What is Cross Addiction?
If a person engages in two or more addictive behaviors simultaneously, they are said to suffer from cross-addiction. Substance abuse is one kind of addiction, but others include food, gambling, sex, video games, or other compulsive activities.
Addiction is characterized by compulsive drug or behavior usage while knowing it might lead to bad outcomes. Take compulsive gambling as an example. If you keep gambling despite the negative consequences, such as falling behind on expenses, losing your vehicle, or hurting your relationships, you may have a gambling addiction. It would be best to keep gambling while knowing it’s not a good idea. Or, if you’re addicted to sex, you could keep seeking out new sexual partners or viewing pornographic media despite the damage it might do to your relationships. Addiction may make it difficult, if not impossible, to have healthy relationships. Another effect is a decline in self-esteem because you engage in actions contrary to your principles and ideals. Perhaps you are at the point where you want to quit but are powerless to do it because of your addiction.
Addiction to a substance and another drug may develop independently, creating a cross-addiction. In other words, you may be in recovery from alcoholism and remain clean for years but then get addicted to another substance or engage in compulsive activity that stimulates the brain’s dopamine reward region. Addicts are more likely to develop further dependencies.
What Causes Cross-Addiction?
There are several potential causes of accidental cross-addiction. Opioid pain relievers like Oxycodone and Tramadol may be provided to a patient after surgery. The high individuals’ experience when high encourages them to keep using, leading to further usage and, ultimately, addiction.
Cross-addiction may also emerge due to a lack of awareness. There are substances, like alcohol, for which people know they are hooked. They may then be given narcotic painkillers. They may try this new drug mistakenly, believing they won’t develop an addiction since they have never tried anything like it before. Even with cautious usage, tolerance and dependence on the new chemical may and will build up over time.
The presence of untreated mental health problems, sometimes known as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnoses, is another risk factor for developing a polysubstance use disorder. Addiction to alcohol or other substances, or the development of compulsive behaviors, are common coping mechanisms for those with a history of trauma, depression, or anxiety. One may utilize video games to escape unpleasant or difficult social settings. Unfortunately, the addictive nature of gaming and the dopamine rewards to the brain means that this activity will persist, even if it leads to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
What Is the Treatment for Cross-Addiction?
We find that a Drug Rehab Center in Florida is effective for all comorbid addictions. Any comorbid mental health disorder will be treated using helpful methods in clinical trials.
Finding a Rehab center for your particular addiction is essential. A person with an addiction to food or sex will feel much more at ease opening up to individuals who also suffer from the same problem. There are probably several online if you can’t locate a local meetup.
How Can You Prevent Cross-Addiction?
Avoiding the pitfalls of a second addiction is best accomplished by disseminating information. It’s more probable that someone with an addiction to one substance will also develop a dependency on another meaning. Recognize the potential for harm and evaluate any actions that could lead to a new habit. Because their brains are still searching for the euphoric dopamine rush they experienced while using, people recovering early from alcohol and other substance addictions are also more vulnerable to cross-addiction. Understanding your increased vulnerability to addiction might help you avoid it. Check out the Drug Rehab Center in Florida for more information.
Aloha Detox is the premier Drug Rehab Center in Florida that offers comprehensive care and individualized treatment for those dealing with drugs or cross addiction. Our experts and therapists are available round the clock to help people with their recovery journey. We integrate numerous multi-tier treatments that focus on each aspect of addiction and mental health issues. To know more about us, get in touch with our counselors and get help.
Call us now – 888-892-5642 or for more information enquire us at info@alohadetox.com