Transfer Addiction or Cross Addiction: What Causes It?

Feel like you’re finally getting sober from an addiction? For some, what can follow is a sense of lack, like there’s a void in their life that needs to be filled. After all, an addiction makes up a big part of someone’s daily existence. As a result, people may begin to look for some other “substance” to replace what they quit. They may become addicted to sex, food, alcohol, gambling, or some other drug, ending up with a transfer addiction on their hands. And deep down, they never truly got sober in the first place. Can you relate?

Transfer Addiction, Explained

Commonly called cross addiction or addiction transfer, a transfer addiction occurs when you replace one addiction with another, according to Blue Cross Blue Shield. This is done in an attempt to cope and make up for the uncomfortable absence of your former habits and routines. Cross addiction can also lead to polysubstance abuse, or struggling with an addiction to multiple substances at one time. 

If you get sober from cocaine, for example, but then start taking up chronic masturbation so much that you get addicted to it, then you’ve likely succumbed to transfer addiction. When an addiction transfer happens, you may feel puzzled and discouraged at the fallout. While taking on a new, completely different addiction may seem strange, most addictions actually work the same beneath the surface.

The Inner Workings of Cross Addiction

Whether you’re dealing with drug addiction, alcohol addiction, or porn addiction symptoms, each experience has a common source: unresolved past trauma. As different types of trauma remain unhealed, you may continue to feel their effects. This can lead you to substances as a way to cope with trauma and its associated negative feelings. Whether those “substances” are meth, alcohol, sex, or porn, the same chemical gets produced in your brain when they’re used. Known as dopamine, this pleasure chemical signals to you that the experience is rewarding, so you want to seek it out again. Feeding your brain a regular dopamine rush can lead to tolerance and eventually addiction, however.

Consequently, quitting one substance may drive you to take up another as a way to get your steady dopamine supply. Not to mention continuing to cope with the unresolved trauma in your life. You make up for your lack of dopamine, your addictive behaviors continue, and you have a new transfer addiction. Even though you stopped one substance, true sobriety didn’t actually happen. 

Triggers and Addiction Transfer

When you quit a substance, that doesn’t mean your addiction recovery ends. In fact, the process of recovery lasts a lifetime. In many ways, that is because addiction triggers will continue to exist in everyday life. 

From porn triggers to alcohol or prescription opioid triggers, a common one among them all is often anxiety. When you feel the void left from quitting an addictive substance, it may lead to anxiety, which then triggers your body’s trauma responses. To remedy those feelings, it’s easy to seek out new ways to cope. Before long, you’ve taken up a transfer addiction in recovery. As new anxieties or other difficult emotions arise, you go back to that new addiction over and over again to keep the dopamine flowing. 

How to Protect Yourself From Transfer Addiction

Even if you feel confident in your addiction sobriety, it’s wise to have healthy coping strategies ready for keeping cross addiction at bay. It can always show up in unexpected ways along your recovery journey, after all. Here are a few good coping mechanisms you can utilize when addiction transfer becomes tempting: 

• Exercise: Physical fitness is an excellent source of stress relief as well as cravings reduction. And it provides a better alternative to dopamine production. 
• The great outdoors: Going to the park, taking a hike, or spending time in nature helps reduce stress, make you feel calm, and can provide a healthy distraction. 
• Family time: A loved one’s affection actually generates dopamine, believe it or not. Being around family can give you the encouragement and support you need, too. 
• Meditation: Useful anytime and anywhere, meditation helps you focus on the present moment and away from addiction triggers
• New activities or hobbies: A great way to replace addictive behaviors, a new hobby or activity can generate self-confidence and new community in the process. 

Ready to Overcome Transfer Addiction?

If you stopped one substance but have taken on another transfer addiction, we can help at Integrative Life Center. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, we utilize trauma-informed care to help you overcome alcohol addiction, drug addiction, sex addiction, eating disorders, and more. With our help, you can learn to heal the root causes of your struggles and pursue recovery without cross addiction taking control. To learn more about our treatment programs, call us today. 

