If you or someone in your life is dealing with substance abuse, it can feel overwhelming and frightening. How do you know when it’s time to seek professional help? At what point does drinking or misusing drugs become a medical condition? Also, what’s the difference between substance abuse disorder vs. addiction? It can be challenging to recognize if you or someone you know is dealing with a significant problem. However, without proper treatment and support, these behaviors or patterns can lead to severe harm to a person’s health and safety.
If you’re struggling with substance abuse, you can overcome it. It’s important to remember that you aren’t alone. Reaching out for the help you need is a brave decision. Consider enrolling in a substance abuse center where you can receive the care you need to achieve lasting recovery. Gulf Breeze Recovery takes a holistic approach to treatment that allows our guests to heal and build a brighter future for themselves.
What Is Substance Abuse Disorder?
Substance use disorder is a mental health condition that impacts a person’s brain and behavior, where they are unable to control their substance use. It’s a complex condition because people find themselves continuing to misuse substances despite the harmful side effects of consequences.
What Is Addiction?
Addiction is characterized by an intense and persistent urge to partake in a particular activity. For example, a person may feel a compulsive desire to take drugs or drink alcohol even though it negatively impacts their health and well-being. It’s viewed as the most severe form of a substance use disorder. The cause? Repeated misuse of one or multiple substances.
Key Differences Between Substance Use Disorder vs. Addiction
Below are some of the significant differences between substance use disorder and addiction.
1. Substance Use Disorder Is a Spectrum
A person’s substance use disorder can vary from mild to moderate to severe. If a person meets certain criteria, their substance use disorder falls into a range, which may impact the type of treatment they may need.
2. Addiction Is a State of Psychological and/or Physical Dependence
Being dependent on a substance means that your mind and/or body rely on the substance to function. When you go through a period without it, you will experience withdrawal symptoms. This is not always the case for someone who may be living with a mild or moderate substance use disorder.
3. Addiction Does Not Have to be to a Substance
While drug or alcohol addiction are the most common and well-known types of addiction, they are not the only kinds. People can also experience exercise addiction, food addiction, sex addiction, or gambling addiction.
What Is the Difference Between Substance Use Disorder and Addiction Treatment?
When someone is dealing with substance use disorder vs. addiction, it can inform the type of treatment and care they may require. Anyone with a mild or moderate form of substance use disorder may benefit from an intensive outpatient program where they receive treatment and therapy but do not have to stay at the recovery center.
Someone living with addiction may need more hands-on care and support. This may include withdrawal management services or a residential treatment program where they remain at a treatment center.
What Resources Are Available for Family Members of Someone with an Addiction?
If you have a family member who is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, it takes a significant toll on your emotional and mental health. Gulf Breeze Recovery is here to support you and your loved one. We take a holistic, non-12-step approach to treatment. We provide the following programs to promote healing and lasting recovery.
- Detox programs
- Residential treatment program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Intensive telehealth offerings
- Aftercare program
Our staff will work with you and your family members to find the right treatment plan that best fits their needs.
Begin Treatment for Substance Abuse at Gulf Breeze Recovery Today
When it comes to overcoming a substance use disorder or addiction, finding the right programs and treatment programs is critical. Gulf Breeze Recovery will provide the care and services people need to heal and regain hope in themselves. Call us at 833.551.2304 or complete our online contact form to make an appointment to get started today.
