Alcohol addiction is a mental health disorder that can cause physical and mental symptoms that can seriously impact a person’s life. Understanding the difference between alcohol addiction vs. dependence can help you understand how addiction can affect you and cause you to continue the abuse, even if you want to quit. An alcohol addiction treatment program is very beneficial in helping men and women with their substance abuse and sobriety goals.
At Arkview Recovery Center, we help men and women struggling with addiction to alcohol and other substances. Our certified therapists work with patients to educate them about how addiction affects them physically and mentally. They learn coping skills to maintain their sobriety at home and in social settings. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, call 717.744.0756 today for more information about our alcohol addiction treatment program.
Is Addiction the Same as Dependence?
Many people use the terms addiction and dependence interchangeably when talking about alcohol abuse. While there are clear differences between the two, many treatment facilities and therapists are now using the term substance use disorder, or SUD, to describe addiction. This phrasing avoids any confusion for patients who are unsure of the difference between alcohol addiction vs. dependence.
To answer the question, is addiction the same as dependence? The answer is no. Dependence describes the physical symptoms of alcohol abuse, while addiction refers to the mental side effects of excessive drinking. A mentally sound person may never form an addiction but can still become dependent on alcohol over time and require treatment. It does not matter if you are dependent or addicted. You will still need an alcohol addiction treatment program to break your reliance on alcohol.
At Arkview Recovery, we will help patients understand the difference between alcohol addiction vs. dependence while addressing the unique physical and mental symptoms of their substance use disorder. Patients work on building their confidence in maintaining their sobriety through behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment to reduce their withdrawal symptoms.
Understanding the Difference Between Alcohol Addiction vs. Dependence
Having a better understanding of how alcohol can affect you can help your recovery process. Alcohol dependence describes the physical side effects of SUD, while addiction refers to the mental side effects. Men and women who turn to alcohol for relief from depression or other mental health disorders only worsen their condition by creating a co-occurring addiction that will make long-lasting recovery more difficult.
A dependence is your body’s physical craving for alcohol. By drinking excessively, you are flooding your body with toxins that release a massive amount of dopamine responsible for the euphoria you feel. Having only a few drinks a week still gives your body time to process the alcohol without harmful side effects. If you do not give your body time to cleanse itself, you begin to form a dependence that can include the following symptoms when you stop drinking:
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
Addiction describes the mental side effects of alcohol abuse. Symptoms of addiction can include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Mood swings
- Suicidal thoughts
Arkview Recovery Center: Your Top Choice for Help Relieving the Symptoms of Alcohol Dependence
At Arkview Recovery, we support men and women struggling with addiction to alcohol and other substances. We base our treatment plans on each patient’s unique symptoms and the severity of their addiction. They will participate in behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. We offer many different types of treatment programs, including:
- Drug and alcohol detox
- Residential treatment program
- Separate men’s and women’s rehab program
To help reduce the symptoms of alcohol dependence for you or a loved one, call 717.744.0756 today for more information about our alcohol addiction treatment programs.
Kyle is Lead Therapist at Arkview Recovery Center. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has years of experience working directly with individuals who suffer from addiction and mental health disorders. Being in long term recovery himself, Kyle is very passionate about the recovery process. He is heavily involved in the local recovery community in which he enjoys his commitments to service and giving back. His specialty is in group therapy and developing clinical staff. Kyle brings to Arkview a holistic approach to recovery, specializing in mindfulness, reality therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