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Aetna Drug Rehab Coverage: What to Expect

You know you’re struggling with substance abuse and need help. And if you have Aetna benefits at work, your Aetna drug rehab coverage can help you reduce treatment facility costs, making your healing more accessible. Before choosing a rehab facility however, it’s important to know how your coverage works, as well as what treatment options may fit best. After all, you want to make sure you’re choosing Aetna drug rehab facilities when considering your options. 

Getting Help for Drug Abuse and Addiction

According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, more than 20 million people in the United States have a substance use disorder. Unfortunately, a majority of them don’t seek the treatment they need to overcome their addiction. However, realizing that you’re abusing substances and in need of professional help is the first step in not becoming another statistic like this.

If you have a drug addiction, no matter if it’s to marijuana, cocaine, prescription opioids, meth, or something else, you simply can’t overcome it on your own. Willpower and self-discipline won’t work, and trying to quit cold turkey can sometimes be dangerous. This is all because your brain has developed a chemical dependency on the steady supply of dopamine that drugs provide. And your substance abuse is also often rooted in unresolved past trauma, such as adverse childhood experiences (find out here if you have ACEs trauma). This means you need to address your trauma too if you want complete healing from substance abuse.

When you’re at this crossroads, you need to seek out a professional treatment facility that provides addiction rehab as well as trauma-informed care. Partnering with a rehab center gives you the best chance to achieve long-term recovery. But, considering your insurance coverage, your next step would be to narrow your search to Aetna drug rehabs. 

Determining Your Aetna Drug Rehab Coverage Options

Not all insurance policies are the same, nor are all Aetna drug rehab facilities the same. Before exploring rehab centers, you want to make sure you understand the coverage options in your benefits package when it comes to drug addiction treatment. This may involve reaching out to your employer’s human resources department or contacting Aetna directly. Some rehab centers will also help you determine if their treatment programs are covered by your insurance as well. 

If an addiction treatment center is in-network with Aetna, then its treatment costs may be partially or fully covered by your insurance. Recovering from a drug addiction is a journey, not a one-step process. Comprehensive Aetna drug rehab centers may offer a full continuum of care meant to take you through a step-by-step process of healing and recovery. You’ll want to verify with Aetna what your coverage would look like for each phase of treatment, including: 

Drug Rehab Treatment Phases

• Detox: Often the first step in treatment, a medically-assisted detox will help you safely remove the presence of drugs from your body so you can begin addiction therapy.
• Residential treatment: An inpatient or residential treatment program provides 24/7 addiction recovery care onsite at a rehab facility. These programs often last 30 days or more and provide in-depth individual and group therapy. 
• Partial hospitalization programming (PHP): PHP provides a step-down level of care, allowing for continued treatment while beginning to transition back into the real world. Participants temporarily stay in facility housing during PHP. 
• Outpatient treatment: Outpatient Aetna drug rehab allows you to continue with weekly therapy sessions at the treatment facility while living and working at home. You often start with Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) when beginning outpatient rehab.  
• Dual Diagnosis treatment: If you’re struggling with both an addiction and mental health disorder (called co-occurring disorders), dual diagnosis treatment centers are equipped to address both conditions simultaneously. 

Aetna Drug Rehab at Integrative Life Center

At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, our drug rehab programs are in-network with Aetna. That means your Aetna drug rehab coverage will work with all our levels of care, including:

• Residential treatment
• Partial hospitalization programming (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP)
• Aftercare

 

We’re also in-network with Aetna mental health coverage, providing dual diagnosis treatment if you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and beyond alongside your substance abuse. Our substance use disorder treatment programs include:

• Alcohol rehab
• Marijuana addiction treatment
• Meth addiction treatment
• Cocaine addiction treatment
• Heroin addiction treatment 
• Prescription opioid addiction treatment
• Fentanyl addiction treatment

 

As a holistic rehab facility, we utilize both evidence-based treatment alongside experiential therapy to help you overcome your addiction. We also take a trauma-informed approach to your treatment, equipping you to heal from the root causes of your substance abuse so you can finally experience lasting recovery. 

