Counselors sometimes tell us their clients say it’s triggering to talk about drug benefits so they don’t want to discuss them. The truth is: It probably is triggering. And that is exactly why we still need to talk about them.

When people reflect on or journal about their drug use, triggers are bound to come up. Sometimes it’s the positive memories that trigger cravings. Let’s face it, many people use drugs because they’re fun, pleasant, or bring relief. And talking about those benefits can make someone want to feel “the good stuff” again. That’s not unusual. In fact, it’s normal. And it’s the perfect chance to lean into your counseling skills and help clients work through the situation.

To make sure we’re on the same page: triggers are thoughts, feelings, or situations that spark cravings or urges. In the context of drug use, that might involve talking about the benefits and wanting to experience them again. But triggers aren’t unique to substance use. We all have them.

Take me, for example. If there are chips in my house (potato, tortilla, BBQ, you name it), the bag won’t last more than a day or two. Thinking about them, and worse, seeing the bag in the pantry, are triggers for me. You probably (certainly?) have your own, too. Triggers and cravings are part of being human.

Here’s the important bit. Just because we have triggers doesn’t mean we need to act on them. And this is where your role as a counselor is vital. First, help your client see that triggers are universal. We all have them. Second, praise them for noticing the trigger. Noticing is half the battle. When we notice, we step out of autopilot and have an opportunity to gain control. We create space to explore what’s happening and why we feel the way we do. This is where the work begins. You might ask, “What was it about talking about your drug use that made you want to use?” or “When [insert your client’s situation] happens, do you often feel like using?” (Note that you should follow this closed-ended question with an open-ended one if you get a “yes” answer in order to learn more about it.)

Each time a client brings up a trigger, they have an opportunity to gain valuable insight into the circumstances that lead them toward use. That information can help guide them toward finding healthier, values-consistent responses. For example, if conflict with a friend sparks cravings and typically leads to drug use, you can work together to identify alternative coping strategies. In mindfulness terms, you’re teaching them how to respond with awareness instead of reacting automatically.

Of course, this takes time. Clients don’t move from noticing to mindful responding overnight. It takes determination and effort, and it is important they’re aware of that. But each trigger is another chance to learn. Help them ask: What need am I trying to meet here? What coping skill might help me in this moment? (And yes, sometimes that coping skill selected may even be using — mitigated somewhat now because they have become more aware and intentional.) Celebrate the wins with them and review the losses. There will certainly be setbacks. You can help clients analyze them to figure out how to keep improving a little bit each day.

Remember, every time you practice this in sessions, you’re preparing them for real-world situations. Your office or clinic is a safe place to practice dealing with triggers, but outside of the office, they’re still coming, whether we like it or not. And you won’t be there to help them get through the situation. Our job is to equip clients with the tools and skills to get through the triggering situation. In the most intense situation, a client might become very dysregulated. You might even feel a bit anxious about this as well. Take a moment to remind yourself that it is okay. They probably experience this outside of sessions and have nobody to help, and now, they have you. Guide them through with grounding skills (like deep breathing) and normalize the process so they can use it on their own.

So when a client says, “Talking about my drug use is triggering,” don’t avoid the topic. Celebrate it. They’ve handed you a powerful opportunity to help them grow.