I thought I understood what triggers and AO were but now I'm not sure. I hadn't heard any of these terms before a few days ago, so I was simply assuming that my basic understanding of the words was true, but I'm seeing that is not the case.

So, can someone explain to me what they mean, entail, and encompass?

Hi Friend,

I'll try to answer at least part of your question.

A trigger as it relates to what guys talk about on this site is something that may send you to a bad place emotionally or psychologically. For instance, there have been men here who indicated they were triggered very badly by a certain aftershave because that was the one the perpetrator wore, and it "triggered" a flashback, a fear response, or emotional meltdown.

Also, it is appreciated if you want to mention or discuss in a post things that may be "triggering" to other users if you will put a "Trigger Warning" in the title of your post as exampled below.


In response to the other part of your question about "AO" I'm afraid I don't recognize the terminology. Perhaps one of the other guys can help you out on that one or you can respond explaining what you mean.

Lots of love,

John

AO (or a/o) = acting out. At least that's how I've known it.

My understanding of acting out is acting in a way that is detrimental to you and your recovery, or any behavior that reflects itself or is a symptom of your abuse.

In an Sex addicts anonymous/Sex Love addict anonymous setting, acting out is anything that is a bottom line behavior, or acting out sexually as it is related to your addiction.

Hope this helped some.