LotusChild, in early recovery many of us found we had to say no to parties and social gatherings where alcohol was readily available. It is not a great idea to place yourself in those positions that early on. Later on, however, it won't be this way. After you feel more comfortable in sobriety, you would then be able to be around drinking with minimal issues.
This is meant to be a suggestion, not a mandate.
Triggers can be absolutely anything. Many of us drank 'just because.'
For each person, cues to drink can be anything under the sun. Any old excuse will do.
One thing is for certain though -- if you remove drinking as an option, you're safe.