Suppose you are looking to get help for substance use disorder in Ohio. In that case, you may be wondering if there is a difference between rehab facilities for alcohol addiction and those for drug addiction. To better understand how addictions are treated and the impact the substance use has on the treatment program followed, it’s good to discuss the similarities and differences between drug addiction and alcohol addiction.
Understanding the Toll of Alcohol and Drug Addiction
Both drug and alcohol addiction impact cognitive ability. They can consume your mind and prevent you from having a healthy, fulfilling, and long life. The effects that addiction has on people’s lives are devastating. In the United States, tens of millions of individuals over the age of 12 have substance use disorder. This includes people who are dealing with drug addiction and alcohol addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines alcohol addiction as a type of drug addiction.
However, the term “drugs” can be applied to several substances that are addictive and harmful. Alcohol falls into that category. Even though alcohol is a drug, recovery programs differ when addressing the needs of alcohol and drug addicts. Understanding the subtle differences between how these forms of addiction are treated can assist you in finding the right treatment program in Ohio for yourself or your loved ones.
Alcohol Addiction
The number one difference between drugs and alcohol is legalization. Alcohol is legal for those over 21, whereas most drugs are not legal. Alcohol has a different effect on the body than most drugs. It is estimated that more than 52% of Americans over the age of 12 drink alcohol in the US. When a person abuses alcohol, they face severe dangers and consequences. These are exacerbated if the abuser is a teenager or young adult.
Since alcohol is legal and accessible, more young people become addicted to alcohol. Alcohol impairs a person’s cognitive ability. Continued abuse can permanently destroy a person’s brain cells, liver, pancreas, and heart, making a person more likely to develop certain types of cancers. The addictive nature of alcohol leads to dependence. The more a person drinks, the more tolerance they build up. So they need to drink more alcohol to have the same effect. With time, these destructive behaviors lead to a person becoming so reliant on alcohol that they need it to cope with everyday life.
Drug Addiction
Many drugs pose a danger to the user. In the same way that alcohol ranges in strength and type, drugs vary in their potency and delivery method. In the United States, opioids, stimulants, hallucinogens, and narcotics are illegal. They are often laced with dangerous chemicals to heighten their effect. The most significant difference between alcohol and drugs is that they are illegal and should only be prescribed by a doctor. Heroin, cocaine, crack, and marijuana can lead to addiction and eventual unintentional overdose.
Treating Drug and Alcohol Addiction
People who suffer from alcoholism will usually go through a 12-step process that is based on the Alcoholics Anonymous program. Over the years, because of its unbelievable success, the 12-step program has been adapted to help individuals struggling with drugs and co-occurring disorders. For both drug and alcohol addiction, the key is providing holistic care.
Care must be individualized so that it fits each person’s specific diagnosis. Effective treatment involves an individually designed plan, group therapy sessions, and several customizable treatment options that can give a person hope for recovering from their substance use disorder. Are you or someone you love dealing with a drug or alcohol addiction? If so, you have likely reached the point where you understand its traumatic effect on your life and the lives of those you love. We want to be a caring and guiding hand to walk with you as you journey to recovery. Contact us today at 833-820-2922 to learn more.