Between drug and alcohol addiction, which one is more destructive?

1. 60

   larry71posted 13 years ago

   They are equally destructive. 
   I say this because alcohol is itself a drug and at one time illegal.  Still depending upon what you're drinking could be illegal as well, for instance "moonshine".
   The thing with alcohol is that it is usually easier to get to at an earlier age for the simple fact many people keep it in their homes and in fact many have no problem letting their children have some now and again thinking and hoping it wont lead to them doing so away from home.  Nothing can be farther from the truth.  Once you let it happen willingly and openly at home then turn around to say DON'T do it somewhere else, you have a rebellion on your hands that will sky rocket. 
   Now I'm not saying every child who drinks at home becomes an alcoholic because they don't, what I am saying is, they are more inclined to do do so for the simple fact they have a vice from childhood that can legally be carried into the rest of their life.
      
   When you get into the "destructive" part of it all it takes more than one way to look at it.  In comparison "alcohol" has been around for centuries and has caused uncalculable destruction to lives.  Not only through direct use but through indirect effect from destroying families as a result of it's use.
   The same is true with drugs.  But in the end it isn't the substance that is destructive.  It is the reaction of the user. 
   Not all who use alcohol or drugs become addicted.  And not all who become addicted are destructive.
   I've known people addicted to both for many years who hold down jobs and go about a "normal" life without letting the use of their substance effect them in a distructive manner.  Now one may say or ask, "if they use for years without destructive activity are they really addicted or just users?"  My answer is simply try keeping it from them for a day and watch the withdrawl symptoms take effect.  Yes they are addicted but have managed to manage it without being destructive to themselves or others.

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2. 92

   molometerposted 13 years ago

   Both are equally destructive. I have known alcoholics and hard drugs users the end results are almost always the same. Slow decline into illness and disease with the body being slowly destroyed organ by organ. Eventually death after many years of pain and suffering for the user and their families and friends.
   I never thought that cannabis was a dangerous or stairway drug to other substances but I have seen many people (middle aged now) stuck in a kind of paranoid time-warp due to cannabis use. So although cannabis may appear less dangerous initially;  long term it stunts users development.This is from my own observations.

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3. 49

   jayashreenaikposted 13 years ago

   both are destructive both can take any ones life, money, states etc

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4. 49

   Razu345posted 13 years ago

   drug addiction is destructive than only alcohol.

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5. 87

   Rachelle Williamsposted 13 years ago

   alcohol is a drug, so I guess I don't quite understand....

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6. 60

   JessShowposted 13 years ago

   Both are definitely destructive. It just depends on the person and to what extreme the addiction is. My mother is a recovered alcoholic and drug user and my father is a heavy alcoholic to this day. My mother still hasn't been able to live a normal life even though she no longer does the things she did years ago and my father can't pay his bills because of his drinking. Emotionally I'm hurt because now that I have a son - I would never want my son to see me in such a state. In a way though I have grown a lot from the mistakes my parents made/are making. But to the question of which is more destructive? I think they are both equally destructive to a person's life if they live.

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7. 59

   vsathish29posted 13 years ago

   Both of them causes violence.
   If we have some self control we can have better life
   I think that life is better without drugs and alcohol.

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8. 60

   KristiFposted 13 years ago

   Drugs, by far. But this is only my opinion. Maybe someone who is an alcoholic would have a different opinion..

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9. 60

   Iggy Falconeposted 13 years ago

   There was an interesting study on the matter published in the UK about a year ago. I believe it's exactly what you're looking for. The scientists scored 20 drugs on 16 criteria: nine related to the harms that a drug produces in the individual and seven to the harms to others. Drugs were scored out of 100 points, and the criteria were weighted to indicate their relative importance. It turns out that alcohol is by far the most harmful substance with the combined score of 72, followed by heroin (55) and crack cocaine (54).
   
   You can check out the complete study at:
   http://www.illicitdrugmarket.net/upload … %20alt.pdf

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10. 59

    Michael Modakposted 13 years ago

    Addiction is not being able to handle, whatever, you desire.  It controls you rather than you control it.That being said, I think that alcohol is worse because if you add alcohol to anything it makes it worse...anything

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11. 79

    Rob Jundtposted 13 years ago

    Given the fact that drugs will cause more bodily damage sooner, I would say drugs. Alcohol, on the other hand, tends to distribute its effects over a longer period of time and in many cases, affect more people. Both are bad and destructive in their own way.

