Cross-dependence is when a person suffers from an addiction and replaces this addiction with another. An addicted person who is trying to quit a drug or an addictive behavior may substitute the old addiction for a new one. At this moment, when one addiction is exchanged for another, we speak of cross-dependence, also called cross-addiction.
At CCAdicciones, we offer treatments to overcome all types of addictions and prevent patients from falling into cross-addiction. Our goal is to help all our patients achieve a life free from addiction.
What is cross-dependence?
Cross-addiction is when an individual is in the process of recovering from one addiction but simultaneously develops another addiction to a different drug or behavior than the one they are trying to recover from. This might be seen as an unimportant fact, a lesser evil, because as the main purpose is to stop consuming a specific drug or engaging in a specific behavior, all energies are concentrated on this element. However, it is a dangerous and harmful act because it exposes the person to a new addiction. And, when we talk about addiction, regardless of the substance or behavior, it will be synonymous with illness.
An individual who has developed an addiction to a drug or a behavior will be susceptible to developing another addiction, even if the first one has already been overcome. This can be due to genetic, social, environmental, or other factors that make them more vulnerable to developing addictions.
When does cross-addiction occur?
During the detoxification process of an addiction and the recovery of an addict is the moment when a cross-addiction can develop. Usually, it is during addiction rehabilitation that cross-dependence occurs because it is the moment when the person stops consuming the drug to which they are addicted.
It is at the moment when one is trying to leave a substance behind that the person replaces the substance or behavior with another substance or behavior. For example, a person undergoing treatment to overcome alcoholism aims to stop drinking. In the process of alcohol withdrawal, they may consume medications to alleviate the effects of withdrawal syndrome. The individual may cling to excessive consumption of these pills and develop an addiction. Thus, they are substituting alcohol addiction for medication addiction.
Symptoms of Addiction
An addiction is characterized by a loss of control, a strong desire to consume or engage in an addictive behavior, anxiety, obsession, denial in an initial phase… Although, of course, the symptoms will vary depending on the substance or behavior to which an addiction has developed.
There are three key terms that define an addiction: tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal syndrome. These are common factors that develop in almost all addictions. We briefly explain what each term consists of.
If a person regularly consumes a substance, tolerance will occur. The body becomes accustomed to the drug because the individual consumes it regularly. Therefore, they will need to increase the dose consumed to feel the same effects as at the beginning. Developing tolerance to a substance is dangerous because the addict will consume more and more without hardly realizing it. The addiction will increase, as will the drug consumed, causing harmful consequences for the user.
The second element that identifies an addiction is dependence, both physical and mental. The person feels they need to consume because they have developed a strong dependence. If they do not, they will be invaded by generalized discomfort, even experiencing what is known as withdrawal syndrome.
Finally, we would have withdrawal syndrome. These are a series of physical and mental reactions experienced by an addict if they do not consume the drug to which they are addicted or perform the behavior to which they have developed an addiction. Even if a smaller amount is consumed, withdrawal syndrome can also occur to a lesser degree than if it is not consumed directly.
Prevention of Cross-dependence
There are some recommendations to follow to avoid falling into a cross-addiction. First, contact addiction professionals to start detoxification treatment as soon as possible. If the entire process is supervised by experts, the maximum possible guarantees will be in place for the entire recovery process to go well and to control and prevent the patient from falling into a cross-addiction.
Neither during nor after treatment should a drug different from the one to which an addiction had developed be consumed, as dependence will easily develop. With the aim of not consuming that drug again or relapsing, the person may take refuge in the consumption of a new drug or behavior without being aware that this act could lead them back to a substance use disorder or a behavioral addiction.
In addition, it is important to follow healthy lifestyle habits that keep the person away from any addiction. A healthy diet and regular exercise. It is also essential to maintain contact with expert addiction professionals through therapy. This is an element that will prevent relapses and cross-addictions.
Addiction Treatments at CCAdicciones
To overcome any addiction, it is very important to undergo treatment and thus prevent the phenomenon of cross-dependence. Take the step, ask us anything you want to know. At CCAdicciones, we will answer all your questions related to addictions without obligation.
CCAdicciones is a detoxification center specializing in all types of addictions, both substance and non-substance. It has a therapeutic, detoxification, and rehabilitation clinic that offers all the comforts, therapies, activities, and facilities necessary to carry out your treatment as comfortably as possible. Don’t wait any longer and contact us. The professionals at CC Adicciones are available 24 hours a day at 617 200 882 to help. Also through our form. Remember that, for addictions, there is always a way out.
