Replacing Addictions

Chris Jones, Staff Writer

Published: July 27, 2008

Replacing one addiction for another is called switching, and whether it is replacing alcoholism with binge eating, or addictive gambling with excessive work, the behavior is unhealthy.

Beverly Rapp, licensed alcohol and drug counselor, and licensed marital and family therapist in Oklahoma City, said switching is common with many people.

“Once a person is addicted to a substance or behavior, they are vulnerable to other substances and behaviors,” Rapp said. “The person may believe they have corrected their addictive behavior while they have replaced it with another unhealthy behavior. And usually the person cannot see this happening, but the people around them can.”

Dr. Patrick Carnes, nationally recognized author and speaker in the field of addictions describes the addictive process as an octopus or a squid. Once an addictive pattern is established, Carnes compares the addictive process as an octopus with tentacles that spread out in various directions.

When it comes to switching, rationalization is common, Rapp said. Working 12 hours a day can be defended as a good work ethic, and not be recognized as an addiction replacement. The same can be said of an addiction to exercise. Exercise can be defended because it is good to exercise, but when it becomes addictive it’s not healthy.

What is addiction?

Addiction is the on-going use of a substance or the acting out of a behavior despite significant, negative consequences as a result of it. Treatment professionals evaluate addiction based on four areas: tolerance, withdrawal, consequences and dependence. Addiction is considered to be both chronic and progressive.

How to recognize switching?

Family, friends, and co-workers may notice the addictive behavior first when there is no balance or moderation. When the addictive behavior begins causing consequences with relationships, work and health, and the person devotes an unusual portion of time to seek or acting out that addiction the person may begin to identify a problem.

“The key is when withdrawal happens and there are significant reactions when the person is not able to access the alcohol or the exercise, or whatever the addiction is,” Rapp said. There may be irritation, anger, even panic.

Help is available.

Free resources are available through 12-step programs such as AA or Al Anon, Debtors Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, and Overeaters Anonymous.

A Chance to Change Foundation is a nonprofit organization in Oklahoma City offering evaluation, counseling, a free resource room of materials and a free educational series on Monday evenings. A two-hour seminar is open to families. For information on this resource call 840-9000 or www.achancetochange.com.

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