Substance Abuse vs. Substance Addiction

Understanding the Difference Between Substance Abuse and Addiction

Do you know the difference between substance abuse and substance addiction? Many people mistakenly lump these two phrases into the same category. After all, abuse and addiction are never good things, right?

While it’s true that both substance abuse and substance addiction are serious concerns, treating one condition is often more emergent than the other. The Resurgence Behavioral Health team prides itself on offering our clients the information that they need to understand the difference between substance abuse and substance addiction. We field questions throughout the day from potential clients that are considering coming to our facility for treatment as well as concerned family members who think it’s possible that their loved one may have an issue with drugs or alcohol. For those in need of immediate assistance, consider the drug detox near Costa Mesa for comprehensive support and care.

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What is Substance Abuse?

“In most cases, a person with a substance abuse problem is able to recognize the negative consequences of their actions and take control of their life before those negative consequences get out of control. For instance, do you go to the bar a couple of nights per week at the end of a long and stressful day? For many people, it’s not uncommon. However, if you have one drink too many and you get pulled over by police these ‘innocent’ drinks could have dire consequences. A person with a substance abuse issue will adhere to the sentence that they are given and learn to replace their potentially harmful actions with ones that are healthier. For help getting sober, visit our alcohol detox near Palo Alto.

What is Substance Addiction?

A person that is suffering from substance addiction, on the other hand, can’t understand the negative impact of their decisions. In the same situation as the person pulled over leaving the bar, a person with a substance addiction may blow off court-ordered treatment or probation because their addiction has consumed them so completely. For individuals facing such challenges and in need of understanding and support, alcohol detox near Riverside offers a path towards recovery.

When you make the commitment to come to Resurgence, we will help you to explore the different facets of addiction so that you can better develop an understanding of the disease. We will also help you put together a relapse prevention plan so there is less of a chance that you may fall back into the same addictive trap.

When to Seek Help

Timing is everything when you make the decision to seek help for your substance abuse or addiction issues. Similar to other aspects of your recovery program, the length of your stay at our inpatient rehab is a decision that is personal for you. We have worked with clients who can only commit to a 30-day program for one reason or another and several other clients that make the choice to complete a 60 or 90-day treatment plan. We strongly recommend, however, that you take the time to speak to a member of our team at alcohol detox near Los Angeles before you finalize your decision to ensure that you’re making the best choice for you. Here are a few important factors to consider if you’re still on the fence about whether or not treatment is the best decision for you:

Keep in mind that the Resurgence team is here to help you answer all of these questions. We can also provide you with a more detailed overview regarding what you can expect when you come to Resurgence for treatment including what you can expect on a day to day basis.

Call Resurgence Behavioral Health for Addiction Treatment

Are you ready to learn more about substance abuse and substance addiction? Perhaps you’re ready to commit yourself to a treatment program to address your struggles with drugs or alcohol? The Resurgence Behavioral Health team is here to help. For years, we have served as addiction experts and provided our clients with the care and attention that they need to overcome their addiction so that they can live a healthier and more successful life. If you’re also interested in exploring sober socializing options, consider looking into resources like a Sober Dating App as part of your recovery support network.

David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.

Research | Editorial