The abuse vs addiction comparison is growing quickly in America. Despite how they sound there is a distinction between these two conditions. Abuse leads to addiction. Addiction is when a person cannot stop use of a substance no matter how bad they may want to. Abuse it the habit of drug use which builds into addiction. However, the main concern is when it’s time to enter rehab treatment. Many people fail to enter treatment due to fears of withdrawal or relapse. As a result, those struggling with substance abuse continue down a path that holds them back.
Not Every Drug User Has an Addiction
Case in point is the person who drinks a beer socially and then goes home. They can quit drinking at any time. Moreover, there are days when they won’t drink at all. They won’t suffer any withdrawal symptoms and won’t feel any compulsion to use.
The Abuse vs Addiction Discussion
The previous example discusses alcohol use. However, it’s a small step to turn drug use into abuse. A good example is binge drinking. Someone who goes out with friends on a weekend night and drinks to intoxication. This individual wakes up the next morning with a hangover.
However, after a few hours, they begin to feel better. They might not have another drink for a few days. Eventually, there’s another binge with the same result. Bingeing itself is not a sign of addiction.
Nevertheless, many people with an alcohol addiction start with binge-drinking behavior. At some point in their journeys, binges come closer and closer together on the calendar. Before they know it their drinking is an everyday occurrence. Eventually, alcohol became the most important thing in their lives. Therefore, they no longer have any control over their drinking.
Getting Help for Abuse Problems
There’s never a wrong time to get help. Substance abuse counseling can help someone end a dangerous behavior before it spirals out of control. Working with a counselor helps you find healthier ways of dealing with stressors and triggers. Furthermore, you may also learn ways to restructure your habits so that abuse doesn’t become an addiction.
Seek Help Through Proven Rehab
You notice that your alcohol or drug abuse is out of control. Even though you want to limit your behavior, you’re powerless to do so. In spite of the best intentions, you keep drinking or getting high. Therefore, it’s fair to say that you’ve crossed the line and developed an addiction.
However, there’s always hope. Rehab provides you with the addiction therapy that lets you kick the habit. For example, modalities include:
- One-on-one therapy and group therapy for addiction
- Psychotherapy and dual diagnosis treatment
- Behavioral therapies
- Family therapy
- Holistic addiction treatments
Are you currently discussing the abuse vs addiction debate? If so, you may be on a slippery slope that you can’t see. However, help is available at the Crest View Recovery Center. Discover addiction treatment that can make a differene. Call 866-327-2505 now to learn more about our custom treatment plans.
