• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
Skip to content

What Is Cross Addiction? Definition & 5 Examples

Published: September 13, 2021 Updated: March 22, 2023
Published: 09/13/2021 Updated: 03/22/2023
Headshot of Matt Glowiak, PhD, LCPC
Written by:

Matt Glowiak

PhD, LCPC
Headshot of Dr. Kristen Fuller, MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD
  • What Are Cross Addictions?Definition
  • What’s the Difference Between Chemical & Behavioral Addictions?Chemical vs. Behavioral
  • Cross Addictions Before, During, & After RecoveryRecovery
  • Cross Addictions vs. Co-occurring DisordersComorbidities
  • Why Does Cross Addiction Happen?Causes
  • Examples of Cross AddictionsExamples
  • How to Avoid Cross AddictionHow to Avoid
  • Treatment for Cross AddictionTreatment
  • How to Help a Loved One With Cross AddictionHelp a Loved One
  • Cross Addiction StatisticsStatistics
  • Final Thoughts on Cross AddictionsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
Headshot of Matt Glowiak, PhD, LCPC
Written by:

Matt Glowiak

PhD, LCPC
Headshot of Dr. Kristen Fuller, MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD

Cross addiction, also known as addiction interaction disorder, is when a person has two or more addictions.1 Such addictions may extend well beyond alcohol and other substances of abuse, including compulsive behaviors such as hair pulling, skin picking, gambling and excessive shopping are also addictions.1 The addictions may occur simultaneously or one addiction may replace another.

Comprehensive forms of treatment for cross addiction extend beyond abstinence and focus on  correcting maladaptive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

What Are Cross Addictions?

Cross addictions occur in several ways. First, in the absence of a preferred substance, an individual might begin using another substance. For example, someone using opioids might try to replace that substance with cannabis.

Second, an individual might become addicted to a substance of abuse while concurrently engaging in compulsive, maladaptive behavioral patterns (medically referred to as behavioral or process addictions). In this case, the person could be addicted to alcohol and simultaneously have a shopping addiction. Third, an addictive behavior may precede a chemical addiction or vice versa.

This article will focus on cross-addiction as replacing one addiction to drugs with another that is behavioral in nature (i.e., sex, gambling, food, masturbation, porn, plastic surgery, etc.), especially during or after a long period of recovery.

Symptoms of addiction (chemical or behavioral) include:

  • Active use longer than expected
  • Desire and/or unsuccessful attempts to stop
  • Significant time and effort spent using  and coming down
  • Cravings or strong desire to use
  • Recurrent use that impacts an ability to fulfil important responsibilities
  • Recurrent social and/or interpersonal problems caused by or exacerbated by use
  • Reduction in social, occupational, and/or recreational activities that were previously enjoyable
  • Using despite the high risk and adverse consequences
  • Continued use  despite harmful physical and mental consequences
  • Tolerance as defined by a need to increase use  to receive the desired effect
  • Signs and symptoms of withdrawal when individual stops using

Find A Place To Rehab (or call on behalf of a loved one)

Call (855) 236-2993 Free & Confidential

Get help at a comfortable rehab center. Most rehab centers take insurance. You will be able to ask questions, book facility tours, and request information on your insurance benefits during your call.

This is a paid advertisement. Calls are distributed to participating rehab centers in a round-robin format.

Button

What’s the Difference Between Chemical & Behavioral Addictions?

A key difference between chemical and behavioral addictions is that chemical substances lead toward a physiological dependence, meaning that the individual will experience physical withdrawal symptoms when they reduce their usage or quit altogether. Addictive behaviors contribute to the addiction process. Addiction is a pervasive repetitive behavior that continues despite serious physical, mental, emotional, and social consequences. It also continues despite one’s desire or continued attempts to stop.2

Such problematic behaviors extend to many things, which is why some individuals refer to themselves as having “addictive personalities.”

Although gambling disorder is the only behavioral addiction included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, other common behaviors fitting similar criteria have been defined and are currently under study. The repetitive engagement in these behaviors ultimately interferes with functioning in other domains, similar to diagnosable substance use disorders.3

6 Common Categories of Behavioral Addiction

Given the criteria for what defines a behavioral addiction, many behaviors could ultimately become problematic. However, the most common behaviors are those that trigger the reward (pleasure) pathway. People have an innate preference to do what makes them feel good, which is why behaviors that increase “happy” neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, are increasingly more addictive.

To classify the most common behavioral addictions, researchers have identified several broader categories. Addictions within, between, or among any of these categories may yield potentially severe physical, mental, emotional, social, financial, and/or legal issues.

