Cross Addiction: What Tony Romo’s Statement Teaches Us About Recovery

Trying to stop using one substance can begin with a sincere desire to feel better. But when another substance becomes the main way to manage pain or distress, new problems can develop. Understanding cross addiction can help individuals and families recognize that risk and seek support.

On September 1, 2026, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo announced that he had pleaded no contest to a civil operating while intoxicated, or OWI, offense in Wisconsin. He also discussed difficulties involving pain medication and alcohol. His statement offers an opportunity to discuss cross addiction, honesty, and accountability with compassion. [1]

What Did Tony Romo Say About Pain Medication and Alcohol?

Romo described ongoing pain following multiple back surgeries and dependence on pain medication. In his statement, reproduced by NBC Sports, he wrote:

“my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol.” [2]

He also said he was working with doctors to address his health and accepted responsibility for his actions. [3]

His words deserve careful interpretation. A public statement does not provide enough information to diagnose alcohol use disorder or another condition. Describing medication dependence also does not automatically establish addiction.

The broader lesson is that attempts to change substance use deserve medical guidance. Someone can want to make a healthier choice and still need help understanding the risks of that choice.

What Is Cross Addiction?

Cross addiction describes a pattern in which someone with an addiction develops problems with another substance, sometimes after reducing or stopping the original substance. The term can also describe overlapping addictions. It is a descriptive term rather than a separate formal diagnosis. SAMHSA discusses this pattern in its guidance on chronic pain and substance use disorders. [1]

For example, someone recovering from prescription opioid addiction might begin drinking heavily to manage discomfort, eventually developing alcohol use disorder. This is one possible pattern; it does not mean everyone who takes pain medication will develop another addiction.

Physical dependence means the body has adapted to a substance, potentially causing withdrawal when it is reduced or stopped. Addiction involves compulsive use despite harmful consequences. Dependence can develop while taking medication exactly as prescribed. Keeping that distinction clear helps people discuss medication concerns without unnecessary shame. [4]

Why Can Replacing Pain Medication With Alcohol Be Dangerous?

Alcohol can temporarily reduce the perception of pain, which may make it seem helpful. However, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism explains that tolerance can develop to this effect. Someone may drink more to achieve similar relief, increasing the risk of alcohol dependence. Withdrawal can also increase pain sensitivity, encouraging further drinking. [5]

This creates a difficult situation: a person seeks relief, but the method they use can make their health problems harder to manage. Addressing cross addiction therefore requires attention to both substance use and the pain or distress surrounding it.

There are additional dangers if alcohol and medication overlap. Combining alcohol with opioid pain relievers or benzodiazepines can suppress breathing and increase overdose risk. Alcohol also interacts with some nonprescription pain medicines. [5] [6]

Alcohol is not a safe home treatment for medication withdrawal. Talk with the prescribing clinician before changing medication use, and disclose any drinking so they can assess interactions and plan appropriate care.

What Warning Signs of Cross Addiction Deserve Attention?

The important question is how substance use is affecting your health, choices, and daily life. Stopping one substance does not make problems involving another substance harmless.

Possible warning signs include:

• Drinking more than intended after reducing another substance.
• Repeatedly trying to cut back without being able to follow through.
• Strong cravings or increasing time spent drinking and recovering afterward.
• Continuing use despite relationship, work, or health problems.
• Giving up meaningful activities because substance use takes priority.
• Using alcohol in dangerous situations, including before driving. [7]

These signs call for assessment, rather than self-diagnosis. You do not need to wait for a legal consequence or another crisis before asking for help.

It can be useful to write down what you use, how often you use it, and what you hope it will help you manage. Bring that information to a healthcare appointment.

Why Is Honesty So Important in Recovery?

In his statement, Romo wrote, “That path requires honesty.” [3]

For someone concerned about cross addiction, honesty can begin with acknowledging a change: drinking has increased, medication use feels difficult to control, or attempts to cope are creating additional harm.

