Alcoholism vs Drug Addiction: Understanding the Key Differences

Having addiction is an obscure disease that afflicts millions of individuals worldwide. Though alcoholism and drug addiction are both considered as a subset of substance use disorders, the two have some important differences in the causes, effects, and treatment methods. This is vital in understanding these differences in case individuals require assistance either to themselves or a loved one.

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a long-term condition of the brain which is seen through obsessive use of substances despite their harmful effects. It interferes with the reward system in the brain, where one starts craving the substance and giving the drug more preference than the duty, relationships and well-being. With time one develops toleration and needs to take more and more to have a certain effect, which further intensifies the circle of dependence.

What is Drug Addiction?

Drug addiction, or substance use disorder, is the abuse of illegal or prescribed substances including opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine or benzodiazepines. The substances are capable of changing the chemistry of the brain and affecting mood perception, and behavior.

Drug addicts are also at risk of craving a lot, being physically dependent and developing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit. Chronic drug abuse may cause acute health issues, such as organ damage, loss of cognitive functions, as well as mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Addiction to alcohol or alcoholism or alcohol use disorder is the urgent desire to use alcohol against its adverse effects. Alcohol is legal and acceptable in the society and this is something that increases the difficulty in identifying and treating this addiction.

Overuse of alcohol may cause liver disease, heart issues, brain damage and increased chances of accidents or injury. With time, people can end up developing physical as well as psychological dependence such that they cannot operate without alcohol.

Why Alcohol Addiction is Dangerous

Normalization of drinking in society is a significant risk of alcohol addiction. Many people do not understand the risks involved since it is legal and in most cases, it is linked with social activities. Nonetheless, alcohol withdrawal is life-threatening because it does not only lead to a seizure, hallucinations, delirium tremens (DTs) but also unattended by a doctor.

Long-term drinking also leads to mental health problems and physical harm to the vital organs and thus early intervention is important in the recovery process.

What Makes Drug Addiction Different?

Drug addiction tends to be those substances which have more potent and quicker effects on the reward systems of the brain. An example is that drugs such as heroin or methamphetamine may cause strong feelings of euphoria in a few seconds, which makes them addictive.

It is different with drug addiction which may be both illegal drugs and prescription drugs. Stigma, legal implications and health outcomes of drug use may be even more dire and in such a case, the individuals may find it more difficult to seek assistance.

The Key Similarities Between Alcoholism vs. Drug Addiction

Both alcoholism and drug addiction:

• Change the brain chemistry and behavior.

• Cause withdrawal and tolerance.

• Injure physically, emotionally, and socially.

• Frequently comorbid with mental illness.

• Needs professional therapy to achieve permanent healing.

How Do Addictions to Drugs and Alcohol Differ?

The main distinctions are in the way the body acts on these substances and accessibility. Alcohol is permissible, accessible and socially acceptable and most drugs illegal or highly regulated. Even the withdrawal symptoms and the detox processes vary- alcohol withdrawal can be fatal without supervision of the medical team whereas drug withdrawal is determined by the drug and the length of usage.

Treatments for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

The cost-effective management of the two conditions involves:

• Safe withdrawal medical detox.

• Personal and family therapy to solve core causes.

• Treatment of dual diagnosis of mental conditions.

• Cravings and relapse prevention medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

• Long term sobriety aftercare programs.

Palm Coast treatment solutions we offer individuals evidence-based caring, to enable them overcome the bond of addiction and reclaim their lives.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

Whether alcohol or drug addiction, healing starts with one step, which is to seek help. In Palm Coast Treatment Solutions, we have professional personnel, who will provide an individual treatment plan that will cure the mind, body and spirit.

You can reach us at (386) 284-4151 to start your lifetime recovery.