to deal with negative emotions and situations.  

Recognize Triggers 

You cannot overcome your triggers if you do not know what they are. Take time to be introspective and pinpoint your triggers and ways to avoid them. For example, if deadlines tend to be a trigger, ensure you are not taking on more work than you can handle. 

Get Support 

The benefits of counseling during addiction recovery are tremendous. Individual and group sessions allow you to gain valuable advice from professionals while also befriending people who understand you.  

A new group of friends on the same journey can boost your self-esteem and motivate you to overcome difficulties. Close family and friends can provide the same kind of support and are great to have around. 

Never hesitate to reach out for additional addiction recovery resources from your treatment center.  Innovative workshops are always available to those working hard on their recovery goals. Counselors and providers can help guide you to these classes.  

Medication-Assisted Treatment with AppleGate Recovery 

A comprehensive recovery program is the best step toward treating opioid addiction and overcoming triggers. AppleGate Recovery offers medication-assisted treatment  and other tools to encourage long-term health. AppleGate Recovery is committed to helping you gain control of your life and rebuild what addiction took from you. 

We are ready to help you or a loved one get started and we have many locations nationwide. Call AppleGate Recovery for more information, call 888-488-5337 or fill out our online contact form.