Quitting Multiple Addictions In Recovery

Addiction is prevalent across the entirety of our society. There are millions of people in the world struggling with an addiction of some form. Because of this, the ability to treat multiple addictions simultaneously has increased in popularity. While at first, multiple addictions may seem difficult to treat, once one of the addictions is managed, the additional addictions may have similar outcomes. If someone is struggling with multiple addictions, the best advice is to have a professional perform a comprehensive treatment to ensure recovery is successful.

There Is More to Addiction Than Beating It

In today’s society, creating a need for better recovery practices is growing in demand. There are multiple types of addictions, ranging from substance abuse to watching too much TV. However, there is a lot more to the whole picture of addiction than beating it. The recovery process begins with revisiting what you’ve done in life and investigating what brought you to the point of suffering from addiction in the first place. 

Recovery takes time, focus, and dedication. Addiction recovery will have a roller coaster of situations, emotions, and concerns that need to be addressed. When someone wants to fight multiple addictions at once, the struggle is more difficult as they quit each substance. Is there a way to beat multiple addictions using one strategy or practice? 

Different Types of Addictions

Many addictions stem from a person’s desire to self-medicate, altering their mindset from situations, memories, and emotions on a day-to-day basis. Some people struggle with harmful substances, while others have gambling or video gaming addictions. Those who are more prone to using harmful substances and becoming addicted affect their physical and mental capacities to function. 

The different types of addiction vary from person to person, and the symptoms of each addiction exist on their own. Those struggling with addiction do not necessarily reflect on their behavior as abnormal, as it is the only reality they know. 

Root Causes of Addiction

Treating an individual who is struggling with more than one addiction requires comprehensive treatment to address every area of concern. This comprehensive treatment encompasses the environmental, mental, and physical challenges surrounding particular addictions. 

There are multiple approaches that addiction recovery covers and they address every area of addiction, even if there is more than one addiction present. When you understand the underlying concern of multiple addictions, you can start addressing the addictions themselves. When substances are introduced to the body, the brain reacts to certain behaviors or substances and demands higher levels of reactions. Behaviors can become compulsive over time, or for some, obsessions develop quickly. 

People become dependent on a substance or behavior for various reasons. Some of the root causes of addiction are genetics, early exposure, mental illness, family chaos, peer pressure, and mental well-being. When someone has multiple addictions, they start feeding off each other to inform your sense of self.

Can You Quit Multiple Addictions in Recovery?

Individuals who struggle with an addiction or substance use disorder are at a higher risk of developing cross addictions or multiple addictions. For example, someone who has battled alcohol addiction may be more inclined to cross substances with prescriptions. It all depends on the root causes of the addiction and how it is addressed. 

Not all addictions involve harmful substances. Many individuals replace harmful substances with alternative addictions, like watching TV or shopping. However, treatment is available for every addiction with substances or unhealthy behaviors. The appropriate treatment must provide a balance to help those struggling with multiple addictions. 

When you have multiple addictions, a medical professional or team can care for you by addressing each addiction at its core. There are comprehensive addiction treatment plans and individualized methods that help those struggling with substances and addiction-related concerns. 

Each addiction has to be treated uniquely. Those struggling with multiple addictions are best treated with professionals who understand the entire case. Therefore, if you have multiple addictions, there is hope to get treated for all of them with the right treatment professional’s guiding hand.

Replacing an Addiction With Delayed Gratification

Compulsive behavior or substance use is a way for individuals to alter their perception and change certain situations regardless of the harm to their physical or mental well-being. People wired for multiple or cross-addictions are at additional risk of becoming addicted to harmful substances for longer periods. 

If the addiction is treated correctly, recovery can teach you how to avoid substance dependency and find positive reinforcements for change. There are treatments put into place to help you replace addiction with new gratifications. Some people find newfound hope in their long-term sobriety with instant gratification such as engaging in self-reflection, engulfing themselves in nature, or attending community events. 


There are many different types of activities and practices that can replace addiction with a new gratification to help regain control over yourself. Through the recovery process, individuals find new means of self-worth and purpose and discover ways to gratify that part of themselves with productive and positive activities. You can live and enjoy life in its entirety by learning to address the root cause of the addiction and replacing it with a different type of gratification. At NorthStar Transitions, by realizing self-love and finding gratification in life through recovery, you can eliminate addiction. We have an entire team that tackles each situation individually and provides resources and tools to direct your energy and help you create a new fresh perspective on life. If you struggle with addiction or are thinking that you want help with your addiction, you can reach out to us today or call us at (303) 558-6400.


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