Cross Addiction Explained

Even after key breakthroughs into its psychological drivers behind addictive behaviours, addiction remains a mysterious and dangerous force. Getting through life with one addiction is arduous enough, but when addictions cross over into each other, the results can be catastrophic.

What exactly is “cross addiction”?

An addiction is when a person continues to use a substance or engage in behaviour, despite the potential for harm, danger, or negative consequences.

Cross addiction, also known as “addiction transfer” and “Addiction Interaction Disorder” (AID), refers to a person having two or more addictions, or carrying out multiple addictive behaviours.

When we first think of an addiction, the first image that comes to mind may be hard drugs or potent liquor, but addictions are extensive and can consume countless aspects of a person’s life. Addictions that are prevalent in cross addiction analysis include:

• Alcohol and harmful substances
• Food
• Gambling
• Videogames
• Sex
• Consumption of pornography

The list may continue into any other form of addictive behaviour, such as an addiction to the gym, yet the addictions listed above generally have graver consequences if, or when, a cross addiction forms.

How does a cross addiction form?

Most people will try drugs (or at least alcohol or tobacco) at some point in their lives. Research shows the most common age to experiment with substances is from teenage years to early 20s. As a general rule of thumb, no teenager sets out with a mental statement of “I want to become addicted to this substance.” Instead, the addiction forms silently, soundlessly and insidiously, sinking its tendrils over years of continued use, falsely comforting us during difficult times.

It is important to consider the fact that most drug addictions form by accident, or without intent, because the same often applies to the forming of cross addiction. As an example, someone may have surgery and be given a course of strong painkillers. The comfort felt in the pain-numbing substance can spiral into a form of escape, long after the surgical recovery is complete.

Another reason cross addictions can form is through a lack of understanding of the addictive properties of substances. A person may be drinking enough alcohol that they are considered to have an alcohol use disorder (AUD) and then be prescribed opioids. They may not have an addiction to opioids, but because of a lack of understanding, they overlook the fact that they may soon become addicted. Alcohol use may make a person more inclined to try new substances and pay insufficient credence to the likelihood of a second addiction forming.

A third, sadly common reason that many cross addictions form is the result of unresolved and painful life experiences. There are some addiction experts, such as the wonderful Dr. Gabor Mate, who believe that almost every drug or alcohol addiction stems from unresolved trauma, especially when experienced in childhood. It is often the case that a person who has experienced multiple “Adverse Childhood Experiences” (ACEs) is more likely to develop an addiction, which in turn can suggest the development of cross addictions too.

We are thankful for the continued research into addictive behaviours and substance use disorders, so that we may improve the chances of rehab and recovery for anyone who suffers from an addiction.

Are cross addictions very common?

Rates of addiction vary across the globe, but research from the Office for National Statistics shows that as many as 3 million people (8.8% of the adult population) used substances last year.

However, this number only reflects those who openly reported their use; the actual number may be much higher. Of these, the rates of drug and alcohol addiction also vary. It is believed that only one in ten people receive the professional help they need, instead believing they aren’t ready to stop or that they can abstain on their own.

Some studies show that 36% of people in treatment ended up substituting their primary addiction for a different one. After this substitution, if relapse were to occur, a cross addiction is highly likely to wreak havoc on a person’s rehab and recovery process.

With this information, we can begin to contextualise how likely it is for a person to suffer from cross addiction before seeking treatment.

What are the most common cross addictions?

Though drug and alcohol addictions are, of course, extremely broad, some cross addictions between two substances or activities are more common than others. These can include:

• Alcohol to sedative medications: Replacing alcohol dependence with other sedative substances, such as benzodiazepines or opioid-based pain medications, can be very risky. Mixing these central nervous system depressants greatly increases the likelihood of overdose and can potentially have fatal consequences.
• Stimulants to other (milder) stimulants: Not all substances that are classified as “stimulants” carry the same amount of risk. Take cocaine, for example, a highly addictive and dangerous drug when taken in mild to high doses. It can be very common for a person using cocaine or methamphetamine to develop an addiction to a “milder” stimulant like caffeine or nicotine. Although smoking a cigarette or drinking coffee has milder results, a person may feel that they ease their withdrawal symptoms when harder substances are abstained from. This kind of substitution or cross addiction still has lasting risks for a person’s long-term health.
• Opioid substances to alcohol and benzodiazepines: One of the most dangerous and sadly common cross addictions, growing dependent on opioids and alcohol, or benzodiazepines carries severe risks. Opioids, sedatives and depressant medications all affect similar brain receptors, including GABA and opioid receptors, producing effects such as relaxation, pain relief, sedation and feelings of euphoria. Some people switch from opioids to other depressants, typically to replicate the calming, dream-like sensations they’ve grown accustomed to. Unfortunately, mixing these substances dramatically raises the risk of serious consequences, including respiratory failure, coma, overdose and even death.
• Compulsive sexual behaviour to porn addiction: We mention this combination to illustrate how broad addictions can be. Compulsive sexual behaviour with or without another person can spiral into darker, more dangerous sexual interests and habits. A person may grow addicted to porn, excessive masturbation or cybersex with unknown strangers to fill a void. The gratification becomes shorter-lived each time and a desire for more extreme sexual activities can lead to damaged relationships, social withdrawal and sexual dysfunction.

These multifaceted examples highlight how complex cross addictions can be. Addictions make a person more desirous of escaping reality, only to find that the more they satisfy their cravings, the weaker their grip becomes on living the kind of healthier life they truly desire.

Yet with the right help, cross addictions can be undone.

How professional recovery can help

To truly break free of the shackles of addiction and cross addiction, professional help can sometimes be the only way.

Professional support from treatment providers gives a person the kind of structure they need for a safe, sober environment. Some of the ways professional support can help include:

• Addressing your physical dependencies effectively
• Tackling any underlying emotional triggers and psychological drivers
• Providing you with tailored therapy, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), group counselling and holistic approaches
• Equipping you with essential coping strategies and relapse prevention tools
• Offering a supportive environment to reduce isolation and enhance motivation

By treating cross addictions comprehensively, you may be able to significantly enhance your chances of achieving complete recovery.

Where can I find help for my addiction?

If you or someone you love is struggling with one or more addictions, we are here to support you.

At UKAT, we specialise in helping individuals overcome cross addictions and reclaim control over their lives. Our dedicated team of addiction specialists provides personalised care at every step, from initial detox to aftercare programmes. We offer evidence-based therapies tailored to your unique needs, so you can get ready for the lifelong journey of complete recovery.

Reach out today and begin your journey to the kind of life you want to lead, free from the dark clutches of alcohol or drug addiction.