How to Prevent Addiction Transfer During Sobriety

Transfer addiction is the phenomenon of unconsciously replacing one addiction with another. It happens fairly frequently in those who go to rehab. Sometimes, those who received substance abuse treatment in San Fernando Valley come with worries about developing addiction transfer, and we work with them on ways to recognize and prevent it. This can be an important element for long-term sobriety.

While the concept may seem straightforward, the emotional and psychological factors behind it are often complex. Triggers, stress, and unresolved trauma can all contribute to the vulnerability that makes addiction transfer more likely during recovery. If you’re concerned about this in your own journey or a loved one’s, reaching out to Tranquility Recovery Center for guidance can make all the difference.

What Is Addiction Transfer?

Addiction transfer, also known as cross-addiction, is the occurrence of the unconscious replacement of one addiction with another. It can happen when you try quitting alone instead of seeking professional help. It can also happen to people who have gone through rehab.

Cross-addiction can mean switching substance abuse with behavioral addictions, such as gambling, shopping, or overeating. The first cases of transfer addiction were discovered after bariatric surgeries. Obesity clinicians have noticed that after such interventions, people were replacing overeating with other forms of compulsive behavior, including gambling, excessive exercising, or alcoholism. 

Another common example of addiction replacement is switching one substance with another. For instance, you might be replacing alcoholism with abuse of prescription drugs.

Why Does Transfer Addiction Happen in Sobriety?

Cross-addiction often happens due to changes in brain chemistry or behavioral patterns during recovery. Even when the drug addiction treatment Los Angeles doctors had provided has been successful, you might be at risk of developing a new addiction. There are several potential reasons for that.

Oftentimes, it is unresolved emotional pain that brings about new behaviors that help you cope with overwhelming emotions. If that new behavior becomes a habit you lean into every time emotions strike, it becomes addictive and, therefore, unhealthy. This is more likely to happen if you’re lacking healthy coping mechanisms. Turning to new vices for stress relief might be you repeating subconsciously a pattern that once worked for you.

Developing new addictive behavioral patterns might happen due to dopamine-seeking. Your brain might still crave pleasures and rewards, and behaviors that give access to them quickly can easily result in addict-like behavior. Finally, you might seek something to fill the gap left by addiction. In those cases, even healthy behaviors, such as work or exercise, might become excessive and result in a new form of addiction.

Signs You May Be Experiencing Addiction Transfer

One of the key elements to transfer addiction prevention is the early recognition of warning signs. A person at risk of transfer will start showcasing certain behaviors or experiencing certain symptoms.

Here are several signs to pay attention:

• Engaging in a new behavior excessively. Even when this new behavior is not unhealthy, once it becomes excessive, it hurts one’s mental health.
• Neglecting responsibilities or relationships due to new behavior. This happens due to new addictive behavior becoming a priority over any other thing in one’s life. 
• Using the new activity as an emotional crutch rather than a healthy hobby. If you lean into a new behavior every time you feel emotionally overwhelmed, you might have developed a new unhealthy coping mechanism.
• Feeling withdrawal-like symptoms if unable to engage in the new habit. Becoming jitterish or stressed when not able to engage in new habits are some of the withdrawal symptoms that can happen with addiction transfer.

Strategies to Prevent Addiction Transfer

Keeping in mind the underlying reasons for this type of transfer to take place, there are several strategies you can employ to prevent it:

• You can engage in structured therapy. Evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) offer structure and help you recognize dysfunctional patterns of beliefs that lead you to develop addictions.
• Emotional resilience is important for lifelong sobriety. You can develop emotional resilience through mindfulness, meditation, and journaling. These techniques can help you feel grounded and connected with the world surrounding you.
• Staying accountable and aware is another irreplaceable aspect of sobriety; you can ensure it in several ways. You can check regularly with the therapist, sponsor, or support group. You can also keep a recovery journal to track emotional triggers and behaviors.
• Caring for yourself and prioritizing holistic recovery practices can keep you on the right track. Stay active with yoga, breathwork, or strength training. Explore creative therapies such as our equine therapy for addiction treatment​. Finally, engage in social activities to build a healthy support system.
• Be mindful of new habits. You should avoid excessive caffeine or sugar and stay alert about the amount of work you’re doing. You will need to set boundaries on potentially addictive behaviors, including engaging with social media.
• Care for your mental health. Unresolved mental health problems can often trigger new addiction patterns. Seek professional treatment for co-occurring disorders. Our dual diagnosis treatment center Los Angeles residents recommend can help you. Work on addiction and mental health issues simultaneously. 

How Tranquility Recovery Center Can Help

Tranquility Recovery Center relies on a holistic approach to addiction recovery. This allows us to treat more than symptoms. We address people as a whole, equally caring for the body, mind, and spirit. This ensures lifelong sobriety as it prevents relapses and addiction transfers.

When you choose Tranquility to Recovery Center as your sobriety partner, you can count on the following:

• Wellness programs and holistic approaches to your mental health.
• A supportive environment with personalized dual diagnosis care.
• Luxury rehab amenities that promote healthy lifestyle choices for sustainable recovery. 
• Non-stop availability even if you opt for outpatient rehab San Fernando Valley. 

Finishing your rehab does not mean our work with you ends. We provide continuous support by tailoring aftercare programs and staying at your disposal for crisis management. 

Staying on Track for Lifelong Sobriety

Transfer addiction is preventable. Educating yourself on it and seeking support when you feel at risk of developing it can help you avoid complicated situations and the need for another rehab. We at Tranquility Recovery Center can help you. Call us and ensure you stay sober lifelong.