The Difference Between Alcohol and Drug Addiction?

While many people find it difficult to notice differences between both drug and alcohol addiction, it’s clear to experts how they differ. Alcohol and drugs are two of the most commonly abused substances. Both types of addictions have similar effects on the mind and body and both can be cured through extensive rehabilitation and therapy programs. But, how do they affect individuals conflicted with these diseases and how are they different?

What is Drug Abuse

Drug abuse refers to any dependency on narcotics or any other form of drug on a consistent or often daily basis. This equates to a person making a drug part of their daily routine and consuming it as often they can get their hands on it. Drugs alter a person’s mind by making them feel as if they need the drug to feel healthy. In terms of drug abuse, one can be addicted to a series of drugs, but they all are mind-altering and extremely addictive.

When using narcotics, people experience a euphoric feeling, which in turn translates to happiness. This makes the addict think they need the drug to feel happy. However, with this pro comes another con. Almost any drug someone takes will result in a paranoid or anxious state. Typically, someone who abuses drugs loses their appetite too. This causes extreme weight loss over time, which can be dangerous for the organs in the body. Drugs can lead to brain deterioration as well as other serious illnesses such as HIV and Hepatitis C.

What is Alcoholism and Alcohol Addiction

There are different types of drinking. The most popular is social drinking when an alcoholic beverage is consumed sparingly and the person indulging doesn’t feel like they need it. However, alcohol abuse or addiction involves frequent heavy drinking combined with drug use and/or binge drinking (consuming more than 8 drinks in one drinking occasion).

One of the biggest signs of an alcoholic is someone who drinks alone or begins to drink early in the morning. Also, many alcoholics will feel the need to get drunk every time they drink. This leads to a dependency from the body to feel as if it needs the alcohol to feel healthy.

Much like drug addiction, those who embark on alcohol often do it as a result of various stressors. Whether losing a job or just stress at home, having a drink seems to make everything better (or so they think so in their mind). Alcoholism also leads to various diseases and illnesses such as liver disease and gout.

Recovery from Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Ultimately, no matter the substance (alcohol or drugs), each needs a recovery method. Both are diseases that require rehab and treatment (800-303-2482) in order to stop the use of the substance successfully. An addict must go through withdrawal in order to get all of the substance out of their body. Each type of drug and alcohol all have various withdrawal symptoms.

These typically occur during the initial phase of drug or alcohol rehabilitation. Typically, drug withdrawal symptoms last longer (a week’s time or so for alcoholic abuse). What these addicts may have the most in common is that they both feel they can control their use, but all are destructive and reckless to their body.

The effects on one’s body and mind whether abusing drugs or alcohol is indeed very similar. While it’s hard to say which is worse, it’s been studied and proven that drugs have a faster and more dangerous long-term effect on one’s health. No matter the substance, the aftermath of abuse and addiction hurts the addict’s loved ones, friends and families just as hard. With a large variety of drug and alcohol recovery programs (800-303-2482) available, being sober has never become easier to obtain.