Why People Switch Substances in Recovery

If this has happened to you, you might feel confused, ashamed, or like you’ve somehow failed. But switching substances in recovery is more common than you might think, and understanding why it happens is the first step toward sustainable and lasting healing.

This phenomenon is often called transfer addiction or addiction substitution. It occurs when someone in recovery from one substance begins relying on a different substance or behavior to fill the void left behind. The good news is that with the right support, you can address the root causes and continue moving forward.

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Why Does Transfer Addiction Happen?

Transfer addiction happens because addiction is rarely just about the substance itself. It’s about what the substance does for you—how it makes you feel, what it helps you avoid, and the role it plays in your daily life. 

This means that when you remove one substance, the underlying needs don’t simply disappear. Your brain and body often naturally seek out something else to fill that gap.

Ultimately, addiction involves changes to your brain’s reward system. When you used your primary substance, it triggered a flood of dopamine, producing feelings of pleasure, relief, or escape. 

In recovery, your brain is still craving that dopamine boost. If it can’t get it from the original source, it may latch onto something else that provides a similar effect—whether that’s alcohol, prescription medications, food, gambling, or even excessive exercise.

Transfer addiction isn’t a sign that you lack willpower or commitment to recovery. It’s a signal that deeper needs haven’t yet been addressed. So, here are some of the main factors that contribute to the switching of substances in recovery:

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Life doesn’t pause just because you’re in recovery. Stress from work, relationships, finances, and daily responsibilities continues—and without your usual coping mechanism, it can feel overwhelming. Many people turn to a new substance because it offers temporary relief from the anxiety and tension that build up throughout the day. The new substance might feel safer or more socially acceptable, but it’s serving the same purpose the original addiction did.

Fulfilling or Numbing Emotional Needs

Addiction often develops as a way to manage difficult emotions. Whether you were trying to escape sadness, loneliness, anger, or even boredom, substances provided a way to numb what felt unbearable. 

In recovery, those emotions come rushing back—sometimes more intensely than before. Without healthy tools to process them, it’s natural to reach for something that offers relief. Ultimately, transfer addiction can be a way of continuing to avoid emotional pain rather than learning to sit with it and heal.

Seeking Pleasure and Reward

Your brain remembers what pleasure feels like, and it wants more of it. In early recovery, especially, the things that used to bring you joy might feel dull or unsatisfying. This is because your brain’s reward system is still recalibrating after being flooded with artificial dopamine for so long. A new substance or behavior that triggers that reward response can feel incredibly appealing, even if logically you know it’s not a healthy choice.

Reducing Perceived Harm

Sometimes people switch substances because they believe the new one is less dangerous. Someone recovering from heroin might think that drinking alcohol is harmless by comparison. A person who struggles with cocaine might convince themselves that marijuana is “no big deal.” This rationalization makes it easier to justify the new behavior, but it ignores the reality that any substance used to escape or cope can become problematic.

Maintaining Social Connections or Habits

Substances are often tied to social rituals and relationships. If your social life revolved around drinking or using, removing the substance can leave you feeling isolated or unsure of how to connect with others. 

Thus, switching to a different substance might feel like a way to maintain those connections without fully returning to your old patterns. Similarly, if certain habits—like having something in your hand at a party or unwinding after work—are deeply ingrained, a new substance can slide into that routine almost unconsciously.

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How To Navigate the Next Step

If you recognize yourself in any of this, take a deep breath. Awareness is powerful, and it means you’re already moving in the right direction. So, here’s how to take the next step forward.

Acknowledge What’s Happening

The first and most important step is being honest with yourself. Denial keeps us stuck, but acknowledgment opens the door to change. Recognizing that you’ve developed a new dependency—or that you’re heading in that direction—takes courage. Give yourself credit for that awareness rather than beating yourself up.

Reach Out for Support

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Whether it’s a sponsor, therapist, counselor, or trusted friend, reach out to someone who understands addiction and recovery. 

Sharing what you’re experiencing can feel vulnerable, but connection is one of the most powerful antidotes to addiction. Your support system can further offer perspective, accountability, and encouragement when you need it most.

Strengthen Your Coping Strategies

Transfer addiction often signals that your current coping toolkit needs some reinforcement. As such, this is a good time to revisit or develop healthy strategies for managing stress, processing emotions, and finding pleasure in everyday life. 

Exercise, mindfulness, creative outlets, and meaningful social connections can all help fill the void that substances once occupied.

Practice Radical Honesty

Be honest with yourself about what’s driving the behavior and honest with others about what you’re experiencing. Secrets thrive in the dark, and bringing your struggles into the light takes away their power. Honesty also allows the people supporting you to show up in the ways you actually need.

Revisit Your Recovery Plan

This might be the right time to take a fresh look at your treatment plan. What worked in the beginning of your recovery might need to be adjusted as you grow and face new challenges. 

Consider whether additional therapy, a different support group, or a more intensive program might help you address the underlying issues driving transfer addiction.

If you need a helping hand, know the Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC) team is here for you. Our compassionate staff understands the complexities of addiction and the challenges of lasting recovery. We’ll meet you where you are and walk alongside you toward a healthier, more hopeful future. Call us today at 804-635-3746.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is transfer addiction? 

Transfer addiction occurs when someone in recovery from one substance or behavior develops a dependency on a different substance or behavior to fill the same emotional or psychological needs.

Is transfer addiction a sign of failure? 

No, transfer addiction is a common part of many people’s recovery journeys and signals that underlying issues need more attention. You haven’t failed. 

How can I prevent transfer addiction? 

Building strong coping skills, addressing emotional needs through therapy, staying connected to your support system, and being honest about your behaviors can all help reduce the risk of transfer addiction.