"Mapping the Minefield: Identifying Triggers & Defusing Cravings!" with Warriors for Life (WFL)
- Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
Drop in with Volunteer and Army Veteran Mikel Burroughs for "Burly's Warriors" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV).
We are asking everyone to share who we are and what support that Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is providing via WFL. If you know someone who is a veteran, first responder or a family member/caregiver, please ask them to join us for at least one meeting so they can learn more about what we do and how they can share their wisdom with others who may be able to learn from them.
"Mapping the Minefield: Identifying Triggers & Defusing Cravings!"
Join Army Veteran Mikel Burroughs and friends for a discussion about "Mapping the Minefield: Identifying Triggers & Defusing Cravings!"
Welcome, everyone, to tonight’s session of Burly’s Warriors Edition, of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online Peer Support Network.
You know that the toughest battles are often the ones fought within. Today, we are shining a light on the invisible wounds of war, trauma, and service. We are here to talk openly about mental health, break the stigma, and arm ourselves with the tools needed to win the daily fight.
Tonight’s mission is all about Identifying Triggers. We will share our lived experiences on recognizing both internal and external triggers, and collectively brainstorm supportive routines to handle the resulting cravings and emotional storms. You are among family here. Your story matters, your struggles are valid, and together, we are unstoppable. Let’s get to work.
Understanding Triggers & Cravings
To fight an enemy, you must first know how they operate. Triggers are signals that remind your brain of past trauma, sparking intense emotional or physical reactions, including cravings for unhealthy coping mechanisms.
External Triggers
These are people, places, things, or situations outside of your body that spark a reaction.
Sensory inputs: Loud noises, sudden movements, specific smells, or crowded spaces.
Environmental cues: Driving past a accident scene, watching specific news segments, or anniversary dates.
Social pressures: Interacting with toxic individuals, old acquaintances, or high-stress family events.
Internal Triggers
These are feelings, thoughts, or physical sensations that build up inside you.
Physical states: Exhaustion, chronic pain, hunger, or a racing heart.
Emotional states: Anger, loneliness, boredom, anxiety, or guilt.
Cognitive patterns: Flashbacks, negative self-talk, or feeling trapped.
Tactics to Overcome Triggers
Recognizing a trigger is half the battle; the other half is deploying a tactical response to keep yourself grounded.
1. The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Method
Force your brain back into the present moment by engaging your senses.
5 things you can see.
4 things you can touch.
3 things you can hear.
2 things you can smell.
1 thing you can taste.
2. The "BOX" Breathing Technique
Regulate your nervous system and lower your heart rate instantly.
Inhale for 4 seconds.
Hold for 4 seconds.
Exhale for 4 seconds.
Hold for 4 seconds.
Repeat until calm.
3. Establish a "Safe Call" Routine
Create a pre-arranged lifeline for when a craving or trigger hits hard.
Identify two battle buddies.
Agree on a code word.
Call them immediately.
Talk until the urge passes.
4. The "Urge Surfing" Strategy
Accept the craving without giving in to it, knowing that emotions operate like waves.
Notice the craving arriving.
Breath through the peak intensity.
Watch it naturally subside.
Thank you all for showing up and stepping up tonight. Vulnerability takes a hell of a lot more courage than wearing armor ever did. By identifying our triggers and sharing our tactics, we strip away the power that these invisible wounds have over us. Remember: having a trigger is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign that your mind and body survived something massive. You do not have to carry that weight alone.
Our Vision at Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is simple: "Where Hope, Support, and Healing come together!"
We encourage you to join us, Everyone is Welcome, Everyone Matters, You Matter to Us, so Talk to Us! — invite a friend!
Veterans Crisis Line (24/7): Dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255, or use online chat.
Warriors for Life (WFL) Peer Support Network Online "Burly's Warriors" edition, presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — May 16, 2026 @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87197441247
Remember: Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) meets on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays — (7-days) a week. Every week stay connected on Friday Mornings with "Coffee with Lauren" and Monday Mornings for "Cup O' Joe" with Derrick at 8:00 AM CT.
“Everyone Matters, Talk to Us!"— Army Veteran Mikel Burroughs
Thank you,
Army Veteran Mikel Burroughs, Founder & Volunteer Facilitator, Warriors for Life (WFL), & CEO, Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV)
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