Dependency shift
The shift in dependency (shift in addiction) is understood as the evasion of addicts to a different dependency behavior than the original one. One dependency is replaced by another.
So has z. For example, an alcoholic who does stop drinking but instead uses medication or other drugs does not bring his addiction to a standstill, but only shifts it to another substance .
If the causes of the addiction are not resolved - for example in the context of psychotherapy - other substances or activities are often consumed or exercised addictively and thus take the place of the original addiction.
Dependency shift as an excuse
Dependency shift can serve addicts as an excuse to themselves or to other people to prove that there is actually no longer a problem; the behavior previously seen as problematic has superficially disappeared. Often activities serve as an escape, many substance addicts shift their dependence to work, they numb themselves with activities ( work addiction ) or live out their sexuality excessively ( sex addiction ), they try to forget themselves through activity or other intoxicating behaviors.
If the original motives that are responsible for the addictive behavior are not recognized and dealt with, a shift will take place in many addicts regardless of the type of addiction. What is important here is an honest observation of one's own behavior and thought and feeling structure.
Avoidance of a shift in dependency through therapy
Addiction is a condition that cannot actually be cured, but it can be stopped. The alcoholic will have to live abstinent for life, because any contact with alcohol causes him to relapse again. Other intoxicants should also be avoided in order not to replace the old addiction with a new one. It is also very important to closely monitor any tendencies to escape through activities.
By looking closely at the personality and doing therapeutic work (sometimes an inpatient stay is necessary for this purpose), many addicts succeed in building an alternative spectrum of action and thus living abstinently without switching to another dependency. However, there will often be a tendency to revive the old schemes and get intoxicated.
Support groups
Many addicts go to self-help groups such as B. a 12-step group , the best known being Alcoholics Anonymous . One reason for visiting a group is that one can learn from and with other addicts to change one's behavior. Another reason is that material dependence is usually not curable, but breaks out again when the original substances are taken again. Long-term visits to groups should help to lead a stable life and to judge oneself honestly, even if there is a shift in dependency.