The six categories of behavioral addiction are:4

  1. Sex addiction
  2. Work addiction
  3. Love addiction
  4. Internet addiction
  5. Technological addiction
  6. Exercise addiction

Cross Addictions Before, During, & After Recovery

Cross addiction presents differently depending on where one is along the recovery continuum (i.e., before, during, after). With any addiction—regardless of whether it is substance-based or behavioral/procedural—it is important to note the similarities. In either case, there is a problematic internal process consisting of maladaptive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Prior to any recovery effort, individuals struggling with cross addiction may not even recognize it as a problem. Given the severity of chemical addictions, symptoms may serve as the primary focus while thoughts, emotions, and behaviors associated with the secondary addiction (behavioral/process) are overlooked, increasing the intensity of the behavioral addiction.

During recovery, assuming that one is abstaining from the substance, the process may be complicated by associated thoughts, emotions, and behaviors specific to the secondary condition. Therefore, unless addressed during recovery, the cross-addiction may arise or resurface during aftercare. This is typically gradual—beginning with something seemingly healthy, such as exercise—exacerbating into something, once again, harmful.

Cross Addictions vs. Co-occurring Disorders

It’s important to denote the difference between cross addiction and co-occurring disorders. Co-occurring disorders refer to having a diagnosis of a substance use disorder and the presence of one or more mental health disorders. This isn’t to say that individuals with cross addiction may not also have a co-occurring disorder. In fact, there is an increased likelihood of cross addiction occurring in said circumstance.5

Common diagnosable mental health conditions in this respect are:6

  • Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
  • Eating disorders
  • Major depressive disorder (MDD)
  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Schizophrenia

Why Does Cross Addiction Happen?

Cross-addiction often begins accidentally, but because addiction itself is defined by the internal process rather than physical dependence, those who struggle with chemical addiction are at increased risk of developing cross addictions.5  This piece of the equation is often hardest to treat because even if the substance is removed, someone can still be afflicted by the addiction process.

For example, a client is prescribed opioids for a sports-related injury. While taking the opioid prescription,  they develop physical dependence—a natural occurrence that may or may not lead to addiction. Because they are physically dependent on opioids, they experience withdrawal symptoms when they no longer have access to the opioid prescription, and as a result, begin seeking ways to continue taking the medication or replace it with another addiction.

This may include returning to exercise in hopes of numbing the pain. With heightened pain reduction and euphoria, exercise can be undertaken at an extreme level, leaving them now addicted to exercise.

Help For Reducing Drinking, Drying Out, And Staying Sober

Want to drink less? – Sunnyside helps you ease into mindful drinking at your own pace. Think lifestyle change, not a fad diet. Develop new daily routines, so you maintain your new habits for life. Take a 3 Minute Quiz.


Want a place to dry out and get help? – Call: (855) 236-2993. Free & Confidential

Get help breaking your addiction at a comfortable living facility. Treatment for alcohol, opioid, and heroin addiction. Rehab is often covered by insurance. To find out your insurance benefits call: (855) 236-2993.


Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Rehab.com and Sunnyside..

5 Examples of Cross Addictions

It’s unlikely that anyone enters an addiction intentionally. Rather, it’s a vicious progression whereby those impacted don’t recognize the problem until it is too late. As with any addiction, pathways toward cross addiction vary—in some cases quite significantly.

People who are at particular risk of developing a cross addiction include those who experience trauma, are raised around addiction, have a genetic predisposition, experience “black or white” thinking, or have diagnosable mental health disorders.1

Here are five examples of cross addictions:

1. Alcohol

Alcohol is relatively socially acceptable and readily accessible. Especially when a person is of legal drinking age, they have easy access to it at restaurants, bars, social events, grocery stores, gas stations, and even religious ceremonies. This, among other factors, is why alcohol use disorders are so common.

2. Exercise

Exercise is commonly perceived as good. However, this seeming win-win approach may become problematic when one exercises to excess, ultimately building up lactic acid and other toxins while contributing toward atrophy of bone, muscle, and other tissues. Again, even the best of intentions here may lead toward exercise addiction.

3. Acquiring an Illegal Substance

For many individuals struggling with addiction, the thrill goes beyond use itself. Some individuals explain how the thrill or “high” of purchasing an illegal substance and any associated dangers (e.g., being robbed, injured, or even killed) is as exciting as the euphoric sensation gained from use.

Even while in recovery and actively abstaining from use, some will reenact the process of acquiring a substance in the absence of actual use.

4. Gambling

A cross-addiction involving gambling serves a similar purpose as the example above in that there is a thrill to it. There’s a lot of risk involved in that one may win or lose money—in some cases, a lot of it. The consequence might be an inability to pay bills, save money, or even having a loan shark seeking debt repayment.

