A person who is in recovery from an addiction; that is, they are either in treatment or have previously sought treatment will say, “I’m in recovery from drug addiction,” or “I’m a recovering alcoholic.” In other words, they make a distinction between the types of substance to which they were addicted.
The phrase “drug addiction” is most commonly used to denote addiction to drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine, to name just a few, or to refer to addiction to prescription drugs (such as painkillers), or to recreational drugs (for example, “Ecstasy” ). “Alcohol addiction”—that phrase is self-explanatory.
People tend to forget, however, that alcohol is also classified as a drug. For some reason, perhaps because it can be legally bought or sold, or because it’s physical make-up (in other words, it only comes in liquid form) is so unique, a person who does drink alcohol just does not think that he or she is “taking a drug.”
In fact, the distinction can be such that when it is an adolescent who suffers from alcoholism, the parents often express relief that it is not a drug addiction. Tragically, some parents may even believe that because alcohol is involved, the problem is not as serious as if it were drug addiction.
Whether it is drugs or alcohol, drug and alcohol addiction recovery should be the primary focus, not what the addiction stemmed from, or whether or not one addiction is worse than another. All addictions are bad, no matter what caused them.
Addiction recovery in Kentucky does not focus on what caused the addiction. Rather, treatment centers design programs that will break the addiction cycle. Any distinction that might be made will most likely be in the area of the withdrawal phase.
Different aspects of medical supervision may be required; depending on if one is suffering from drug or alcohol addiction. The length of the withdrawal period may also vary. Again, though, what is important is seeking help at one of the available treatment centers. Please call 1-800-315-2056, or visit to find one of the treatment centers in Kentucky.
