Cross-addiction

Cross-addiction refers to a situation where an individual who has struggled with addiction to one substance or behavior starts to develop an addiction to another substance or behavior. For example, a person recovering from alcohol addiction might turn to gambling or nicotine as a way to cope. This can occur because the underlying issues driving the initial addiction, such as stress or emotional pain, remain unaddressed. Cross-addiction emphasizes the importance of comprehensive treatment that addresses all potential addictive behaviors rather than focusing on just one, helping individuals achieve lasting recovery and healthier coping strategies.