So Who Exactly is an "Addict" or "Alcoholic" Anyway?

It's a common question many people have. Am I really an addict? (... or How do I know if someone I care about is addicted?) What's the difference between an alcoholic and drug addict? Is there a difference between a cocaine ... heroin ... or even a marijuana addict?

alcoholics anonymous 4th edition

A lot of people today drink alcohol and a fair number use drugs. (Does that make them all alcoholics or drug addicts?) Of course not!

ALCOHOLIC

So how do you know for sure? ...

The difference between someone who is addicted and someone who simply uses or abuses a particular substance is the "compulsion to use" (whatever the substance may be)

And what do I mean by "compulsion to use"? ...

Simply that most people who for example drink, know when to stop or have the power to say, "enough is enough." (not always, but most of the time)

Whereas the alcoholic or drug addict can't say no or simply walk away like most people can. As an addict or alcoholic - once you start it becomes almost impossible to stop - to control your using because the compulsion to use or drink is just too strong.

When you become addicted you almost lose the power to choose. That might sound flimsy or wish-washy, but it's not and I'll tell you why in the next part of this course ...

The other big question ... is what's the difference between being an alcoholic or drug addict, whatever your drug of choice may be?

If you look at it carefully ... not a lot actually. Yes your drug (or drink) of choice may be different ... create a different form of high (or feeling), but the end result is still pretty much the same, i.e. "addiction," which leads to "destruction" - or call it what you will - (mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally) ... and which can ultimately lead to the heaviest price that anyone can pay ... death.

So as a heroin addict that process might happen fairly quickly, whereas for the alcoholic it may happen far more gradually over a number of years, yet the consequences (no matter what the substance), of addiction will be very similar.

That's why it's a good idea to start thinking in terms of "addict" rather than "alcoholic," "drug addict," "junkie" or whatever you've been thinking of or using to describe such a person up to now. (Addicts like to think of themselves as "special and different" and that their problems are unique - but in actual fact they are no different to any other "addict"). I know I've been there ...

Why do you think most major rehab facilities treat alcoholism, drug addiction and even things like gambling and sex addiction pretty much the same way?

Addicts even refer to alcohol as a drug because they know that even though for most people it can be enjoyed in moderation - for them it can't - and that's why it's viewed in the same light (even though it may legal and regarded as socially acceptable.)

So Who Exactly is an "Addict" or "Alcoholic" Anyway?

ALCOHOLIC

Alcoholic Spouses - How Serious is Their Alcohol Problem Anyway?

Does your spouse show signs of alcoholism? In other words, does your spouse need more and more alcohol to feel "buzzed" or intoxicated? Here are 5 common signs of alcoholism addiction:

alcoholic whipped cream where to buy

Does he/she drink to relax? Does your alcoholic spouse get defensive if you bring up drinking? Has your spouse tried to quit alcohol and failed? Does your spouse suffer alcohol withdrawal if he/she tries to quit drinking? Does your spouse have trouble with marriage relationships, problems with parenting, and possibly work?

ALCOHOLIC

Here is a typical case from my psychiatry practice:

S.L is a 35 year old man. He comes to me for problems with anxiety and depression. He is a successful lawyer. However, he complains of experiencing panic symptoms when he presents in front of a jury. His anxiety is interfering with his career and he wants medication for this. Although I prescribed medication, he did not have a robust response and here is the reason why. His wife called me one day and told me her husband has been drinking every night for 2 years. Initially, he drank a beer to relax after work. This number has increased over time to 6-8 beers in the evening. S.L is alcohol dependent. Alcohol is counteracting his medication. His alcohol dependence must be addressed.

How serious is his alcohol problem, anyway? There are 4 stages of alcoholism addiction.

Early Stage: The typical early stage starts out as drinking to unwind. Drinking becomes an escape and is used to boost mood or relieve stress. S. L. is drinking to relax to "forget his troubles".

Middle Stage: The middle stage is defined as needing to drink more and more to get the same "buzz". Your alcoholic spouse will not admit a drinking problem to you, but he/she has thought about it a lot. His/her brain is alcohol dependent. In other words, alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia and shakiness occurs if he/she tries to quit drinking. Black outs and hangovers are common. S.L fits into this category.

Late Stage: This stage is very serious. Your alcoholic spouse has become obsessed with drinking alcohol. Nothing else matters. Often your alcoholic husband or alcoholic wife will become malnourished (vitamin B1 deficiency). Liver problems, pancreas problems, anemia and neurological problems may occur. Legal problems are common. Marital stress is a given. At this point, your alcoholic spouse has withdrawn and spends his/her time both drinking and seeking alcohol. A medical professional needs to be involved in "detoxing" your alcoholic spouse or he/she could die going through alcohol withdrawal.

Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease. Early intervention is very important. In the late stages of alcoholism addiction, the brain has become so alcohol dependent, it will be much tougher for your alcoholic spouse to overcome the brains' alcohol cravings. Going to Al-Anon is a great first step for you to get some support and tools to deal with this family disease. Do not procrastinate. The longer you wait, the tougher the recovery for your alcoholic spouse.

Alcoholic Spouses - How Serious is Their Alcohol Problem Anyway?

ALCOHOLIC