If you’re unsure about your Aetna drug rehab coverage, our team can help verify your insurance so that there are no cost surprises. Don’t let insurance uncertainty prevent you from achieving the healing you deserve. Call us now to start your sobriety journey and reclaim your life. 

The post Aetna Drug Rehab Coverage: What to Expect appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/substance-abuse/aetna-drug-rehab-coverage-what-to-expect/

Trauma-Informed Mental Health Retreat for Addiction Recovery

In a world that makes demands and asks questions but gives few answers, many find themselves caught in the grips of addiction—seeking solace from pain, trauma, or overwhelming stress. For those navigating the rocky path to recovery, the journey requires more than abstinence; it demands healing at the deepest levels. Enter the trauma-informed mental health retreat—a sanctuary that offers not just treatment, but understanding, compassion, and a holistic approach to recovery.

Understanding Trauma and Addiction

Addiction rarely exists in a vacuum. Beneath the surface, unresolved trauma often lies at the root of substance use disorders. Particularly, the long term effects of childhood trauma can cause actual changes to brain function, making the victim more susceptible to substance abuse disorder. Studies have shown that traumatic, extremely stressful experiences like abuse, neglect, death of a loved one, or domestic violence make a person more susceptible to addiction. Substance use becomes a form of self-medication—a temporary escape from emotional pain.

Traditional addiction treatment programs have made strides in helping individuals detox and learn coping strategies. However, without addressing the impacts of trauma, long-term recovery can be elusive. That’s where trauma-informed care steps in—recognizing the complex relationship between trauma and addiction and creating a space where healing is not just possible, but sustainable.

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the symptoms of trauma–such as depression, low self-esteem, compulsive behaviors, distrust of others, nightmares, or chronic pain–consider taking a childhood trauma test to gain some perspective on your own life experiences and possibly begin dealing with the root of some unwanted behaviors. 

What is a Trauma-Informed Mental Health Retreat?

A trauma-informed mental health retreat is a therapeutic sanctuary designed to promote recovery by integrating mental, emotional, and physical healing. These retreats differ from clinical rehab centers in their approach and environment. 

Here, participants are not treated as “patients,” but as individuals with unique stories and needs. The trauma-informed philosophy prioritizes safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment. Therapists and staff are trained to recognize trauma responses and avoid retraumatization, focusing instead on building resilience and self-awareness.

A key component of these retreats is individualized care. Guests may engage in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma resolution.
  
• Group therapy, where shared experiences foster connection and community.
  
• Holistic practices like yoga, mindfulness and meditation, nutrition counseling, and equine therapy.

Unlike one-size-fits-all rehab programs, trauma-informed mental health retreats recognize that healing takes many forms and allow participants to explore what works best for them.

What to Expect

These retreats prioritize dignity and respect. The shame and guilt that often accompany addiction are gently unraveled and replaced with understanding and self-compassion. Participants are not labeled or judged—they are seen, heard, and supported.

Crucially, trauma-informed mental health retreats integrate education with healing. Guests learn about the physiological and psychological impacts of trauma and addiction, empowering them with knowledge and tools they can use long after the retreat ends. This emphasis on self-efficacy is critical to maintaining long-term recovery and preventing relapse.

The community element of mental health retreats is especially healing for those whose trauma stems from interpersonal relationships. In a safe and supportive environment, guests begin to rebuild trust and learn how to form healthy connections. For many, this is the first step in reclaiming a sense of belonging and purpose.

Why Choose a Trauma-Informed Retreat for Recovery?

