Drugs & Alcohol Personal Assistance Service

In contrast, alcohol abuse refers to the Drug rehabilitation hazardous use of alcohol in a manner that may not meet the clinical criteria for dependence. While both conditions involve problematic drinking, alcoholism indicates a more profound level of physical and psychological dependency 3. This distinction is vital for determining the appropriate treatment and support needed for individuals facing these challenges.

Clinically Reviewed By: Sarah Dughi, CADC III

Alcohol is a legal substance that is widely accepted and consumed in many social settings. It is a depressant that slows down the central nervous system, leading to relaxation and impaired judgment. On the other hand, drugs refer to a wide range of substances, including both legal and illegal ones. Drugs can have various effects on the body and mind, depending on their classification. While alcohol is regulated and has specific guidelines for consumption, drugs often have stricter regulations due to their potential for abuse and addiction.

Can People With Alcohol Use Disorder Recover?

Signs include cravings, loss of control, withdrawal symptoms, and continued use despite negative consequences. Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder, is when someone becomes dependent on illegal or prescribed drugs. Such addiction leads to compulsive use of drugs regardless of consequences. Dependence makes it difficult for the person to go without them as the body cannot function normally by itself anymore. At Pacific Shores Recovery, we help clients overcome alcohol and drug addictions with customized treatment programs that address their specific needs.

Newly Added Differences

We also provide dual diagnosis treatment for mental health issues caused by addiction or vice versa. Often, addiction and mental illness are deeply intertwined—one can lead to or worsen the other. For example, someone may turn to substances to cope with anxiety, depression, or trauma, while prolonged substance use can also trigger or intensify mental health disorders.

Treatment: Different Routes, Same Goal

• Addiction is a tough disease to beat, but it can be overcome by experience, knowledge, and support.
• And like all addictive drugs and behaviours, its craving is mediated by dopamine, the molecule of desire.
• In addition, these beverages alcohols are the ones usually linked to abuse.
• If they reduce or stop using the substance, they often experience withdrawal symptoms, which can range from emotional distress to severe physical discomfort.
• Adi Jaffe, Ph.D., is an expert in mental health, addiction, and personal transformation and the author of The Abstinence Myth and Unhooked.

This means they can be especially helpful to individuals at risk for return to drinking. Combined with medications and behavioral treatment provided by health care professionals, mutual-support groups can offer a valuable added layer of support. A U.S. Army veteran, Chandler began his clinical path working with at-risk youth and completed formal addiction-counseling training before moving into individual and group therapy.

In this blog, we explain the key differences, address common misconceptions, and highlight what truly matters when it comes to substance use recovery. Alcohol and drug addiction are complex issues that affect millions of people worldwide. Early identification of abuse can prevent progression to addiction. Meanwhile, understanding addiction helps reduce stigma and encourages empathy-based approaches to recovery. Substance abuse is serious because it often acts as a gateway to full-blown addiction if not addressed. Intervention at this stage can prevent irreversible damage to mental, emotional, and physical health.

Darcie finds fulfillment in working with the LGBTQ+ population, leveraging her skills to support and empower. The best piece of advice she’s ever heard is to never take advice from someone who does not have what you are seeking. Outside AspenRidge, Jordan enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, and playing volleyball and soccer. She believes she was probably a rodeo queen in another life and recharges by spending time with friends and family. A 6-month program focused on long-term sobriety through 5 hours of evening therapy weekly. She continues to go drinking every day, and often leaves work early to do so.

• This section discusses the classification of alcohol and the differentiation between alcoholism and alcohol abuse.
• Drinks like beer, malt liquor, wine, and hard liquor contain alcohol.
• It is helpful to be aware of these differences as this can help with knowing when the use of a substance has become problematic.

She does well for a few days, but can’t resist having one drink when she’s out with her friends. She tries several times to stop drinking, but can’t seem to not go a day without at least one drink. Addiction manifests through powerful cravings and changes in behavior. It often leads individuals to prioritize substance use over important life responsibilities. Understanding these dynamics can aid in addressing the issue effectively.

How Legality Impacts Addiction

When you strip away all the socio-cultural baggage, of course alcohol is a drug like any other. “I consider myself an addict whose drug of choice happened to be alcohol,” says Sutherland. Sometimes it’s easier to focus on what you’re not than on what you are.

When one gets drunk, one tends to lose proper judgment, lower inhibitions and even create a sort of euphoric feeling on the person drinking. If you or someone you know exhibits signs of either abuse or addiction, seeking help sooner rather than later is essential. Even if the line between the two isn’t entirely clear, any repeated substance use that negatively affects life is worth evaluating with a healthcare or mental health professional. A ‘drug’ is defined as a substance which Drug rehabilitation may have medicinal, intoxicating or performance enhancing effect on a person’s body.

Recovery

For those seeking more insight into the nature of alcoholism, consider reading about what causes alcoholism? Understanding these differences can aid in recognizing the seriousness of these conditions and the necessary steps towards recovery. Chronic consumption leads to thinner bones, increasing the risk of fractures if a person falls. In addition to a higher susceptibility to breaks, weakened bones may heal more slowly due to alcohol consumption 2. Both situations can lead to isolation, denial, and suffering in silence. Young people are especially vulnerable to developing substance use disorders, and early intervention is crucial to prevent long-term harm.

We can facilitate a number of drug tests and drug screenings to ensure you have the information you need to operate a safe, healthy, and high-performing business. Whether you choose drug testing or screening, you can implement substance abuse prevention for your company at any time. Maybe you need to test a specific employee after a drug-related incident at work, or it’s simply part of your overall background screening process. At its core, a drug screen consists of a testing method called the enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT).