What Prompts a Transfer Addiction?
The culprit in transfer addiction is the same as in all other types of addiction, the brain’s reward system and its response to dopamine. The individual who has been held captive in the dopamine triggered addiction cycle seeks a new source of the dopamine rush.
The new substitute addiction can be just as damaging or more damaging, or it might be perceived as a new healthy habit. One such example of a “healthy” addiction would be the person who begins exercising obsessively. Exercise produces endorphins and dopamine, and thus becomes the addiction transfer. The problem is, as with any compulsive behavior, too much exercise can have negative effects.
For those in addiction recovery, a transfer addiction might be prompted by two situations. In recovery, they may find themselves with lots of extra time on their hands and seek a substitute activity. This new activity, however, such as gambling or shopping, is also addictive.
Also, someone in recovery may feel tempted to return to the substance. To distract themselves and thus avoid a relapse, they may switch their attention over to compulsive baking and overeating. The high fat and calorie intake then results in weight gain and health problems like diabetes or heart disease.
