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In this podcast, the producer of our podcast series, Tony, asks the following question:

Does treatment address cross-addictions?

1. Cross-addictions are becoming more common as a result of the increasing availability of cheaper and more potent street drugs such as fentanyl. The data shows that alcoholics are now much more likely to also be addicted to another substance, than in the past.
2. The only way to treat cross-addictions is to identify what they are first. Although a client may disclose what he or she is addicted to in addition to the main disorder, a precise intake will reveal the full extent of the addictions in play upon entry to a rehab facility.
3. Cross-addictions are different from "dual diagnosis" which is defined as a parallel mental illness such as clinical depression existing alongside an addiction. We are very careful in our initial assessments to identify whether or not a potential client has a dual diagnosis and treat each case appropriately.
4. Because addictions exhibit essentially the same profile, defined as "repetitive, compulsive behaviour that causes harm", the treatment approach is essentially uniform. The one important difference, however, is the focus on the specific behaviours we are trying to affect.

The increase in cross-addictions presents new challenges to treatment centres everywhere. That is why, at SafeHouse Rehab, we have embraced a modern approach to recovery in recognition of our need to address these modern challenges.