5 Common Cross Addictions and How You Can Avoid Them

Key Takeaways:

• Cross addiction occurs when one addictive behavior replaces another, making it critical to address the root causes of addiction during recovery.
• Cross addiction is common in recovery due to unresolved trauma, mental health challenges, and the brain seeking similar dopamine responses from new behaviors.
• Preventing cross addiction requires ongoing therapy, strong support systems, and healthy coping strategies to support long-term addiction recovery.

Understanding Cross Addictions

Addiction is difficult to overcome, especially when drugs or alcohol have been used as a long-term coping mechanism. During recovery, some individuals may unknowingly replace one addiction with another, a process known as cross addiction.

For example, a person recovering from alcohol abuse may turn to overeating, while someone overcoming meth use may begin drinking or relying on other substances like benzodiazepines. This pattern, often referred to as addiction transfer, can happen without immediate awareness.

Cross addiction can be frustrating and confusing for both individuals in recovery and their loved ones, especially when the signs are not easily recognized. At My Time Recovery, we help people address the root causes of addiction to support lasting recovery.

What is a Cross Addiction? 

A cross-addiction, also called a substitute addiction or addiction transfer, is simply an addiction that develops as a replacement for another. However, it is more complex than that. It isn’t actually the drug or alcohol that is the issue, rather it’s the behavior of the recovering addict. That means that whatever the cause, trauma, or underlying issues were for the original addiction have not yet been addressed and resolved, and the addicted person is attempting to fill the void that is left from his or her original addiction. 

Why Do Cross Addictions Happen? 

There are numerous reasons that individuals replace addiction with another. In some cases, the treatment that someone receives for addiction just isn’t long enough or intensive enough. They may be able to abstain from their original drug of choice by staying away from the people, places, and things they hung around while using, the original causes of their addictions are still present. Even though they may not want to use or drink any longer, the desire to alleviate stress and anxiety combined with cravings may encourage them to seek out another way to cope. And, the substitute they find will likely provide them with the same pleasurable feelings that they felt when they first began using their drug of choice. Now, a new cycle of addiction has started. 

Cross Addiction Statistics

Cross addiction and substance use disorders are more common than many people realize, especially among individuals in recovery. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 2024 report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), millions of adults in the United States experience substance use disorders each year, highlighting the widespread nature of addiction and the risk of developing additional dependencies.

Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) also shows that addiction affects the brain’s reward system, increasing the likelihood that people may seek out other substances or behaviors that produce similar effects.

Because addiction often involves these underlying brain and behavioral patterns, individuals in recovery may be more vulnerable to addiction transfer if those root causes are not fully addressed. This is why comprehensive treatment that includes therapy, mental health support, and relapse prevention strategies is essential for reducing the risk of cross addiction.

How Common is Cross Addiction in Recovery?

Cross addiction in recovery is more common than many people realize. When someone stops using drugs or alcohol, the underlying behaviors and brain patterns associated with addiction don’t simply disappear. Instead, they can shift toward other substances or compulsive behaviors.

Many individuals in early recovery experience a strong need to replace the emotional relief or dopamine response they once received from their substance of choice. This can lead to addiction transfer, where one dependency is replaced with another.

Certain factors can increase the risk of cross addiction, including:

• Untreated trauma or mental health conditions
• Lack of ongoing therapy or structured support
• High stress or major life transitions
• Limited coping strategies in early sobriety

Because of this, it’s important to view recovery as more than just stopping substance use. Addressing the root causes of addiction and developing healthy coping mechanisms can significantly reduce the risk of developing a substitute addiction.

Common Cross Addictions

The following are five of the most common cross addictions and how you can avoid them.

#1 – Food 

It’s no secret that many people gain weight when they get into recovery. For some, that’s a good thing because their substance abuse has kept them from eating regularly and nutritiously. However, even for those who need to gain weight, it’s important to eat healthy food that is going to provide the much-needed vitamins and nutrients that have been missing from their diet during active addiction. People in recovery often turn to sugary, salty, or fatty foods, as it feels satisfying to eat them because it causes the same dopamine rushes (on a much smaller scale) as using their drug of choice did. 

How to avoid it: Be aware that you are still trying to fill the void that you were attempting to fill with drugs or alcohol. Continue with talk therapy to address the source of your emptiness, and fill your pantry with healthy food instead of appealing snack food. 

#2 – Sex

It’s easy to become obsessed with unhealthy emotional attachments or physical release when you are in early recovery. While relationships and sex are a natural part of human interaction, they can become a compulsive behavior. 

