Alcohol vs. Drug Addiction: How Treatment Plans Differ

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Addiction is a chronic problem that is affecting millions of lives globally, irrespective of alcohol vs. drug addiction. However, both fall under the single umbrella of addiction, yet there is a huge difference between their types, starting from symptoms to treatments. At Athena, we deal with alcohol addiction and drug addiction differently to ensure personalized recovery. Not just the addiction treatment, their withdrawal symptoms also vary.  And, understanding these basic differences can actually be a saviour in providing the right support and recovery plan to individuals’ seeking help. 

For people looking for assistance in alcohol or drug addiction treatment, we recommend connecting with Athena BHS, the best rehabilitation centre in Gurgaon. We are specialized in providing personalized de-addiction treatment and recovery plans for both alcohol and drugs. But before that, lets understand the basic differences between drug and alcohol addiction treatment plans.

Alcohol vs. Drug Addiction: What’s the Real Difference?

To provide a proper treatment, one should clearly understand the difference between alcohol vs. drug addiction. Despite having similar outlook and consequences, the treatment style totally varies. Let’s have a look at what’s the real difference between alcohol and drug addiction treatment.

Accessibility: Before the addiction, the difference between alcohol and drug is in its acceptance. While alcohol is not banned or taboo, drugs are not socially accepted and illegal in most parts around the globe. Therefore, the accessibility automatically increases for alcohol. And, it obviously hinders daily lives. On the contrary, drugs typically involve illegal practices or prescription by recognized doctor/s, which involves legal risks.

Withdrawal: The withdrawal for alcohol can be deadly and causes seizures, hallucinations, and other problems. Easy accessibility also results in relapses in case of triggers. Whereas, drug withdrawal symptoms vary by substance. For instance, cocaine causes depression & fatigue during withdrawal, Heroin though a painful process, and opioids cause intense flu-like symptoms. It is to be noted that alcohol withdrawal's higher mortality risk in severe cases.

Medically: Drugs and alcohol can harm different parts of the body in different ways.  Opioids, stimulants, sedatives, and hallucinogens all have different effects. On the contrary, alcohol addiction affects the central nervous system, liver, and cardiovascular system.

Alcohol Addiction: How Treatment Works

Alcohol addiction treatment starts with medical supervision, understanding the pattern, providing therapies (if required), prescribing medication, controlling withdrawal symptoms, assessing and managing relapses. The most structured and flexible approach for the treatment at the best rehabilitation centre in Gurgaon are as follows:

Medical Detoxification:

Under medical supervision, a complete detoxification program is conducted to keep patients away from alcohol while managing withdrawals.

Stabilisation and Therapy:

After managing withdrawal symptoms, the next step that should be followed is to provide stabilization and mental relaxations. It may or may not require therapies.

Relapse Prevention:

Generally, relapses are quite common during the dual-diagnosis treatment. The process of recovery covers the relapse prevention so that the patient is completely free from such programs.

Long-Term Support:

Also, to deal with addiction, prolonged support to the patient is required. Starting from medication to therapies and relapse care, it is important to provide aftercare.

Drug Addiction: How Treatment Plans Differ

It is not an easy task to process a complete drug addiction program, specifically because it the plan varies depending on the substance involved. The process include:

Understanding the substance-specific detox needs:

Drug detox protocols differ significantly. If a person is dependant on opioid, the withdrawal process may require medications for craving control. On the other hand, stimulant withdrawal process requires psychological stimulation. It is noted that some drugs cause anxiety and depression while others cause intense cravings during the withdrawal process.

Behavioural and Psychological Treatment

A wholesome detox and drug addiction treatment plan covers behavioural and psychological treatment in order to avoid relapses. It covers CBT, which congenital behavioural therapies, impulse control, and craving management.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)  

MAT is the best treatment for opioid addiction. It maintains and balances brain chemistry; the use of methadone or buprenorphine allows the patient to concentrate on therapy.

Dual-Diagnosis Treatment: When Addiction and Mental Health Overlap

Let’s understand first what is dual diagnosis treatment. Basically, people suffering from any addiction, be it substance abuse or alcohol addiction, they often land up in a mental health problem. They often have to simultaneously deal with issues like anxiety, depression, hallucination, schizophrenia, and others. Handling addiction and mental health problems at once is often considered as dual-diagnosis treatment. This overlap is treated with the following processes:

·  Psychiatric evaluation

·  Medication management

·  Integrated therapy plans

·  Emotional regulation and coping strategies

How Treatment Plans Differ in Real Life?

While the addiction seems similar for both drugs and alcohol, there is a huge difference between the two. Some of the difference include:

Both requires different timeline for recovery. While alcohol detox process under medical supervision might take 7 to 10 days and so on, the drug detox process would depend upon the type of substance and severity.

Medication is also different in both the cases, and requires separate and individual medical attention.

As far as therapies are concerned, substance abused person may require prolonged sessions of therapies to get back to normalcy. Also, chances of relapses are more with alcohol addiction, therefore, aftercare plays a vital role.

A proper treatment not only involves the patient but also his/her family and friends so that they learn to provide better care to the survivor.

Choosing a Rehabilitation Centre in Gurgaon

Gurgaon is home to some of the best rehab centres, offering a completely personalized addiction recovery programs to the patients. And, Athena BHS is one such option that makes you feel home, provides you warmth, and offer you the best of care to deal with this fatal problem of alcohol and drug addiction.

If you are looking for the best rehabilitation centre in Gurgaon, we recommend to choose based on these points:

·  Medical professionals are qualified and experienced

·  Dual-diagnosis treatment facilities are provided

·  Customized treatment plans are offered

·  Safe and confidential environment

·  Strong aftercare and relapse program

Aftercare Plan: The Real Difference Between “Treatment” and “Recovery”

It is often said that the recovery process is not just about what happens inside the centres, but also after the patient comes out. As we all know, addiction is not just about quitting for some days, but it is also about not taking that path ever again. However, the experience suggests that the cases of relapses are very common in the person suffering from any of the addiction. So, a concrete, systematic, and customized aftercare plan is a must.

For alcohol, aftercare also means providing a route to sober networks so that person feel heard and guided. Creating or helping to create a real-life environment for patient, especially in the case of drugs, where there is no accessibility and conversation around drugs happen.

Conclusion: Taking the First Step

In alcohol vs. drug addiction treatment, the first step is to understand that it is now time to get over the recurring pattern of consuming alcohol and drugs, causing depression and anxiety. The first step is actually to STOP and restart life. Find out solutions to not going back. We recommend consulting experts from Athena BHS for both alcohol addiction and drug addiction treatment plans. Here, you will enjoy customized plans, aftercare cover, and completely safe environment, along with dual-diagnosis treatment.