Addictions are often solutions to emotional needs.

Not surprisingly, many addicts transfer from one bad habit to another.

Why do you see some people trade addictions? When you remove a vice from someone's life -- one that has become so psychologically valuable -- he or she instinctively grasps at another crutch to hold on to, like cigarettes or food. 

There is a lot of shame, blame and guilt that happens with addiction; another driver for recovering addicts to turn to new compulsions.

Andrea Szebeni, RD, helps you understand cross-addiction and how to treat the disease comprehensively.