Recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction is an empowering and life-changing process where you learn helpful tools and behaviors to reclaim the life you deserve. But, not all of the behaviors you pick up along the way are positive and some can even be harmful. Substitute addictions, also known as replacement addictions or cross-addiction, are a common challenge on the path to sobriety. So what are substitute addictions and how can you cope with them in recovery? Keep reading to learn more.

What is a Substitute Addiction?

Simply put, a substitute addiction is a behavior used to replace an unhealthy habit in your life, such as an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Some of these replacement behaviors can be positive in moderation, like exercise or a new hobby, however, sometimes an individual may replace their addiction with a new and potentially harmful addictive habit. These new behaviors may not be intentional, but they can still have a major impact on your recovery journey. Common substitute addictions can include:

• Binge eating

• Excess sugar 

• Cigarette smoking 

• Gambling

• Shopping (Compulsive Spending)

• Video games

• Sex or pornography 

How Substitute Addictions Impact Your Recovery

If you're struggling with a replacement addiction, it's important to understand how this new behavior may affect your ability to stay sober and move forward on your path to recovery. Some negative outcomes of a substitute addiction include:

• Substitute Addictions Can Lead to Relapse

One of the biggest risks of substitute addictions is that they can lead to relapse. The replacement behavior may be able to alleviate stress momentarily, but for some people, this can result in feelings of being unable to manage their response to stress or feelings of low self-esteem or self-worth. If they become dependent on a new behavior and it becomes suddenly unavailable, it can lead them to seek out the original substance they’ve worked so hard to get sober from. 

• Substitutions May Interfere with Other Areas of Life

Substitute addictions can interfere with other areas of life such as work performance, finances, or personal relationships. They can disrupt your daily routines and also have a negative impact on your physical health. It may seem safer to encourage the substitute addiction, however, this is not always true. For example, replacing binge drinking with excess sweets or compulsive spending can still be just as harmful to your overall well-being as the original habit.

• Substitute Addictions Can Worsen Mental Health

Your mental health can also be at risk when a substitute addiction occurs, as the new behavior may result in increased anxiety, worsening stress, or isolating yourself from your loved ones. Worsening mental health can also trigger a relapse if left untreated. 

How to Cope With Substitute Addictions

• Identify and Avoid Triggers

Just like with recovery, you will need to address the root of the addiction and the inner needs and desires that compel you to indulge in this new habit. Once you can identify the underlying needs this replacement habit is camouflaging, working to identify and avoid triggers can help you find better ways of coping.

• Develop Healthy Coping Strategies

In order to maintain your recovery, it’s important to find ways to healthily manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties that don’t involve addictive or compulsive behaviors. Seeking professional treatment can help you develop better coping strategies to replace these harmful habits.

• Reclaim the Journey

If you or a loved one are struggling with substitute addictions in recovery, don’t give up hope. Remember–recovery is a journey and there is power in reaching out for support. Remind yourself why you got sober in the first place and make a commitment to protect your sobriety. Focus on the life you deserve and how hard you’ve worked for it already. If you’re in need of a helping hand, reach out to The Walker Center. We specialize in compassionate, evidence-based mental health services and addiction resources. Give us a call today.