Substance abuse – Cross Addiction and Relapse – 5 Cross Addiction Relapse Tips for prevention
Although definitions of “Addiction” appear to be continuing to evolve, addiction is still “a primary, chronic, progressive, and relapsing disease”. The last decade of studies have resulted in a refined definition of addiction as a “brain disease which is manifested by compulsive behavior”.
Cross addiction means that an addict could be hooked on any mood altering drug which s/he ingests. Cross addiction can be an example of relapse and/or a trigger to returning to one’s previous drug of choice. Cross-addiction usually refers to switching one or more current mood altering drugs for another varieties.
The concept that you are able to change drugs of choice with no same negative consequences you have been experiencing with your old drug of choice is very seductive to an addict. They want to believe that this is possible despite all evidence to the contrary. The song by Huey Lewis and The News, ‘I Desire a New Drug”, epitomizes the addict’s steadfast visit a “new drug” that will not have the negative consequences. This fantasy might have lethal consequences.
Switching one mood altering drug for another constitutes relapse. To avoid cross-addiction relapse, ensure that you are doing the next:
1. Really understand what you are dealing with. Make sure that you comprehend the nature of addiction, the nature of mood altering drugs, and the nature of cross-addiction. Keep in mind that it’s the mood altering properties of medication that you’re hooked on.
2. Identify your personal disease fighting capability and errors in convinced that might make it acceptable for you to get another drug in place of the main one you quit using.
3. Notice the experience of other addicts who’ve relapsed and the role that cross-addiction has took part in their relapse. Did they think that their situation was different? Did they use a few of these classic denial statements to create relapse acceptable: “I do not have an issue with alcohol (or some other drug).” “I never really even liked using alcohol”. “I tried on the extender so rarely that could not possibly cause me any problems to make use of it now, because I still can’t stand it”. “If the doctor prescribes it, it must be ok”. “I can’t sleep which helps me visit sleep”.
4. Make sure that all your medical support people, including pharmacist, knows that you’ve addiction. Question them about what they understand about addiction. Seek out medical professionals who are knowledgable. If you receive a prescription for something and are not sure if it’s mood altering, call your friendly phamacist.
5. Be proactive and responsible. Browse the labels of all medications, including over-the-counter medications. If it says, “may cause drowsiness”, it could be mood-altering.
To prevent cross addiction relapse, quit any notions that you may have about being “cured” of addiction and being able to use drugs again without the negative consequences. Once addicted, always addicted.