5. Sex

Sex naturally leads to arousal. While, for many, this arousal requires an attraction toward or connection with another, there are cases in which sexual gratification in any form is enough for pleasure. There are potential risks with sex addiction as well. Said risks may include sexually transmitted diseases, physical and/or emotional harm to self or others, or angering a third party should infidelity be involved.

How to Avoid Cross Addiction

Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid cross addiction. It is important that such attempts are individualized and personally resonate with the individual. The better aligned any actions are to the needs and preferences of the individual, the better the likelihood of success. What works for one person may not work for another. If a strategy falls short, it’s important to continue trying other strategies.

Here are seven ways to avoid cross addictions:

  1. Have an awareness of self: By continually checking in with oneself, individuals may become aware as to whether a potential problem exists. Here it is important to consider problematic thoughts, emotions, and behaviors—particularly those that have a sudden onset and/or are growing in intensity.
  2. Check in with others: Many of us have blind spots where we struggle to see what is readily apparent to others. Check in with friends, family members, co-workers, and others so they can share thoughts and observations that extend beyond what one might find in personal reflection
  3. Become educated on addiction: The more informed one is on the addiction pathway, what addiction is, associated symptoms, and useful recovery resources and strategies,  the better they’re equipped to reduce symptoms or prevent cross-addiction from occurring.
  4. Regulate potentially addictive substances and behaviors/processes: Depending on one’s addiction potential, it is important to minimize or completely avoid use of recreational substances while also moderating potentially addictive behaviors/processes. For example, if someone likes to gamble but tends to max out their account, a more appropriate plan would be to commit to gambling minimally and only on rare occasions.
  5. Become involved in prosocial activities: When there are more people involved, there are more individuals to help with accountability. Those activities that are more fulfilling, such as volunteer work, satisfy one’s need for belonging, which may minimize a desire to engage in addictive processes.
  6. Quit everything at once: Though challenging, it helps to quit all addictions at once. Doing this alleviates the risk of trading one addiction for another as the focus is on addiction in general.
  7. Speak with a professional: The best recommendation when struggling with any type of addiction is to speak with a professional. Even if curious as to whether one has cross-addiction or not, taking preventative caution or participating in early intervention by honestly speaking with a therapist can reduce the likelihood of it becoming more serious.

Treatment for Cross Addiction

The best treatment for cross-addiction depends on the individual and the severity of their condition. The more severe it is, the more invasive and restrictive treatment should be. Inpatient/residential stays, which typically last around 30-90 days, are often reserved for severe cases. For less severe cases or for those who have had past successful recovery attempts, outpatient therapy and support groups are helpful.

Traditional forms of therapy used with cross-addiction include:1

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
  • Motivational interviewing (MI)
  • Medically assisted treatment (MAT)

A successful recovery effort greatly depends on the individual. The more motivated, consistent, and intentional they are, the greater likelihood of success. Choosing the right therapist and facility can make all the difference. To search for different therapists based on location, expertise, cost, and more, review our therapist directory.

How to Help a Loved One With Cross Addiction

When attempting to help a friend or loved one, it’s important to become as informed as possible. In addition to learning about the addiction and considering applicable treatment options, try to become knowledgeable about helpful ways to approach the topic with love, support, and personal boundaries. Our article on how to help a friend with an addiction provides some additional guidance.

Cross Addiction Statistics

Statistics on cross addiction are rather limited. In 2014, the Columbia University Medical Center conducted an extensive study on the theory. Of those invited, 34,653 completed the interview.5

Here are notable statistics on cross addiction:5

  • In a large nationally representative sample of adults with SUDs, approximately 1 in 5 had developed a new-onset SUD during the course of the 3-year follow-up
  • Individuals who remitted from a SUD had less than half the risk of developing a new SUD than those who did not remit from any SUD
  • In univariate analyses, remission from drug use disorders was associated with increased odds of a new-onset SUD5

This information is specific to those who cross over from one substance of abuse to another. Additional research will need to be conducted to assess the prevalence and frequency of cross addiction where a substance use disorder crosses over into a behavioral addiction.

Final Thoughts on Cross Addictions

Despite any debate regarding whether cross-addiction exists or not, the reality is that a lot of people are struggling with it. Although the individual struggle may be unique, you are not alone. Speaking with a professional and having the right social support can make all the difference. If there’s any thought whatsoever that cross-addiction is occurring, the time to act is now.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Drinking Moderation

Sunnyside – Want to drink less? Sunnyside helps you ease into mindful drinking at your own pace. Think lifestyle change, not a fad diet. Develop new daily routines, so you maintain your new habits for life. Take a 3 Minute Quiz.

