What is Cross Addictions Therapy?
When a person engages in two or more addictive activities, it is referred to as Cross Addictions, addiction transfer, or addiction interaction disorder. In addition to alcohol and other drugs, compulsive behaviors can also include food, gambling, sex, gaming, and other obsessive behaviors.
Addiction is the compulsive use of a substance or practice despite the risk of harm, issues for oneself, and unfavorable outcomes. Think of gambling addiction, for instance. You may have an addiction if you keep gambling to the point where you are unable to pay your bills, lose your automobile, or sabotage your relationships. Despite the repercussions, you feel compelled to keep playing the game of chance. Or, if you have a sex addiction, you can continue to look for different sexual partners or watch pornographic media despite the potential negative effects it might have on your relationships. Because of your addictive tendencies, you could find it difficult to establish or sustain meaningful relationships. Another effect of continuing to engage in behaviors that may not be consistent with your morals or ideals is harm to your self-esteem. Even if you desire to stop, your addiction prevents you from doing so on your own. If you find yourself in these circumstances, reach out to a Florida-licensed mental health counselor.
Cross-addictions don't have to happen simultaneously. For example, you might be in recovery from alcoholism and have even been sober for a long time, but you might later become addicted to another drug or engage in compulsive activity that stimulates the dopamine reward area of your brain. People who already have one addiction are more prone to developing another one. To prevent relapse and to address cross-addictions, it is important to seek out specialized treatment that addresses multiple addictive behaviors simultaneously. Reach out to New Era Therapy Now, who offer treatment for cross-addictions in Florida.
What Causes Cross Addiction?
Cross-addiction can happen for a number of reasons, but it frequently happens accidentally. Following surgery, an opioid painkiller like Oxycodone or Tramadol may be administered. The drug's positive effects encourage users to keep using it, which eventually encourages them to use it more frequently until they develop an addiction.
Another factor contributing to cross-addiction is a lack of comprehension. People may be aware that they are addicted to a specific substance, such as alcohol. Then possibly they are given an opioid prescription. They could believe they can take this new substance without becoming hooked because they are not currently addicted to it. With modest use, the new drug addiction may grow gradually, but addiction can advance and typically does. New Era Therapy Now is a psychotherapy and counseling center that can treat Virtual cross addictions treatment.
If a person has unresolved substance abuse and mental health problems, sometimes known as co-occurring illnesses or a dual diagnosis, this can also lead to cross-addiction. You might start abusing alcohol and other drugs or develop obsessive habits if you have a history of trauma, depression, or anxiety in order to cope with your emotional distress. For instance, you can utilize gaming to escape reality and avoid awkward social situations. Because of the compulsive nature of gaming and the dopamine rewards to the brain, the practice persists despite the possibility of feelings of loneliness and isolation.
How Common Is Cross Addiction?
About 20.1 million persons aged 12 or older who used alcohol or illegal drugs in the previous year had a substance use disorder (SUD), according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. According to the Surgeon General's Report, various person experience addiction at varying rates. Unfortunately, just one in ten individuals undergo addiction therapy. Because they are not ready to stop or believe they can stop on their own, or because they do not believe they have a problem, many people choose not to enroll in a treatment program for cross-addiction.
How Are Cross Addictions Handled?
A Twelve Step program, in our opinion at New Era Therapy Now, is beneficial for all cross-addictions. Any co-occurring mental health condition will be addressed by a good treatment plan employing evidence-based, effective treatment methods. When necessary, medication-assisted therapies should be made available to aid in the withdrawal from heroin and opiate addictions. We are located in Florida, specifically in Boca Raton, Parkland, Coral Springs, and Miami Beach, and we offer specialized treatment for cross-addictions.