Cross-addiction occurs when you trade one addiction for another. For example, you may have abused marijuana and then developed dependence for meth after trying it out for a few times.
Cross-addiction can also happen when you are recovering from one substance or behavioral addiction and have found yourself developing another addiction, such as sex, gambling, or any other substance. Knowing what cross-addiction is, its signs, and how it can be treated, can help you before it’s too late.
So you are recovering from meth addiction pretty smoothly–until something in your life takes a sudden turn. One moment you’re going to your meetings with your support group, motivated with your ongoing commitment to sobriety; and the next moment, you’re derailed. Maybe a family member gets seriously ill, you lost your job, you broke up with your partner, or you had unexpected problems at work.
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This time, though, instead of turning to meth, you reached for a bottle of vodka. You got yourself a glass to take off the edge from all your troubles. But then you find yourself taking another swig, and then another, and another… Suddenly, you find yourself emptying out that lone bottle of vodka each time you had a bad day. You then buy another bottle, and soon enough, you have started self-medicating on a regular basis, even going to bars to drink–and binge.
Little did you know that you are already succumbing to what is known as cross-addiction.
What is Cross-Addiction?
Cross-addiction can happen to anyone who is a dependent of a psychoactive substance. This is because he is also at high risk of developing dependence or addiction to other psychoactive substances or behavior. For example, a cocaine addict may also start abusing alcohol, or someone who is recovering from alcoholism may start abusing sleeping pills. There will also be instances when a person who is dependent on prescription pills may develop gambling or other behavioral addiction. Usually, cross-addicts abuse substances that give them similar effects as their original addiction.
Cross-addiction can strike anyone, from the active addict to a newly sober, even to someone who is well-established in recovery. A recovering meth addict, for example, might be sober for decades and then develop a gambling addiction after downloading a card game on his mobile phone.
The Danger of Cross-Addiction
Cross-addiction can come without you or your loved one even noticing it. The budding, new addiction can seem harmless at first, especially if you’ve traded off meth with something like alcohol. However, it will still result to the same things: negative physical, emotional, mental, financial, social and even legal consequences. After all, anything in excess is bad, and being dependent on something will most often than not end up negatively, so you may consider the need for treatment.
Furthermore, cross-addiction makes it much more difficult for you to resist your cravings for your original addiction, putting you in a perfect place to relapse. For example, you may be recovering from your alcohol addiction and has turned to another addiction, which is gambling. This puts you in an environment, such as casinos, where you are surrounded by people who are drinking as well–and you may just as easily throw your cares out of the window and indulge in drinking.
Finding Out if You’re Cross-Addicted
There are several red flags that you should look out for if you are already addicted or are recovering, and you believe you are developing another addiction. The signs are pretty much the same as when you have developed your first or original addiction. These are:
- Ignoring responsibilities and priorities for the sake of your dependence or addiction
- Lying or being secretive when it comes to your dependence
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Mood-swings
- Committing illegal acts such as theft or fraud in order to support your habit
- Becoming secretive when it comes to your habit
- Losing interest over hobbies or activities that you once enjoyed
- Repeatedly attempting yet failing to quit
- People around you such as family and friends are worried about your habit and have expressed their concern
Treatment for Cross-Addiction
If you find yourself having developed a cross-addiction, you need to get yourself continued treatment for your original addiction as well as for your new substance or behavior. By getting treatment, you can get to the bottom of your thought patterns and attitudes, which lead you to these addictive behaviors. Treatment will also help you learn/re-learn recovery and life skills that can help you cope with your life and this time, as a sober person. You can also find yourself around peers and positive support groups that will help you in your recovery journey.
Are you or your loved one struggling with cross-addiction? Call or text us at our confidential helpline at 09175098826. We’re here to help.
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