Cross-fading is a relatively new term that describes a popular but potentially dangerous type of substance use.
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What Is Cross-Fading?
Cross-fading is a slang term that describes being under the influence of two drugs at the same time, typically alcohol and marijuana. It is sometimes also referred to as polysubstance use or polydrug use.
The term appears to have originated in the early 2000s, becoming more popular through the years primarily due to its use on various social media platforms.
Why Do People Cross-Fade?
Two common reasons why people intentionally use multiple substance at the same time are:
- To enhance the drugs’ effects
- To counteract one drug’s effects with another
In the case of cross-fading with alcohol and marijuana, the first reason above is likely a common motivator. Both alcohol and cannabis are central nervous system depressants. This means that they slow the activity of the neurons that deliver messages between the brain and other parts of the body.
Common effects of depressants include diminished inhibitions, reduced tension and stress, improved mood, impaired coordination, and sedation. Someone who has begun to develop tolerance to alcohol or marijuana may use both drugs at the same time in order to achieve or intensify these types of effects.
Common Drug Combinations
As noted earlier, cross-fading primarily involves alcohol and cannabis. But these are by no means the only two drugs that are frequently combined. Other popular combinations include:
- Alcohol and opioids
- Alcohol and benzodiazepines
- Alcohol and stimulants
- Stimulants and opioids
- Club drugs and alcohol
- Club drugs and stimulants
- Opioids and benzodiazepines
No type of polysubstance use is safe, with potential outcomes including serious health damage, addiction, overdose, and death.
Prevalence of Cross-Fading
Research indicates that most older adolescents and younger adults are aware of the term cross fading, but they understand that the behavior can be harmful.
For example, according to a July 2018 study in the journal Cannabis, a survey of more than 800 young adults ages 18-23 found that about 87% of respondents were familiar with the term cross-fading.
Other findings from that survey included:
- 68.3% of respondents described cross-fading as involving alcohol and marijuana, while 17.5% said the term described the use of multiple substances.
- 60% of the respondents said they had been cross-faded at least once.
- 78% said they believed that cross-fading was very risky or moderately risky, while 22% categorized it as slightly risky or not risky.
- 60% said cross-fading was not desirable, 13% said it was moderately desirable, and 5.2% said it was very desirable.
Dangers of Cross-Fading
Cross-fading can expose a person to immediate damage and increase their risk of long-term, potentially irreversible, harm.
Immediate dangers of include:
- Injuries due to impaired perceptions, coordination, and judgment
- Being victimized due to drug-induced incapacitation
- Being arrested for driving under the influence or other drug-fueled behaviors
- Overdose
The extended risks of frequent cross-fading include:
- Strained or ruined relationships
- Poor performance in school or at work
- Difficulty finding and keeping a job
- Financial problems
- Damage to the heart, liver, lungs and other organs
- Sexual dysfunction
- Cognitive problems and developmental delays (especially among adolescents and teens)
- Onset or worsening of mental health concerns
Is Cross-Fading a Sign of Addiction?
On its own, cross-fading is not definitive proof that a person has become addicted to alcohol or marijuana. But it can be a warning sign that they have a drug problem.
The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) includes 11 criteria for alcohol use disorder (alcoholism) and cannabis use disorder (marijuana addiction). One of those criteria – repeatedly using the substance in physically hazardous situations – can apply to cross-fading and other types of polysubstance use.
The other 10 addiction criteria in the DSM-5 are:
- Often using the substance in a larger amount or for a longer period of time than intended
- Having powerful cravings or urges to use the substance
- Persistent desire to stop using the substance, which may include multiple failed attempts to quit
- Failing to meet personal, academic, or work-related responsibilities due to substance use
- Spending a considerable amount of time acquiring and using the substance, as well as recovering from its effects
- Continuing to use the substance after having physical or psychological problems that were caused or exacerbated by previous substance use
- Continuing to use the substance after having social or interpersonal problems that resulted from or were worsened by prior use
- Reducing or ending participation in important activities due to substance use
- Needing to use more of the substance to experience its effects, which is also known as developing tolerance
- Developing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using the substance
If you have been experiencing symptoms like these, it may be time to talk to your doctor or schedule an assessment with a reputable addiction treatment provider in your area.
A person only needs to meet two of the 11 criteria in the DSM-5 to be accurately diagnosed with a mild addiction to alcohol, marijuana, or another substance. So someone who regularly cross-fades may either be already addicted or on the verge of developing an addiction.
Find Addiction Treatment in the Tampa Bay Area
If cross-fading or other types of drug use have caused you to become addicted to alcohol, marijuana, or any other substance, please know that you are not alone. With the right type of help and a concerted effort on your part, you can end your substance use for good and begin to live a much healthier and more hopeful life in recovery.
Tampa Bay Recovery offers customized outpatient programming for adults whose lives have been disrupted by addictions and co-occurring mental health concerns. Treatment options at our rehab in Tampa, FL, include a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and virtual (online) care.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
