I was waiting on my friend from AA to come over and she didn't show up. A bit later she called to tell me that her sponsor told her not to come because I was a trigger for her. I had no idea how or why I was a trigger. But I didn't hear from or see her in a long while.. . . until she came back to meetings on day 1. It bothered me to think I was possibly a trigger that caused it. She had several more day 1s after that, but it doing well now at 2 years.
At first it hurt to think someone could see me as a trigger, but in hindsight I applaud her. She was struggling and trying. Also in hindsight, I can see I've done the same thing. . .even with my best friend. She drinks. It doesn't bother me till she picks up a 3rd or 4th, then I'm gone.
You HAVE to protect yourself first, or else there is no YOU to help others.