One often hears alcohol addiction referred to as alcoholism and drug addiction referred to as drug abuse. Because of this, some people may wonder if there is a difference between the words abuse and addiction. In some respect, there is, especially when alcohol is the substance that is causing the problem. This is because some people only engage in alcohol abuse; that is, they may go months without drinking, but once they have one drink, they will not stop until they have reached the point of extreme intoxication.
Alcoholism, on the other hand, rightfully refers to someone who is constantly drinking, and usually cannot go for any length of time without having a drink. In other words, they will drink at least once a day and most likely several times during a 24-hour period. Drug abuse, on the other hand, and drug addiction are pretty much the same. The primary reason for drug abuse is because one has a true addiction to the drug or drugs being abused. Like the person suffering from alcoholism will drink often, the drug abuser will take drugs on a very frequent basis.
Whether or not a problem is abuse or addiction, however, is not really important. What is important is that people who engage in alcohol abuse or suffer from alcoholism receive alcohol abuse treatment. Similarly, it does not matter whether one is considered as engaging in drug abuse or is drug addicted. If drugs are being used improperly or illicitly, that person needs drug abuse treatment.
http://alcoholanddrugabuse.com/ provides information on where to find help for drug abuse or alcohol abuse. The same information can be obtained by calling 1-800-559-9503.
