Addiction Interaction Disorder (AID) is a term that refers to the ways in which addictions to substances (such as alcohol and drugs) and behavioral processes (like gambling, internet use, pornography, and eating disorders) interact, overlap, or replace one another. Although AID is not officially recognized in the DSM-5 (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), the concept sheds light on how people often experience multiple addictions, moving from one to another when the first is interrupted. This phenomenon, often referred to as “cross-addiction,” helps explain why recovery can be such a complex and ongoing process. Just when you think you’ve got one licked, another pops up, like the “wack a mole” game.
At the heart of AID is the recognition that addiction isn’t just about substances. It also includes process addictions like gambling, compulsive eating, online social interactions, and even work or exercise. These behaviors, while not involving chemical substances, can still be addictive because of the similar effects they have on the reward system of the brain and the neuro-system of the body. The compulsive, unregulated behavior found in both substance use and process addictions points to a deeper underlying reason “medicate” with substances or behaviors; those reasons are often rooted in emotional pain. If we can locate that, we can answer the question why and begin the path to healing.
Why Addictions Develop
One of the key questions in understanding AID is this: why do people use substances in the first place? The answer can vary, but at the core of nearly every addiction is a desire to change the way one feels. People seek relief from feelings of inadequacy, physical pain, emotional suffering, or spiritual disconnection. Whether through substances or behaviors, addiction offers a quick fix—temporary relief from discomfort. Unfortunately, that quick fix often comes with long-term consequences.
For many, the initial foray into addictive behavior might stem from a desire to fit in, to be accepted, or to have fun. However, beneath the surface, the true motivator is often pain—an unspoken or unacknowledged need to escape discomfort. Whether it’s the emotional pain of trauma, the spiritual void of disconnection, or the physical suffering of an illness, addiction offers a momentary respite.
The Solution/Problem Paradigm
One of the complexities of addiction is the belief that the substance or behavior itself is the solution to the problem. The behavior provides a temporary relief, and as such, feels like a solution.
However, over time, the solution creates its own problems. For example, alcohol may numb emotional pain temporarily, but continued use can lead to physical dependence, strained relationships, and health issues, not to mention work and legal issues. The same is true for process addictions: a compulsive gambler may experience the thrill and distraction of placing bets, but the long-term consequences could lead to financial ruin, legal trouble, and isolation. I see this as well with compulsive sexuality. What begins with a desire to satisfy a strong libido, often leads to partner betrayal or a tradeoff of intimacy for empty sex.
This shift—from seeing the addiction as a solution to recognizing it as a problem—requires what some call a “paradigm shift.” It often takes a moment of clarity, a breakthrough realization, for someone to understand that the behavior they thought was helping them is, in fact, harming them. This realization can be the first step toward recovery.
Cross-Addiction and AID
One of the most challenging aspects of treating AID is the phenomenon of cross-addiction. When someone manages to stop one addictive behavior, another can take its place. For example, a person who stops drinking might turn to gambling, overeating, or sex as a way to cope with the same underlying emotional pain. This switching of addictions occurs because the root cause—the need for relief from pain—has not been addressed. Over the years, I have come to see that the operative word in addiction is “using.” When we use addictive substances or behaviors, we see them as an end in themselves. Carl Jung explained this to Bill Wilson, Founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. He said that the Latin word for Spirit and alcoholic spirits is the same: “Spiritus vs. spiritum.” One longs to satisfy a spiritual hunger (Spirit) and instead tries to fulfil that longing with alcohol (spirits).
In many cases, individuals struggling with addiction don’t even realize they are shifting from one addictive behavior to another. They may believe that since they’ve stopped using a substance, they are no longer “addicted.” However, the compulsive need to engage in a behavior to numb or distract from emotional pain remains, simply taking on a new form.
Recognizing Behavioral Addictions
While substance addictions like alcohol and drugs are more widely recognized, process addictions are often overlooked. However, these behavioral addictions can be just as harmful. Gambling, pornography, social media, eating disorders, and even excessive work or exercise can all become ways in which people seek to avoid dealing with their pain.
Gambling, for instance, is the only process addiction recognized in the DSM-5, highlighting the reality that behaviors can be addictive in the same way that substances can be. The rush of placing a bet, the dopamine hit of winning, and the anticipation of the next game can create a cycle of compulsive behavior that mirrors the highs and lows of drug addiction.
Similarly, compulsive behaviors around food—whether it’s restricting, bingeing, or purging—can serve as a means to control or numb difficult emotions. For some, food becomes a way to soothe anxiety or mask feelings of inadequacy, while for others, controlling their diet becomes a way to impose order on a chaotic internal world.
Pornography and internet addiction are other examples of how behavioral compulsions can become addictive. The ease of access, anonymity, and instant gratification offered by the internet make it a prime tool for avoidance and distraction. Whether it’s through social media, online games, or pornography, the internet can quickly become a way to escape real-life problems, leading to compulsive use.
The Role of Pain in AID
At the core of AID is the understanding that addiction, in all its forms, is often a response to pain. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual pain, individuals struggling with addiction are often seeking to numb or escape their feelings. This pain can stem from a variety of sources: childhood trauma, unresolved grief, feelings of inadequacy, or a lack of connection.
In the words of one expert, addiction is often a way to “numb out” and “make it stop.” The compulsive behavior provides short-term relief, but the underlying pain remains. Until that pain is addressed, the individual may continue to seek out new ways to numb themselves—whether through substances or behaviors.
Addressing the Root Causes of AID
Recovery from AID requires more than just stopping the addictive behavior. It requires addressing the root causes of the addiction—the pain, trauma, or emotional distress that led to the addiction in the first place. This is why treatment for AID often involves a combination of therapy, support groups, and sometimes medication. The goal is to help individuals understand the underlying issues driving their addiction and to develop healthier ways of coping with their pain.
For many, this process involves not just therapy for the addiction itself, but also treatment for underlying mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma. In some cases, individuals may need to work through deep-seated feelings of shame, guilt, or self-loathing before they can fully address their addiction.
Conclusion: The Path to Recovery
Addiction Interaction Disorder is a complex and multifaceted issue that goes beyond substance use. It involves process addictions, cross-addiction, and the underlying emotional pain that drives these behaviors. Understanding AID requires a holistic approach that addresses not just the behavior, but the root causes of the addiction.
Recovery from AID is possible, but it requires more than just willpower or stopping the addictive behavior. It requires a shift in perspective—a recognition that the behavior is not a solution but part of the problem. With the right support, therapy, and tools, individuals can break free from the cycle of addiction and begin the process of healing, addressing and healing the pain that lies at the heart of their addiction.