Honesty also gives clinicians information they need. Share prescription medications, nonprescription products, alcohol use, other substances, and previous withdrawal experiences. A treatment conversation should include pain, sleep, anxiety, and the reasons changing substance use feels difficult.

You might begin by saying: “I was trying to stop one substance, but now I’m worried about how much I’m using another.” You do not need perfect language or complete certainty to start.

Honesty does not require a public confession. You can protect your privacy while being open with healthcare professionals and trusted supporters. The purpose is to make help possible, not to prove how ashamed you feel.

What Does Accountability Look Like Without Shame?

Accountability means recognizing harm and taking meaningful steps to reduce the chance of repeating it. Compassion makes room for that work without reducing a person to their worst decision.

Impaired driving puts others at risk. Taking responsibility can include meeting legal obligations, arranging transportation that prevents driving after substance use, and following through with a treatment assessment.

In relationships, accountability may involve acknowledging broken commitments, listening without demanding forgiveness, and making realistic promises. Trust can be rebuilt through repeated actions: attending appointments, communicating honestly, and asking for support when a plan is becoming difficult to follow.

For families, support can include helping arrange care while maintaining boundaries around safety and finances. An offer of help does not require overlooking harm.

Choose commitments that are specific enough to act on. Instead of promising that everything will immediately change, identify the next appointment, the person you will call when struggling, and the transportation plan you will use. Discuss those commitments together, and leave room to update them with professional guidance as circumstances change.

Cross addiction is a reason to reassess treatment needs. Treating it as a moral verdict can distract from the practical question: what support and changes are needed now?

How Can Treatment Address Cross Addiction and Chronic Pain?

Treatment should begin with an assessment of the full picture, including all substances used, medical conditions, mental health symptoms, pain, and withdrawal risk. SAMHSA’s chronic pain guidance emphasizes the importance of considering pain and substance use together. [1]

Ask how your care team will coordinate pain treatment with recovery support. You can also ask whom to contact when symptoms worsen and how medication decisions will be reviewed. Having these conversations makes room for pain to be taken seriously throughout the recovery process.

Depending on individual needs, care may include behavioral therapy, appropriate medication, support groups, and continued follow-up. Therapy can help people identify triggers, practice coping skills, and build support for lasting changes. Treatment intensity should match the person’s needs. [8]

Prescribed addiction medication also deserves accurate discussion. Taking buprenorphine or methadone as directed for opioid use disorder is evidence-based treatment, not simply cross addiction. These medications help manage withdrawal and cravings and support recovery. [9]

Withdrawal safety matters. If you drink heavily or regularly experience withdrawal symptoms, seek medical guidance before stopping suddenly. Alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures and other life-threatening complications. Seizures, severe confusion, or trouble breathing require emergency care. [6] [7]

How Can Oasis Recovery Center Help You Take the Next Step?

At Oasis Recovery Center in Asheville, North Carolina, we offer individualized addiction treatment that includes individual therapy, group therapy, family counseling, and aftercare support. Our approach also incorporates practices such as mindfulness and experiential therapy alongside clinical care. [10] [11]

If you are worried about cross addiction, start by telling us what has changed. You may be drinking more after reducing medication, feeling overwhelmed by pain, or struggling to explain your concerns to family. You deserve a conversation that takes those experiences seriously.

Recovery asks for honesty and action, but you do not have to figure out every next step alone. Contact Oasis Recovery Center to discuss treatment options and the support you may need.

What Else Should You Know About Cross Addiction?

Can cross addiction develop after someone stops using another substance?

Yes. Problems with a different substance can emerge after the original substance is reduced or stopped. Cross addiction is a possibility to watch for, not an inevitable outcome of recovery. [1]

Does dependence on prescribed pain medication mean someone has an addiction?

No. Physical dependence can occur during appropriate medical treatment. Addiction involves additional features, including compulsive use despite harm. A clinician can assess the distinction and discuss changes safely. [5]

Can someone recover while taking addiction medication?

Yes. Medication can be an important part of recovery. Prescribed treatment for opioid or alcohol use disorder should be evaluated with a clinician rather than dismissed as replacing one addiction with another. [9] [10]