In some ways, yes, alcohol addiction is different from drug addiction. For example, it is usually easier to procure alcohol than it is to obtain drugs, both legal and illegal. This is because alcoholic beverages are sold in most retail outlets that sell food and other items, as well as in eating establishments. If you are old enough to purchase alcohol, you can obtain an alcoholic beverage.
Also, because alcohol addiction and drug addiction manifest themselves in different ways, it may be easier to hide your alcohol addiction longer. The simple truth is it’s usually easier to tell when a person is under the influence of drugs than when a person has been drinking, especially if the alcoholic beverage in question has little or no odor or one has been very successful in disguising the odor.
Alcohol addiction may be accepted more readily by one’s peers. They may have the attitude of, “Oh, that’s not so bad,” or “It’s no big deal” when it comes to alcohol, but they may not feel the same about drug addiction. In fact, they may interpret drug use as a sign a weakness, but not alcohol use.
Alcohol addiction may not be instantaneous. It may take a while for one to become addicted to alcohol; whereas drug addiction can often occur after the first episode. There are of course, always exceptions to the rule, such as a genetic predisposition to alcohol addiction.
Alcohol and drugs may affect the body differently. For instance, it is known that alcohol definitely affects the liver; however, drugs may affect many more organs than just the liver. This can lead to a faster onset of physical illness than otherwise might occur with alcohol addiction.
So, while there are differences, there is no difference in the fact that addiction is a problem, one that needs treatment. Those who are addicted to alcohol can often find an alcohol rehab program, while those with a drug addiction can enter a program that deals with specifically with that problem.
Alcohol treatment programs may differ slightly from drug addiction programs. The detoxification period with alcohol may be longer or more intense than that for drug addiction; this will need to be addressed if it is the case. On the other hand, an alcohol rehab program may not last as long as a drug addiction program.
For more information on alcohol treatment programs, please log on to our website http://www.alcoholaddiction.org or call 1-800-559-9503. We want to help you recover from your alcohol addiction.