Find A Rehab Center (Free & Confidential) – Call (855) 236-2993

Get help breaking your addiction at a comfortable living facility. Treatment for alcohol, opioid, heroin, and behavioral addictions including eating disorders. Most rehab centers work with multiple insurers. To find out your benefits call: (855) 236-2993

Opioid Use Treatment

Bicycle Health – Offers medication-assisted treatment with Suboxone to help patients stop their opioid use. No office visits required. 95% of patients report no withdrawal symptoms at 7 days. See the doctor online. Most insurance is accepted. Visit Bicycle Health

Addiction Newsletter

A free newsletter from Choosing Therapy for those impacted by addiction and the important people in their life. Get encouragement, helpful tips, and the latest information. Sign Up

Talk Therapy

Online-Therapy – Online-Therapy.com provides a weekly live video session, unlimited text messaging, and self-guided activities like journaling. Starting at $64 per week, this is one of the most affordable options for CBT therapy. Try Online-Therapy

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Rehab.com, Sunnyside, Online-Therapy, and Bicycle Health.

For Further Reading

  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800) 662-HELP (4357)
  • Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
  • American Addiction Centers (866) 460-6405
  • MentalHealth.gov
  • Best Movies About Addiction
6 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. (2019). What is cross addiction? Retrieved from https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/what-is-cross-addiction

  • National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016). Is there a difference between physical dependence and addiction? Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-questions/there-difference-between-physical-dependence-addiction

  • Grant, J. E., Potenza, M. N., Weinstein, A., & Gorelick, D. A. (2010). Introduction to behavioral addictions. 36(5), 233–241. https://doi.org/10.3109/00952990.2010.491884

  • Pinna, F., Dell’Osso, B., Di Nicola, M., Janiri, L., Altamura, A. C., Carpiniello, B., & Hollander, E. (2015). Behavioral addictions and the transition from DSM-IV-TR to DSM-5. Journal of Psychopathology, 21, 380-389. https://www.jpsychopathol.it/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/12_Art_ORIGINALE_Pinna1.pdf

  • Blanco C, Okuda M, Wang S, Liu S, Olfson M. Testing the Drug Substitution Switching-Addictions Hypothesis: A Prospective Study in a Nationally Representative Sample. JAMA Psychiatry. 2014;71(11):1246–1253. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.1206

  • Juergens, J., & Hampton, D. (2021). Dual diagnosis. https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/dual-diagnosis/

Recent Articles

What Is Relapse Risk Factors, Treatment & How to Cope
What Is Relapse? Risk Factors, Treatment & How to Cope
A relapse happens when an individual fully returns to using or engaging in addictive behaviors after a period of...
';
Monument Review
Monument Review 2023: Cost, Pros & Cons, & Who It’s Right For
Monument is a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for those who want to cut back or quit drinking. The program...
';
Signs of a Relapse: How to Track the Stages of Relapse
Signs of a Relapse: How to Track the Stages of Relapse
Warning signs of an imminent or ongoing relapse vary depending on the individual and the substance or behavior. Signs...
';
Ria Health Review
Ria Health Review 2023: Cost, Pros & Cons, & Who It’s Right For
Ria Health is an online medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for those struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD). It earned...
';
Fentanyl Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Fentanyl Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Due to its potency and addictive qualities, abusing fentanyl can result in the development of a fentanyl addiction. Symptoms...
';
WorkIt Health Review
Workit Health Review 2023: Cost, Pros & Cons, & Who It’s Right For
Workit Health provides online medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid, alcohol, and stimulant addictions. They also offer treatment plans for...
';
Headshot of Matt Glowiak, PhD, LCPC
Written by:

Matt Glowiak

PhD, LCPC
Headshot of Dr. Kristen Fuller, MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD
  • What Are Cross Addictions?Definition
  • What’s the Difference Between Chemical & Behavioral Addictions?Chemical vs. Behavioral
  • Cross Addictions Before, During, & After RecoveryRecovery
  • Cross Addictions vs. Co-occurring DisordersComorbidities
  • Why Does Cross Addiction Happen?Causes
  • Examples of Cross AddictionsExamples
  • How to Avoid Cross AddictionHow to Avoid
  • Treatment for Cross AddictionTreatment
  • How to Help a Loved One With Cross AddictionHelp a Loved One
  • Cross Addiction StatisticsStatistics
  • Final Thoughts on Cross AddictionsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
If you are in need of immediate medical help:
Medical
Emergency
911
Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
988
Click For More Crisis Hotlines
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
811
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide controlled consent. Cookie settings ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to facilitate website functionality. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. These cookies are stored in your browser only with your consent, and you have the choice of opting out.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non Necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Save & Accept