Cross Addictions

I found this article on the RNY bypass forum on OH...I found it interesting, thought you might too... Researchers are beginning to see an overlap between compulsive eating and other addictions. "It's exactly the same brain areas. And indeed in some of the research done in laboratory animals, for example medications that are used to interfere with models of obesity in animals are also useful in interfering with animal models of addiction," said Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Yolkow cautions that there is no scientific proof yet that weight-loss surgery increases the risk of developing an addiction, whether it be shopping, alcohol, drugs or gambling. But the anecdotal evidence is starting to mount. Psychologist Bob Poole says the important thing is for people with cross-addictions to recognize the signs and know there is help. How common is this? Estimates vary widely, anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of bariatric patients will go on to develop a subsequent addiction.

I agree with that too.. over eating is has a obsessive component to it as we all see by our obssession right now to loosing weight.. The best way to loose and keep weight off if to find a replacement behavior to eating.. such as working out, shopping, drinking etc. thats what we do. many of our cross addictions are not harmful but others can be tragic such as alcholism, spending, gambling. Mine has been playing video games.. i was playing 10 plus hours a day. I am working very hard to stop that addiction right now.. it has bee 3 weeks since I have played WOW and truely I am very proud of myself. I am trying to replace that behavior with working out and spending more quality time with my family. when I played internet games the kids were lucky if I had anytime for them.. that was sad, but it was my way of hiding from the world and not participating..

My cross addiction is Starbucks. I had given up caffeine before surgery and kept off the caffeine until 6 months out. While I was sick in January, I was getting up to three lattes a day. I'm doing my best to keep it to two or less a day. But this weekend, decided to fess up, I'm addicted to Starbucks so I bought an expresso machine, a lb of Starbucks expresso and a brand new Starbuck's travel mug (which looks like the white Starbucks cup). If I'm going to drink it, I might as well try and save a few bucks by making them at home (this way, too, I won't be tempted by the pastries). Diane

I bought my hubbie an expresso machine for his christmas present, but I think I use it more than he does. It has certainly saved quite a bit of money and I'm no longer tempted by the starbucks cheesecake!!!! It used to scream at me through the screen for me to buy it...oh it SO wanted me to eat it

Yes there was a talk show about 'transfer addictions'... I think it may have been Oprah, yeah I think it was a show where Carnie Wilson was a guest and she spoke about her transfer addiction to alcohol. My mother had a few words to say about that..."Oh, Krissy you need to be careful about this that tranfer addiction... how often are you drinking and how much??" Yikes she is crazy. Maybe if I was single I could slide down that slope but I just don't have time for it now. I totally see how it could happen... I get soo excited to drink, but it isn't that often so it isn't a problem. I think it is increasingly more common from what I have seen and read. Kristen

My mom did the same thing...LOL LOL my cross addiction is shopping...LOL My addiction is carbs and almost feal like I need a support group for that...LOL They call me......... and every day I have to work to stay away...LOL

HEY can i be addicted to sex, i think that might be fun, I dont' think my husband would feel that way he's "always tired", I told him that's not normal and the next time he says it i'm making a doctors appointment! We'll see what happens. ANDI

trust you Andi!!!!!

I believe that all addictions are harmful to us, if we do anything compulsively and not of our own free will that's unhealthy. I adore sex but really it's not an addiction, more of a craving! I enjoy shopping but can go days without doing it. My brother was an alcoholic/drug addict so i know addiction is in my genetics so i'm very conscious of it. We have someone on the May boards who used to work out 4-6 hours a day, uhhh that's an addiction kids. It may be healthi"er" then food but anything you do with such a need is not good for you in the end. Think about it. Be Well, ANDI

This is a great post. I have observed myself becoming addicted to diet soda as(which I know I'm not supposed to drink). I use it the same way I used to use food. I know I need to kick this habit, but it is so hard. I also feel a bit compulsive about shopping, though I have not acted on that in an over-the-top way. I'll definitely have to keep an eye on it. Thanks for posting! Heather