From time to time, a new buzzword shows up in our language, and almost overnight, it’s on every tongue because it feels cool to be one of the first to adopt the latest expression. Sometimes I’m guilty of that, too—even if I’m not entirely sure I’m using the word correctly. I might just still be a bit too proud to ask someone younger (or smarter) what it really means. Sometimes.
Anyway, a few years ago, a new word was introduced into the recovery community—one that most people by now have probably heard: Triggers.
I hear it constantly. “Oh, I can’t be around this person, because their behavior triggers me.” Or “I can’t do that or go there because of my triggers.”
Hmm. Okay…
Many of those who work in the treatment community are telling folks they must avoid their triggers—and I get it. It makes no sense to work in a liquor store, or hang out in a bar if you’re an alcoholic. But it goes further than that. Often, I hear someone say that their counselor warned them not to go back home because someone in their family still drinks; or worse yet, that if they return to their city they won’t be able to stay sober because of all the people they know who are still drinking.
Nonsense. If we use that kind of logic, there is probably no place on Planet Earth that is safe, since alcohol is present nearly everywhere.
But let’s look at that word a little closer. What are these so-called “triggers?” It won’t take long to realize that they’re just a fancy word for something that’s been going on since the Garden of Eden. These so-called “triggers” are nothing more and nothing less than temptations!
For a real solution, let’s look to the Bible for answers. One of my favorite promises is found in 1 Corinthians 10:13. It cuts straight to the point by first giving us the assurance that “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man …” so no temptation that comes my way is any worse than anyone else’s.
Then it continues, “… But God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
Have you heard that bit about God not giving us more than we can handle? Well, the Bible doesn’t say that at all. Honestly, I have more than I can handle the minute my eyes open in the morning! Instead, the Bible promises that God is faithful and will not allow me to be tempted beyond what I am able. How does He do that? By providing an exit—an escape route that works. Every. Single. Time.
Avoiding “triggers” cannot possibly work, because if it did, I wouldn’t need a Savior! In my experience, sooner or later, I’ll always fail and fall for the temptation. But no matter how many times that happens, I can always obtain forgiveness, mercy, and grace by confessing my sin and asking God to forgive and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. With faith and resolve, I can ask Him to change my heart and give me victory the next time one of those “triggers” comes my way!
When I began to recover, my friends told me I’d never have to drink again if I didn’t want to. But what they didn’t tell me was that I would never have to drink again—even if I did want to!
So I just look for the exit sign—God’s “way of escape.” And when I take it, I put my hand in the hand of One who knows no failure!