Choosing a trauma-informed mental health retreat for addiction recovery isn’t just about where you heal—it’s about how you heal. These specialized retreats offer a powerful alternative to traditional rehab by focusing on the whole person rather than just the addiction. Whether you’re seeking healing from long-term substance use or co-occurring mental health conditions, trauma-informed retreats provide the tools, space, and support needed to rebuild a strong foundation.

Here’s why more individuals are choosing this path:

• Safety First: Trauma-informed retreats prioritize emotional and psychological safety, creating an environment where guests feel secure enough to begin the healing process.
• No “One-Size-Fits-All” Model: Treatment is highly personalized. Therapies are tailored to your individual trauma history, mental health needs, and recovery goals.
• Compassionate, Trained Staff: Every team member is trained to recognize trauma responses and avoid retraumatization, promoting healing through empathy and empowerment.
• Dual Diagnosis Support: Ideal for those with co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, PTSD, or anxiety, which are often intertwined with substance use.
• Gentle Integration of Therapies: A range of evidence-based and holistic modalities—like EMDR, DBT, yoga, somatic experiencing, and expressive arts—allow participants to find the right path for their healing journey.
• Lasting Resilience: Instead of focusing only on abstinence, retreats emphasize emotional regulation, stress tolerance, and relational healing—skills that sustain recovery well beyond the retreat experience.
• Built-in Community Support: Peer connection is a vital part of healing. Shared experiences in small-group settings help rebuild trust and reduce isolation caused by trauma and addiction.

Making It Accessible: A Mental Health Retreat Covered by Insurance

While the benefits of trauma-informed care are clear, accessibility remains a concern for many. Fortunately, more insurance providers are beginning to recognize the value of these programs, especially when backed by licensed professionals and evidence-based practices. Finding a mental health retreat covered by insurance can make a significant difference for individuals and families who need support but face financial barriers. At ILC, we accept insurance through in-network providers, including Aetna mental health.  

When exploring options, it’s important to verify whether the retreat is accredited and whether the specific therapies and treatments offered fall under mental health coverage. Some retreats even have dedicated staff to help navigate the insurance approval process, making the transition to healing smoother and more attainable.

Experience a Trauma-Informed Mental Health Retreat at Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN

At the Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, we understand that substance use and mental health challenges often go hand-in-hand, and that past trauma can significantly impact both. Our trauma treatment program offers trauma-informed retreats that provide a crucial sanctuary – a safe, supportive, and intentionally therapeutic environment – where individuals can focus on addressing co-occurring mental health issues in a way that is sensitive to their experiences and promotes deeper healing alongside their recovery from addiction.

For those who may be seeking more long-term care for their addiction and/or trauma, we also have a highly successful women’s and men’s residential treatment program. So if you are suffering from the effects of trauma and feel yourself spiraling into addiction, do not hesitate to contact us today. One phone call is all you need (615) 891-2226, call now.

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Recognizing Red Flags: Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms

When enjoying a night out or celebrating with friends, alcohol often plays a central role in social gatherings. However, it’s easy to forget that alcohol is a powerful substance that can be dangerous consumed in excess. When looking at the criteria for alcoholism, we can see that it goes beyond the occasional night out. Lying about alcohol use, hiding it, repeatedly trying to stop but failing, are all indicators of alcoholism. 

Alcohol use disorder casts a wide shadow of destruction. One of the most critical dangers of the compulsive behaviors that accompany this disease is alcohol poisoning. This is a serious and potentially fatal consequence of drinking too much alcohol in a short period of time. Recognizing alcohol poisoning symptoms quickly can mean the difference between life and death.

What Is Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning occurs when there is so much alcohol in the bloodstream that it begins to shut down vital life-support functions. This includes breathing, heart rate, and body temperature regulation. As the National Health Service of the UK puts it, this condition happens when “you drink alcohol quicker than your body can process it.” It requires immediate medical attention and is not something a person can simply “sleep off.”

What Are Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning?