How to avoid it: Do some investigating into patterns in your chosen romantic partners or sexual situation for triggers and red flags. Focus on developing positive relationships that are not tied to negative emotions. It’s recommended in 12-step programs that those who are new in recovery do not engage in sexual relationships for at least the first year of sobriety – that’s good advice even if you don’t participate in 12-step groups. 

#3 – Shopping 

Compulsive shopping happens when you are compelled to buy things that you don’t need. You may not even have the financial resources to support your spending, running up credit card bills that you will have to struggle to pay. Shopping addicts get a rush from making purchases, but it can cause financial devastation. 

How to avoid it: The best way to protect yourself from a shopping addiction is the same way you avoid your drug of choice. Don’t carry around more money than you have to, close or hand over your debit and credit cards to a loved one, and avoid places or websites where you might be tempted to shop. 

#4 – Gambling 

Gambling can entail everything from buying lottery tickets to spending hours in a casino or playing online. The point is that you are seeking to escape from some aspect of your life while wanting the thrill of the challenge of gambling. This type of addiction can have serious financial consequences. 

How to avoid it: Gambling addiction can be very difficult to overcome. In fact, many addiction treatment facilities are adding programs that are designed specifically for gambling addicts. Try support groups like Gamblers Anonymous or SMART Recovery if you feel yourself starting to slip into gaming addiction. 

#5 – Prescription Medication

You work so hard to get clean and sober from alcohol or hard drugs, only to be given prescription medication by your physician. Many prescription drugs are addictive – painkillers, benzodiazepines (for treating anxiety), and sleep medications, are just a few. 

How to avoid it: Remember that just because a doctor prescribes it, it doesn’t mean that it is safe for you. Make sure that all your doctors know that you are in recovery and discuss non-habit-forming options whenever you are prescribed medication. 

Signs of Cross Addiction to Watch For

Recognizing cross addiction early can prevent it from developing into a more serious issue. Because substitute addictions often feel less harmful at first, they can be easy to overlook.

Some common signs of cross addiction include:

• Replacing one addictive behavior with another
• Feeling a loss of control over a new habit
• Using behaviors (like shopping, eating, or gambling) to cope with stress
• Experiencing cravings or urges similar to past substance use
• Neglecting responsibilities due to a new compulsive behavior

It’s important to remember that addiction is not always tied to substances. Behaviors can become addictive when they begin to interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

If you notice these patterns, it may be a sign that deeper emotional or psychological issues still need to be addressed.

Identifying Cross Addictions

It can be hard to recognize that you’ve developed a cross-addiction. Sometimes the people in your life may not understand those substitute addictions can and do occur. They may not know that a recovering heroin addict shouldn’t drink alcohol, or that a recovering alcoholic who overeats may not be healthy. However, in those cases, the issues at the heart of your addiction are still there, and they may be causing even more problems. If you haven’t worked through the reasons and causes you became addicted originally, you’re likely to get caught up in the whirlwind of addiction again. 

Hopefully, you or your loved one can recognize what is going on before it’s too late. You may be able to use what you have learned in previous treatment to begin recovery from the substitute addiction, or you may need to seek further treatment. Remember that all is not lost though, the useful information and coping techniques you were taught are still available to you.

How to Prevent Cross Addiction Long-Term

Preventing cross addiction requires a proactive and ongoing approach to recovery. While avoiding substances is a critical first step, long-term success depends on building a strong foundation for emotional and mental health.

Some effective strategies include:

• Continuing therapy: Evidence-based approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help identify triggers and reshape unhealthy thought patterns
• Developing healthy coping skills: Exercise, mindfulness, and structured routines can reduce stress without relying on addictive behaviors
• Building a support system: Support groups, sponsors, and trusted loved ones provide accountability and encouragement
• Practicing self-awareness: Regularly checking in with your emotions and behaviors can help you recognize early warning signs
• Avoiding high-risk situations: Just like with substance use, staying away from triggers can help prevent relapse into new addictions

Recovery is an ongoing process, and staying engaged in a structured program can make a significant difference. By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, people can reduce the likelihood of addiction transfer and build a more stable, fulfilling life.

Start Addiction Treatment at My Time Recovery

Cross addiction can develop quickly in recovery, but with awareness and the right support, it can be prevented. Addressing the root causes of addiction and building healthy coping strategies are essential for long-term success. Staying engaged in therapy and support systems can help you maintain balance and avoid replacing one addiction with another. At My Time Recovery, our team provides personalized addiction treatment programs designed to support lasting recovery and overall well-being. Call My Time Recovery Today!

FAQs