Cross-Addiction
Cross-Addiction or Addiction Interaction Disorder is a contested theory in the scientific world. Anecdotally, clinicians in the addiction field see clients struggle with cross-addiction. We watch as our clients give up alcohol only to turn to energy drinks. We internally scream as they go from methamphetamines to sex. We hold our breath as they go from opioids to chocolate. We call this, playing addiction “whack-a-mole”.
Did you know, According to the American Addictions Center, “people with active substance use disorders were about two times more likely to develop another substance use problem (27%) compared to individuals whose substance use disorder was in remission (13%)…In statistical terms, individuals with a history of successfully addressing their substance use disorder were significantly less likely to develop another substance use disorder compared to individuals who were unable to address their substance use disorder…”.
What does it all mean? We must treat the root of the issue. Individuals cannot simply “put down” a substance or “stop” a behavior and expect to be “better”. This is a START! It gets us “clean”, “sober”, and “abstinent”, but it doesn’t fully heal us.
We are biological, psychological, social, and spiritual beings. As such we need protocols that address all the aspects of what makes us human. In terms of Food Addiction, food is only 10% of the issue. It is the tip of the iceberg we can see about the water. 50% of our treatment protocol is about connection. Did you know the quality of connection we have with others is a factor in our ability to be resilient in the face of stressors/crises? More resilience means we are less likely to turn to substances or behaviors to address an unmet need!
The other 40% really consists of life on life’s terms. We must address cravings, stress, emotions, sleep, relationships, work, spirituality, and more! And before we can tackle those important concerns, we need to know what you want! What are you aiming for? I, personally, would love for you to live a life you no longer have to escape or numb out from or change in some way. And, NO, I don’t mean a fantasy life. I mean having the tools (and skills to use those tools) to manage life in a way that works for YOU!
Have you noticed that since you gave up smoking, you turn to food for stress relief? Do you seek snacks at night when you are bored or lonely – instead of getting more sleep? Do you use caffeine or other stimulants to suppress your appetite? Do you go on a new diet every month? Do you weigh yourself daily or multiple times a day now that you stopped eating junk? These are all examples of addiction “whack-a-mole”.
Let your brain heal for 30-45 days without the substance(s) or behavior(s). Use real, whole-food, sleep, the sun, hydration, and supplement vitamins and minerals to aid in detox. Get a physical if you haven’t in some time. Do a med check if it has been a while. Then start addressing the psychological issues that are popping up for you. Anxiety and depression may be real for you around 3-6 months on your healing journey. Speak up! Let someone know and seek professional input.
Socially you may need to keep your interactions minimal while you are in the initial phase of your journey. As you feel more stable, branch out – find a meeting of people in the same storm as you! I’m biased – but Fridays at 1p ET are my favorite. Spiritually lean on what works for you! If you have a spiritual practice- don’t stop now! If you have a religion you feel particularly drawn to, explore it! If you have no spiritual practice, may I suggest starting with bodywork? It can be hard to connect to something bigger than, and outside of, ourselves when we are not connected to our own bodies! If bodywork is too advanced, check into Mindful Self-Compassion. We even have some episodes of discussing this coming up on the Food Junkies Podcast – so be on the lookout!
In the end, our lives were chaotic before and during our time in the food, alcohol, pot, etc. That will not change just because we STOP using a substance or doing a behavior. It’s time to heal.
Listen, I am coming to you as a “2-Hatter” (personally and professionally) on this issue. I was a person who thought co-dependency was my issue. Turns out it was food/volume eating/emotional eating, co-dependency, spending, and workaholism. They all did not get better because I “stopped”. They got better because I did the work. 2 are solidly in the past and 2 continue to be a work in progress. I am not ashamed of where I am, and I know this is not where I will always be. I hold hope for me, and I hold hope for YOU. We can overcome and put old patterns in the past. Our futures are solidly ahead of us.
Please let me know how I can support you on your journey!