You may be wondering, what are symptoms of alcohol poisoning and how do they differ from someone who’s simply drunk? While the line can sometimes seem blurry, there are several distinct signs to watch for. The most common alcohol poisoning symptoms include:

• Confusion or stupor – The person may be unresponsive, disoriented, or unable to communicate clearly.
  
• Vomiting – This is the body’s way of trying to rid itself of excess alcohol, but it can also lead to choking, especially if the person is unconscious.
  
• Seizures – Alcohol poisoning can disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance, triggering seizures.
  
• Slow or irregular breathing – Fewer than eight breaths per minute or a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths is a critical red flag.
  
• Hypothermia (low body temperature) – The person’s skin may feel cold or appear bluish, particularly around the lips or fingertips.
  
• Unconsciousness – If someone is passed out and cannot be awakened, it is a medical emergency.

These symptoms are very different from being “just drunk.” That’s why understanding the contrast between alcohol poisoning symptoms vs. drunk behavior is essential. Someone who is merely intoxicated may slur their words, stumble, or be overly emotional—but they are typically still conscious, responsive, and breathing normally.

Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms the Next Day

Some people mistakenly believe that once a person sleeps it off, the danger has passed. However, alcohol poisoning symptoms the next day can still be present and dangerous. If the individual remains unresponsive, has difficulty waking up, or continues to show signs of confusion and irregular breathing, it’s not just a hangover—it’s a serious problem that requires medical attention. Delayed symptoms can also include a slow heart rate, persistent vomiting, and even cardiac arrest.

Immediate Actions You Should Take

If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning symptoms, don’t assume they’ll recover on their own. Here’s what to do:

1. Call emergency services immediately (911 in the U.S.).
   
2. Do not leave the person alone. Monitor their breathing and position them on their side to prevent choking if they vomit.
   
3. Do not try to “sober them up.” Cold showers, coffee, or walking around will not reverse alcohol poisoning and could even make things worse.
   
4. Stay calm and provide any information you can to emergency responders, including how much the person drank and when.

Diagnosing the Root of Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of alcohol poisoning is just the first step. Once medical care has been administered, the person should evaluate their relationship with alcohol, perhaps by taking an “am I an alcoholic” quiz. If they find that alcohol is having an undesirable effect on their life, but that they have hitherto been unable to quit drinking, they may consider alcohol addiction treatment.

A good treatment program will go beyond simply changing unwanted behaviors to fully addressing the roots of those behaviors–often past trauma or a co-existing mental health condition. If you or a loved one believe help is needed to overcome alcohol use disorder, you may consider an alcohol and depression rehab stay to fully begin the process of healing. You may also seek out holistic treatment for alcoholism. Mental health professionals will help address the full spectrum of your needs, from the spiritual to the emotional and the physical.

You will also need to decide between outpatient treatment–where the patient attends treatment at set times each day but returns home to sleep and work–or a residential alcohol rehab, where you are surrounded by 24/7 care and support and you can be away from addiction triggers and accessibility at home.

Begin Your Healing Journey at the Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN

If you or a loved one have experienced the devastating symptoms of alcohol poisoning and are ready to put the dangers of alcohol use disorder behind you, consider a stay at the Integrative Life Center. Our holistic approach to healing encompasses the whole person. Using a trauma-informed lens in all of our treatment modalities, we underscore the importance of a compassionate and non-judgmental response when someone is experiencing this life-threatening condition, paving the way for potential recovery that addresses any underlying trauma.

Perhaps you are intrigued but not yet ready to commit to a full residential stay; consider taking part in an alcohol rehab retreat, where you can kick start your recovery. And do not let the cost of rehab for alcohol sway you; our compassionate, professional staff is ready to help you find ways to make your healing happen.

Our addiction recovery resources will help you make sure your recovery is a long-term one, setting you up with support systems to keep you accountable even after your program ends. So do not wait until the harm of alcohol poisoning takes its toll. Reach out to us today to be free from addiction. Call 615-891-2226 to start your journey today! 

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