Cross Addiction

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Part of the complete guide to understanding addiction

Cross addiction is a phenomenon that many recovering addicts wonder about. Although there isn’t enough evidence to prove whether or not cross addiction is a valid concern for addicts, there has been some anecdotal evidence and clinical observations gathered. This evidence suggests that cross addiction may be true, and offers light on who is most vulnerable to falling into cross addiction, and why it occurs.

In this article, Avenues Recovery, leading addiction rehabilitation specialists, discuss the cross addiction definition, why cross-dependence occurs, which risk factors to be aware of, and how to avoid cross addiction during recovery.

What Does Cross Addiction and Cross Dependence Mean? 

The meaning of cross-dependence and cross addiction is understood as addicts in recovery using and eventually becoming dependent on a different substance. For example, someone in recovery from cocaine addiction may start to use alcohol instead. In cross addiction, the recovering addict does not relapse to their old behavior or substance of choice but instead develops a new addiction. Put simply, cross addiction is the action of replacing one addiction with another.

Cross addiction is not to be confused with dual diagnosis, which is when substance abuse disorder is accompanied by a mental health condition - such as bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, or the like. Additionally, cross addictions do not strictly refer to addictions to substances like drugs and alcohol - they can also manifest themselves in process addictions, such as:

  • Shopping
  • Hair-pulling
  • Smoking
  • Eating
  • Exercising
  • Internet gaming
  • Gambling
  • Sex
  • Self-harm
  • Compulsive behaviors

Cross addiction can create a shopping addiction in place of another addiction, Avenues Recovery warns.

There is much controversy over whether cross addiction is a genuine phenomenon and, if it is, which class of people are most vulnerable to it. There has not been enough evidence to prove either way, but anecdotal evidence has shown that it is unlikely to be a complete myth. 

Cross Addiction Causes

There are many possible explanations for why cross addiction occurs. Every addict is different, and because there aren’t definitive statistics, there are only hypotheses from different addiction experts:

The Wiring of the Brain

Addiction changes the wiring of the brain so that the affected person is unable to resist the temptation to use their drug of choice. The patterns in the brain are ingrained and, therefore, quick to manifest themselves into different addictive behaviors.

Dopamine Craving

Addiction develops because drugs and alcohol cause the release of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a hormone in the brain associated with pleasure and reward. Once in recovery, the addict abstains from engaging in addictive behavior, which stops the release of dopamine. The recovering addict may crave dopamine and try to trigger its release by using a different substance.

Genetics may affect chances of cross addiction, Avenues Recovery notes.

Unrealistic Expectations

An addict in recovery may have unrealistic expectations of what it means to live addiction-free. They may fantasize about sober life being more glamorous than the reality, causing them to start using a different substance to feel the excitement of drug use or the shutting down of negative emotions.

Genetics

Whether or not genetics play a role in a person developing an addiction is a much-discussed topic among clinicians. It is widely believed that genetics play an essential role in people suffering from addiction. If so, cross addictions may be genetic, too.

Unresolved Emotional Issues

Feelings like tension, trauma, stress, and other emotional difficulties play a big role in addiction. If the addict attends rehab but does not see a trauma specialist to resolve previous traumas, it can cause the recovering addict to use a different substance. 

Who Is at Risk for Cross Addiction?

If you are in recovery for addiction or considering recovery, you may be wondering whether you’re at risk of developing a cross addiction. Here are some risk factors you should be aware of:

Environment

If you are exposed to alcohol or drugs at home, with friends, or through prescribed medication, this increases your risk of beginning to use again.

Psychology

If you have a dual diagnosis like bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety, leaving it untreated can lead you to begin using a different substance to numb the pain and difficult emotions.

Habit

If you do not actively find new hobbies, coping mechanisms, and healthy support systems, you will remain stuck in an unhealthy pattern that may lead to a relapse in addictive behaviors.

Cross addiction chances can be minimized with a hobby like jewelry-making, Avenues Recovery advises.


