Is every addictive substance a drug?
As it turns out, this question has a complicated answer. Addiction is an overarching term that refers to a dependence on substances. Though drug addiction and alcohol addiction have many things in common, those in treatment have different needs.
The key to understanding treatment begins with understanding how drugs and alcohol differ. From there, it becomes easier to see the reasons why treatment options differ. The physical effects and social contexts for both are unique and demand unique care.
Are you curious about the major differences in drug rehab vs alcohol rehab? Read on to learn more about how drugs and alcohol differ, as well as what rehab might look like for each.
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Is Alcohol a Drug?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse does define alcohol addiction as a specific form of drug addiction. This is because their definition of “drugs” refers to any harmful and addictive substance.
Technically, alcohol is considered a depressant. This refers to any drug that slows down or represses vital body functions. Slow reaction time and slurred speech are two common depressant effects of alcohol.
Because of the severe depressive effects during an overdose, it can alcohol can do harm to the mind and body. Physical symptoms might include respiratory failure or even a coma. Ultimately, these symptoms can lead to death.
Alcohol also has negative physical effects when consumed over time. Drinking alcohol can affect liver function and cause complications in major organ systems. Abuse often leads to high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.
Alcohol is also addictive. It falls into the category of several prescription depressant medications with addictive properties. For example, Xanax and Klonopin are both considered depressant drugs.
One of the biggest differences between alcohol and other substances is its availability. Most adults of legal age can buy alcohol in any store that carries it. It is available everywhere from family restaurants to grocery stores.
The general availability of alcohol poses unique risks and challenges for those struggling with addiction. Individuals struggling with substance abuse may not experience the same social challenges. Ultimately, the challenges of each are unique and deserve their own form of therapeutic intervention. For women, there is also a separate recovery program named women’s alcohol recovery program.
How Do Drugs Differ From Alcohol?
While there are many varieties of alcohol, they all have the same depressive effect on the mind and body. In contrast, there are many substances that fall under the broader category of “drugs.” They all have unique effects on the body which become complex when mixed.
Furthermore, the vast majority of drugs are illegal and individuals must break the law to obtain them. Abusers buy many “legal” medications with addictive qualities in illegal ways. Because there is little regulation, drugs are sometimes laced with dangerous substances.
Some drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, are highly addictive. Individuals may become addicted to these substances quickly, and must take more to experience a high. They make it incredibly easy to overdose, causing major health issues or death.
Because drug users acquire drugs in different ways, drug users have different needs than alcohol users. For example, a Union NJ drug rehab can help those with drug addictions. They will need to break different social patterns during sobriety. Their rehabilitation will look different to address their unique needs.
Drug Rehab vs Alcohol Rehab
A rehab center will most likely offer treatment for both drugs and alcohol. While both populations share therapeutic activities, the needs of both populations are unique.
Detox
The differences begin at detox. While not all rehabilitation centers offer detox services, all individuals will experience detox. Different substances take different lengths of time to leave the system, and side effects vary.
In the case of drug detox, many medications can help make the process easier. These include medications such as methadone, which mimic the effects of methamphetamines. Because these drugs do not get individuals high, they help the body to physically recover.
Delirium tremens is a common side effect of alcohol detox that is not seen in drug detox. DT can cause hallucinations and confusion while alcohol leaves an individual’s system. This side effect requires specialized care from those familiar with alcohol detoxification.
Therapy
Drug users and alcohol users also have different therapeutic needs. Their life experiences will be different.
Group therapy is a major component of both drug rehab and alcohol rehab. In fact, groups take up the majority of an individual’s program. As a result, it’s important that group members can relate to one another.
For example, individuals addicted to alcohol might be in a group dealing with specific social frustrations. They may discuss techniques for declining alcohol at parties or social events. Facilitators may describe specific techniques for dealing with cravings.
Individuals addicted to drugs may need to process the illegal activity that they engaged in. They may need more guidance regarding how to adjust to changing social groups. Many former drug users need mental health support. Once they no longer have the option to self-medicate with illegal substances, they need coping strategies. You can learn more on drug rehab by researching the substance you will be detoxing from.
Drug and alcohol therapy share many commonalities when it comes to holistic treatment. Individuals with all kinds of addictions enjoy yoga, animal-assisted therapies, occupational therapies, and journaling.
Your rehabilitation center may mix holistic groups. This will give individuals in recovery more opportunities for growth and socialization.
Everyone Deserves Recovery
In essence, the differences in drug rehab vs alcohol rehab will always best address the needs of the individual in recovery. The average day will look similar, regardless of the addiction. The biggest thing that they have in common is that they both lead to recovery and positive outcomes.
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