Alcoholic vs Addict

Alcoholic vs Addict: Every year drug and alcohol addiction infiltrates millions of American households. Today, over 14 million individuals struggle with a psychological and physical dependence on drinking alcohol alone. At the same time, another 30 million individuals (or more) struggle with the effects of illicit drug use and drug dependency.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, drug abuse and intentional alcohol misuse can be classified as mental disorders.

Individuals Addicted to Alcohol, Prescription Medications, or Other Drugs Struggle with Mental Health Issues

And as mental disorders that impact psychological and physical health, drug and alcohol addictions can wreak havoc on a person’s life—often making it feel impossible to recover.

But there is goods news!

Even though addiction affects millions with physical, mental, and emotional pain, threatening the lives of millions, there is a recovery process that can help individuals heal.

Addiction Occurs in Many People, Affecting Their Ability to Function Normally in Everyday Life

In recent years, addiction treatment has helped restore the lives of millions of Americans across the country.

Even so, that does not mean working through substance addiction treatment is easy. In fact, treating addiction can be complex and tricky. But luckily, there are several types of addiction medicine and support groups (like alcoholics anonymous or narcotics anonymous) that can help make alcohol and drug rehab a viable recovery method for many people.

Yet, to understand the magnificent impact addiction treatment centers have had on drug and alcohol abuse, we must first try to understand addiction.

First and foremost, we must understand that substance dependency is a chronic health condition. And addictive substances can include everything from alcoholic beverages to prescription medications or illegal drugs. Individuals who struggle with an alcohol addiction can not stop drinking by themselves, even after a few drinks. And people who struggle with using prescriptions or illegal drugs cannot stop using on their own either. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the American Psychiatric Association, as chronic conditions, substance use disorders are commonly characterized by impulsive, repetitive urges toward drugs or alcohol abuse.

These conditions can cause an individual physical, emotional, and mental pain. While also affecting a person’s ability to have meaningful relationships with friends or family members. And can make it difficult for a person to maintain a steady job.

Alcoholic vs. Addict: Knowing the Difference

So, suppose an alcohol use disorder (AUD) and substance use disorder (SUD) involves many of the same addiction characteristics. Then what’s the difference between an alcoholic and a drug addict?

We will get into the specifics regarding definitions and terms in a minute.

But suffice it to say that the term “alcoholic” is equivalent to “drug addict.” However, these definitions do not define the same thing. Even so, the most notable difference between an alcoholic and an addict is that the first engage in risky behaviors while consuming alcohol. And the second engages in dangerous behaviors while using drugs.

In both instances, individuals who misuse drugs or alcohol can find themselves in legal trouble.

Causes of Physical and Psychological Dependence on Addictive Drugs and Alcohol Use

Today, substance use disorders are prominent in every American age group and social background. Some teens drink alcohol to rebel. Meanwhile, some adults drink alcohol to forget about their problems.

Similarly, some young adults engage in drug use to make them feel “alive.” And there are elderly who misuse medications or other drugs to stamp out physical discomfort.

At the end of the day, many people abuse drugs and alcohol. And although not every case of abuse will result in addiction. Many people who misuse substances will need the help of a medical professional or multiple treatment providers to stop abusing drugs or alcohol.

Yet, since addiction has been seen in almost every social population out there, a few factors can lead to an individual developing an addiction.

• Genetic markers
• Early childhood development and exposure
• Stress levels
• Peer pressure
• Social use
• History of drug or alcohol abuse in the family
• Prior use patterns

Individuals who drink heavily are more likely to develop a mental and physical dependence on alcohol than someone who has only one drink every few weeks. Similarly, individuals who properly use their medications are much less likely to develop an addiction than someone who seeks out illegal drugs for “recreational” use.

In the end, addiction can form at any point in an individual’s life when they engage in abusive use patterns.

And although most addictions are born after extended misuse, some disorders can form after only one interaction. It all depends on the individual and the substance they are using.

Is There A Difference Between Drug Abuse Disorders and Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol use disorder, substance use disorder, and addiction are all terms that exist within the same circle.

Sometimes these terms are used interchangeably to refer to the condition(s) that afflict an individual. But at the end of the day, a substance or alcohol use disorder is not the same as an addiction by definition.

An Alcohol or Drug Use Disorder Can Lead to Addiction, But They are Not One and The Same

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drug use disorders, alcohol abuse issues, and addiction are closely related.

Alcohol use disorders involve the chronic abuse of alcohol. While alcohol addiction refers to the condition where an individual cannot stop drinking, even though they know it is causing them significant harm.

Likewise, a drug use disorder involves the problematic use of legal or illegal drugs. Whereas drug addiction refers to a condition where a person cannot stop using drugs no matter how hard they try.

People Seeking Treatment for Addiction Need the Help of a Medical Professional to Undergo Withdrawal Safely

Addiction takes over a person’s life, affecting everything from attitudes and behaviors to physical appearance, thinking, etc. The good news is a substance abuse treatment provider can treat addiction! The bad news is that addiction cannot be cured or undone at a moment’s notice.

Recovery takes time. And as a result, individuals seeking treatment must go through a series of recovery programs to achieve healing. Traditionally, there are four steps involved in the recovery process, including:

• Medical detox (the withdrawal stage)
• Inpatient treatment (the learning/coming to terms phase)
• Outpatient treatment (the reorientation stage)
• Sober living (the retention phase)

The first step of recovery involves the help of a medical professional as patients work through the stages of withdrawal in detox. Individuals who try to stop using drugs or alcohol after addiction run the risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms upon their cessation of use.

These drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be highly uncomfortable.

But luckily, a chief medical officer in a professional treatment facility can help make the withdrawal experience much safer and more comfortable for an individual to work through.

Unfortunately, every individual who struggles with addiction must experience withdrawal symptoms when entering a treatment center because withdrawal is the first recovery phase. In this phase, your body detoxes to rid itself of the lingering drugs and alcohol in your system. Usually, this phase lasts for about two weeks. And once the detox period is complete, the patient can move on to the next stage of rehab.

How to Understand Addiction; Breaking Down the Significant Differences Between Alcohol Users Those Chronically Taking Drugs

Even though AUD is a substance use disorder, the term alcoholic cannot describe someone who suffers from drug addiction or another type of substance abuse.

Individuals who suffer from both AUD and SUD are said to have co-occurring disorders. Co-occurring disorders are also dual diagnoses. Dual diagnosis can also refer to a mental health disorder in conjunction with an AUD, SUD, or both conditions all at once.

Is there a fundamental difference between an alcoholic vs. addict? Yes and no.

Alcoholics are individuals who are addicted to alcohol alone. Addicts are individuals addicted to drugs, alcohol, or both simultaneously. There are differences between mental health conditions, alcohol abuse, and substance use disorders. Although these conditions share many similarities, they can manifest in extremely diverse ways or onset different symptoms in varying individuals. Here is a helpful chart to follow when trying to keep definitions and terms straight:

Substance Abuse Disorder (SUD):

• Refers to SUDs, AUDs, Drug Addicts, Addicts, Substance Abuse, and Addictions

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD):

• Refers to AUDs, Alcoholics, Alcoholism, Alcohol Abuse, and Alcohol Addictions

Dual Diagnosis:

• Refers to Co-occurring AUDs, SUDs, Addicts, Alcoholics, Mental Illness, and Simultaneously Occurring Addictions

Substance Abuse vs. Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol use disorder and substance use disorder share various similarities.

Usually, these similarities reflect how individuals act under the influence of drugs or alcohol and not so much in how they are used.

Addiction is a Disease that Affects the Brain

People with an alcohol use problem can sometimes hide their addiction better than drug users. For instance, they may not engage in overly risky behaviors unless they are actively drunk. And they can hide their addiction in plain sight, drinking in local bars and at home until people realize they drink before work, at work, after work. Or when people begin to notice they behave oddly when drunk, when they haven’t had a drink in a while, or spend most of their free time drinking.

On the other hand, drug users usually have to take their medications at home. Or use their more illegal substances in private spaces where the general populace is more unlikely to see them.

Additionally, individuals who abuse drugs or alcohol can display many different behaviors when high vs. when they are drunk. But, these side effects of use can vary widely based on the individual.

Uncomfortable Symptoms Associated with Alcohol Problems

Alcohol abuse disorders can be mild, moderate, or severe and are referred to by various terms (alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, alcoholism, etc.).

Individuals Struggling with Alcohol Addiction Can Have Severe Mood Swings or Get Irritated Easily

Some common characteristics of alcoholism and alcohol addiction include:

• Impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use
• Pattern binge drinking
• Weight gain
• Severe weight loss
• Adverse social interactions/consequences
• Adverse occupational circumstances
• Various adverse health conditions
  • Heart disease
  • Risk of stroke
  • Liver disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Risk of developing mouth, throat, liver, colon, esophagus, or breast cancer
  • Long-term digestive issues

Like alcohol abuse disorders, substance use disorders can be caused by several different developmental issues, genetics, environments, and use patterns.

Substance abuse conditions also have mild, moderate, and severe levels, but not all SUDs must be diagnosed by a doctor. The term SUD refers to numerous abuse conditions, including opiate use disorder, marijuana abuse, heroin addictions, and much more. A substance use disorder typically develops over time because of an individual’s use/misuse of certain drugs and other substances.

Adverse Symptoms Associated with Substance Dependency

Substance use disorder is also known as substance abuse, substance misuse, drug abuse, drug misuse, drug addiction, drug dependence, etc.).

People Who Struggle with Drug Addiction Find to Hard to Concentrate and Experience Many Physical Health Problems Too

The term substance use disorder can also refer to an alcohol use disorder in some circumstances. Distinct types of substance abuse often result in varying side effects and conditions. But some of the most common characteristics of a SUD include:

• Impaired ability to stop or control drug use
• Social issues
• Difficulty thinking and processing information
• Financial issues
• Work issues
• School issues
• Issues at home
• Increase risk-taking/dangerous behavior
• Development of numerous adverse health conditions

Substance use disorders are treatable in drug and alcohol rehab facilities, like alcohol abuse disorders. Addiction is painful, and recovery is hard at times.

But the work you put into recovering from a SUD or AUD is well worth the rewards you will receive.

People Addicted to Alcohol or Drugs Can Seek Treatment at St. John’s Recovery Place

St. John’s Recovery Place, a drug and alcohol treatment provider in Crescent City, FL, can help! Individuals addicted to alcohol or drugs have come to us for help for years now. And we have walked with them through their recovery journey.

Specializing in a holistic approach to healing, we marry traditional treatment practice with alternative therapeutic supports in our recovery program. And through every step of the way, we support our clients by tailoring treatment programs to meet their specific needs.

St. John’s Helps Members of the Rehab Community Connect and Heal Together

If you or a loved one struggles with a substance use disorder or alcohol abuse, St. John’s Recovery Place (SJRP) can help. Call us today at 1-833-397-3422 to learn more about our rehab options and what the first steps of recovery may be.

You won’t regret taking the first step in your recovery journey!