As a recovering addict, ask your therapist, trusted family and friends, and other mental health professionals to help you identify whether or not you are at risk of developing a cross addiction in recovery. This will increase your awareness of any obstacles and help you work out strategies to prevent a cross addiction from developing.

How to Avoid Cross Addiction

Cross addiction is a frightening phenomenon for addicts in recovery. It is disheartening to know that even after years of sobriety, a recovered addict can fall into addiction again. However, employing the following tips can help you avoid cross addiction:

Honesty

Addicts often struggle with denial. They can convince themselves that certain behaviors are acceptable, that they can stop taking the substance as soon as they wish, or that being addicted is not a problem at all. Being honest with yourself allows you to identify a cross addiction as soon as it starts so that you can nip it in the bud.

Vigilance

If you’re recovering from an alcohol addiction, you may find yourself falling into a narcotic or morphine addiction instead. It’s important to make doctors aware of your status as a recovering alcohol addict so they are aware not to prescribe medications with high abuse potential. Being aware of the phenomenon and asking medical professionals, family and friends to help you avoid it, greatly reduces your risk of cross addiction.

Cross addiction chances can be minimized with a strong support network, Avenues Recovery advises.

Ongoing Support

It cannot be stressed enough how vital it is for an addict to constantly work on their recovery. Attending meetings, finding a supportive network of family and friends, and having weekly sessions with a psychotherapist are all very important in maintaining sobriety and emotional health for the long term, helping the recovering addict avoid unresolved emotional issues that can lead to cross addiction.

Hobbies

A recovering addict will find that the entire structure of their day has changed. Whereas previously, the whole day revolved around obtaining, using, and recovering from their substance of choice, once sober, they will find their day to be less busy, or parties and chilling with friends to be less exciting. Filling your time with hobbies, spending time with healthy people, and engaging in meaningful activities is essential.

Habits

Replace previous compulsive behaviors with positive habits. Exercising, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, and having proper sleep hygiene are instrumental in ensuring physical and emotional health, stamina, and resilience to overcome difficult emotions and avoid cross addictions.

Education

The more you know about addiction, recovery, and cross addiction, the greater the chances of you identifying the early stages of a new addiction and having the tools and resources to overcome it right away.

Cross addiction chances can be minimized with habits like exercising at the gym, Avenues Recovery advises.

Common Cross Addictions

Recovering addicts can become addicted to any new addictive substance or behavior. Some recovering alcoholics become addicted to heroin, some to eating, and others to gambling. However, some common cross addictions which recovering addicts should be hyper-vigilant of include:

  • MDMA addicts using meth
  • Heroin addicts using painkiller medication
  • Alcohol addicts using Benzos or gambling
  • Sleep aid addicts using tranquilizers

Cross Addiction Treatment

Treatment options for cross addictions are the same as any addiction: 

  • Rehab (if it’s a substance use disorder like drugs or alcohol)
  • One-on-one therapy 
  • Group therapy
  • 12-step meetings

It’s worthwhile to note that the skills you learned through the first addiction can easily be applied to the new addiction, making it entirely possible that the newer addiction will be brought under control faster.

With the right support, there is hope for people suffering from cross addiction, Avenues Recovery assures.

Get Help for Cross Addiction

If you or your loved one is in recovery from an addiction, it may be disheartening to know that they may be at risk of developing another addiction in the process. Keep in mind that there are excellent options available to help you or your loved one remain sober and not develop another addiction. At Avenues Recovery, we have a robust and active alumni program to help our clients maintain their hard-earned sobriety.

Our top-notch staff at treatment programs across all our facilities have helped thousands of people overcome their addictions with a wide range of therapies and personalized treatment plans, and we can help you too! 

We are committed to delivering the highest standard of care and respect to every individual. If you are serious about reaching real and lasting recovery, or getting help for cross addiction, contact Avenues Recovery today so that we can begin your journey toward sobriety together.

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