What Are Transfer Addictions? Examining the Science
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Meet Derek. After years of battling alcohol dependency, he finally took the brave step to quit drinking. His spirits were high, he started attending support groups, and his alcohol-free days started piling up. But after a few months, he realized he'd been consuming an alarming amount of sugary snacks — glazed doughnuts for breakfast, M&M’s in his desk drawer, a Java Chip Frappuccino every day on his way home. It seemed he'd swapped one compulsion for another.
What gives? In the scientific community, this phenomenon is known as transfer addiction. And while finding yourself becoming an “addiction polyglot” is fairly common — and even makes sense neurologically — rest assured, there’s a way out!
A transfer addiction occurs when someone gives up one addiction only to replace it with another. It might seem puzzling, but there's science behind it.
The brain loves rewards. Certain substances — alcohol, nicotine, and even sugar — as well as behaviors such as gambling or excessive shopping trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.
The human brain is remarkable in its ability to adapt. But this plasticity can sometimes be a double-edged sword in the realm of addictions. When the brain gets used to receiving regular dopamine surges from alcohol, it starts to expect them. Take away the alcohol, and the brain doesn't just shrug and move on — it looks for an alternative source.
This isn't to say the brain is working against us! It's merely trying to reach a state it considers "normal," even if that state was influenced by external substances. In fact, it’s wired to do so by evolution. The dopamine-driven reward system in our brain evolved as a survival mechanism that nudges us toward behaviors (such as finding food or looking for a romantic partner) that ensure our survival as a species.
The problem happens when this system gets hijacked by a substance or behavior that isn’t actually helpful or necessary. However, because the reward system is part of the more primitive, automatic part of the brain — also known as the “lizard brain” — it doesn’t always “listen” to the rational prefrontal cortex. The result? It acts as if the substance or behavior is necessary for our survival.
This is also why the common concept of an “addictive personality” is a potentially dangerous oversimplification. We've all heard the term thrown around in casual conversations — it's the idea that some people are just naturally predisposed to become addicted to substances or behaviors. But is there any truth behind it? Let's debunk a common misconception and understand the real science of why people might switch addictions.
First off, the concept of an "addictive personality" is largely unsupported by current scientific research. Sure, some personality traits might make some people more susceptible to certain addictive behaviors, but there’s no universal genetic formula behind it — if there was, we would have already found it a long time ago.
Labeling someone with an "addictive personality" might even create a self-fulfilling prophecy, leading someone to believe they're doomed to addiction due to their inherent nature. Talk about counterproductive!
Instead, the phenomenon of switching from one addiction to another comes down to the natural way our brain processes pleasure, reward, and stress. We all have an “inner lizard,” and when we accidentally “train” it to get accustomed to swift dopamine hits on demand, it doesn’t just go quiet when we suddenly quit. As a result, we might find ourselves swapping one addiction for another, not because we have an "addictive personality", but because our brain is naturally (albeit unfortunately) looking for other ways to fulfill its instinctual cravings and feel good.
A helpful way to understand this situation comes from addiction specialist Allen Carr’s Easy Way To Stop Smoking — a method that applies to all addictions. Carr describes addiction as two monsters: the “big monster” and the “little monster.” While the "little monster" represents our physical cravings for a substance or behavior, it's the "big monster" that plays the more insidious role, dwelling in our minds and feeding us illusions.
This "big monster" cleverly convinces us that a particular substance or behavior (the "little monster") isn’t just a habit, but rather an essential component of our lives. It constantly tells us that we need this substance to cope, to celebrate, to socialize, or even just to get through the day. The "big monster" masterfully frames the "little monster" as a genuine pleasure or crutch.
But here's the plot twist: that perceived pleasure or relief is a grand illusion. Why? Because the "pleasure" isn’t derived from genuine joy or satisfaction. Instead, it's merely the temporary relief from the discomfort created by the absence of the substance or behavior. In Carr’s description, it's like wearing tight shoes just for the relief of taking them off. The "big monster" has us chasing a cycle where the "relief" and "pleasure" are merely short breaks from the discomfort it creates in the first place.
By understanding how this process works, we can see that the real battle isn't against the fleeting physical cravings of the "little monster," but against the deceptive tactics of the "big monster" in our minds. Recognizing this illusion strips the "big monster" of its power, allowing us to challenge and change our core beliefs about addiction.
With this knowledge, we can debunk the myths surrounding our dependencies and face them head-on, all with a confident, "I see through your games, big monster!" attitude — one that often leads to a permanent shift in perspective as seeking pleasure or relief from external sources turns into something that simply doesn’t look appealing anymore.
While the illusion that we need an external source of pleasure or relief is the main culprit, other factors can influence our individual journeys with leaving addictions behind. Here are some of them:
It's essential to understand that transfer addictions don't signify a failure in our journey. Instead, it's a sign that the journey isn't over yet. Being aware of the possibility of transfer addictions can make us more vigilant and better prepared to deal with them.
As we discuss transfer addictions, it becomes evident that the realm of possible substitutions is vast. It's essential to understand them to be better equipped and informed. Here's a guide to some common types of transfer addictions and the science behind them.
Understanding these transfer addictions from a scientific viewpoint helps demystify them. Recognizing their root causes and patterns allows for a proactive approach to recovery, ensuring that one addiction isn't merely replaced by another. Knowledge is, after all, a significant step toward empowerment and well-being!
The more you know about transfer addictions, the better equipped you'll be to face them. Read, attend workshops, or join online forums. These books discuss transfer addictions while emphasizing the brain-based mechanism behind them and giving practical advice about breaking free:
While quitting alcohol is a commendable step towards a healthier life, it's vital to remain vigilant against transfer addictions. By understanding the science and arming ourselves with the right tools, we can navigate this journey with confidence!
As writer Sherman Alexie observes, “There are all kinds of addicts, I guess. We all have pain. And we all look for ways to make the pain go away.” However, in the words of Gabor Maté, “The attempt to escape from pain, is what creates more pain.” These observations sum up the nature of the mechanism behind addictions — as well as the type of trap they become when we get caught up in them. The great news, however, is that we can absolutely find our way out again and emerge stronger and more resilient than before!
1. Is there such a thing as an "addictive personality" that causes transfer addictions?
No, the concept of an "addictive personality" is an oversimplification. Transfer addictions often result from our brain's natural processes seeking pleasure and reward, especially from the "lizard brain" which craves immediate gratification.
2. How does the brain play a role in transfer addictions?
The brain’s reward system releases dopamine during pleasurable activities. Addictive substances supercharge this release. When one substance is removed, the brain may seek other sources to achieve a similar dopamine release, potentially leading to a new addiction.
3. Are all transfer addictions substance-based?
No. While substance-based addictions are common, people can also develop behavioral addictions like overeating, gambling, or excessive internet use, all of which stimulate the brain's reward system in similar ways.
4. How can relationships be a transfer addiction?
Relationships can activate the brain's reward circuits, releasing chemicals like oxytocin. After giving up a substance or behavior, some might seek intense romantic relationships as a new source of emotional highs.
5. Why is exercise considered a potential transfer addiction?
While exercise is beneficial, it releases endorphins, which act as mood elevators. Continuously seeking this endorphin rush can lead to an unhealthy obsession with exercise.
6. What's the best way to approach recovery without falling into transfer addictions?
Awareness is key. Understanding how the brain works and its tendencies can help individuals anticipate and avoid potential pitfalls. Seeking professional guidance and support can also provide strategies to ensure a healthier transition away from all addictive behaviors.
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