What Is Cross Addiction and What Does It Mean?
When a person has two or more addictive behaviors, it is known as cross-addiction, addiction transfer, or Addiction Interaction Disorder. Addictions to alcohol or other drugs are common, but they can also encompass eating, gambling, sex, gaming, or other obsessive behaviors.
What Causes Cross-Addiction?
Cross addiction can manifest itself in various ways, and not everyone follows the same road to these addictions. It might be unintentional, the result of a lack of understanding, or the result of unresolved mental health issues, but regardless of how it occurs, it can be heartbreaking and difficult to overcome on your own. When two addictions develop at the same time, it makes it much more difficult to obtain help because they might enable each other.
What Are the Warning Signs and Symptoms of Cross-Addiction?
If you suspect someone you care about is developing cross addictions, you can do a few things to keep an eye on what’s going on. For instance, they may become more impulsive in their behavior, particularly in areas like gambling and eating. Furthermore, while their impulsive behaviors emerge, they may be showing indicators of relapse from drugs and alcohol. It’s possible that the individual struggling with addiction is doing everything they can to avoid relapsing. As a result, it resorts to other coping strategies that aren’t always healthy.
Tips On How to Stay Away from Cross Addiction
- Cross addiction can be avoided by educating yourself and others. You’re more prone to develop or have a cross-addiction if you already have an alcohol or drug addiction. Recognize the danger and assess what you might be doing to set yourself up for a cross-addiction.
- Avoid events that cause you to want to drink or use drugs. Minimizing your availability to particular places and people, such as bars, nightclubs, persons who are active users, or other settings where there are temptations to use, will help you reach this goal.
- Seek the advice of a professional therapist and plan beforehand.
- Make a diet assessment by staying away from a low-nutrient and high-processed food diet.
- Make an attempt to be as kind to yourself in your thoughts as you would to the people you care about most in the world.
- It’s also crucial to be your own advocate by informing your doctors and informing them that you have an alcohol or drug addiction. If that’s not possible, don’t go home with a large supply of addictive prescriptions. Having a family member dispense the drugs can help ensure that you take them as directed.
- Painkillers, in particular, should be used with caution because they can be highly addictive. Opioids are the most prevalent type of pain medicine, and while they are safe for short-term medical usage, if you have persistent pain, you should talk to your doctor about other options.
- Concentrating on a Consistent Sleep Routine because it can help you notice a major difference in your mental health.
How Do We Deal with Cross-Addiction?
At Skyward Treatment Centre, we think that following the Twelve Steps can help with all types of addictions. By utilizing evidence-based, proven-effective treatment modalities, a reputable treatment program will help to address any co-occurring mental health issues. Medication-assisted therapy for opiate and heroin addictions should be made available when appropriate. For more information on cross-addiction, please contact Skyward Treatment Center online.