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12. 61

    Visionary Changeposted 13 years ago

    Did you know that you can cure Heroin and Cocaine addictions in 24 hours with African Root Bark? It’s a white powder extracted from an African Root Bark that has an ingredient called Ibogaine.  I has been shown to cure alcohol addictions -- including heroin, cocaine, and methadone -- within 48 hours? Advocate and researcher, Eric Taub found it was the one drug that could help victims without withdrawal symptoms. View full Article at my website: http://www.visionaryforcreativechange.com
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13. 61

    bluerose139posted 13 years ago

    Alcohol is also a drug, and it is one of the most addictive drugs in existence. Trying to stop drinking can actually kill an alcoholic (delerium tremens is a form of seizure, and severe seizures are horribly destructive to your nervous system). That said, drugs like heroin and cocaine are also extremely harmful. All extremely powerful drugs can cause lasting organ damage and are very bad for your brain.
    
    In terms of emotional cost, I don't know that there's much difference between different types of drugs--I think that a severe addiction will always lead to severe emotional distress.
    
    Monetarily, alcohol is one of the cheaper drugs out there...and because it's legal, it sure is easier to get. That can make it very problematic. But having known plenty of people with addictions to a wide range of substances, I know that people will always find a way of getting their hands on their drug, whatever it is.
    
    The generational cost, I think, varies from family to family. I would say that drugs that have effects on growing fetuses, like alcohol, meth, and tobacco, have the highest generational cost as they can greatly impact a child's potential for success. But the violence that many drugs bring into the home can impact a child just as much as congenital defects.

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14. 60

    Brian Huberposted 13 years ago

    I have to agree with Wayne Brown, I too believe it depends on the individual.. See my father has alcohol addiction and  through my life growing up he was there but not really.. "there" you know what i mean. He too had Drug addiction and he atleast liked to be outside and would play with me. He was very energetic. Except when he didnt get his fix he got very abusive and even though he interacted.. when he had to take breaks to shoot up, that wasnt really enjoyable to see.

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15. 59

    sabigeminiposted 13 years ago

    I think drug addiction is more detrimental .I have seen the effect of someone being devasted with the use of social drugs ,and is such a hard habit to break .So saying any addiction is detrimental to lifestyle ,being alcohol ,drugs,any disorder ....it wreaks havoc and destructs at will .

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16. 60

    ace jayson luardoposted 13 years ago

    between drug and alcohol addiction, the most destructive is drug... no need to discuss broadly... i know, we all know drug is evil product it is not good... while alcohol although it can give you hung over you can still control it... advertiser says "drink moderately".

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17. 51

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18. 82

    MsDoraposted 13 years ago

    Every person is different so every case is different when deciding what form of addiction is worst for whom.  As far as the emotional and general fallout, the results may not even show up in this generation.  As for the money, every dollar spent on alcohol and drugs is an investment in pain and suffering, and a loss to some other worthy cause.  Overall, it is better to spend time, money and effort in education and prevention than in researching the evil that has been done (except of course, the research helps education and prevention).

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19. 59

    Isabellamcfarlinposted 13 years ago

    Alcohol is more destructive because more easily available-- and it makes one about as stupid as is possible. Also aggressive.
    On the other hand I have known many who died of either ailment.
    I still think alcohol is the sleaziest high there is though.

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20. 59

    bsnrichposted 13 years ago

    It's not what goes in thy body it's what comes out they body. However, from what I have observed over the years I have seen alcoholics destroy there lives more than drug users. Most drug users I have seen usually end up quitting after a near miss with overdose or jail time also narcotics are hard to get and expensive. Alcohol is cheap and easy to get so alcoholics tend to keep up there drinking right to the very end.

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21. 60

    Deynnaposted 13 years ago

    Both are very destructive...they both destroy people. But it depends on the way people use them or which ones they take, that counts which one is more destructive.

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22. 60

    sensiblescorpioposted 13 years ago

    DEATH either way you look at it. killing youself to get high no matter the choice drug or drink. Prayer is the only way for those individuals... Loved ones praying for them keep prayer to keep alive

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23. 60

    elucidatorposted 13 years ago

    I don't think the two can be separated. Alcohol is a drug and has addictive properties. I have seen the raw effects of alcoholism, more, because of its accessibility.
    
    But I think most illegal drugs are pretty easy to get if someone truly has the desire and drive.
    
    To answer the question, I would say the drug of alcohol is more destructive because of its accessibility and general acceptance and high rate of misuse.

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24. 60

    fpherj48posted 13 years ago

    I actually thought this was a "trick" question....as in, a joke.  You must be kidding of course.  "ADDICTION"  equals  DESTRUCTION, whether it be drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, and  any of the many other horrors people fall prey to. 
    
    Here's a list to carry with you.....for reading & sharing with others:
    ADDICTION:
    D     DESTROYS your self-confidence
    E     It  EXASERBATES any emotional or mental issues you may have
    S     It  STEROTYPES you in a very negative light.....forever
    T     It  TEARS families apart
    R     It  Ruins your financial life
    U     It  USES up all your time, energies & talents
    C     It CRUSHES the people who LOVE you
    T     It TORMENTS your mind
    I      It  IGNORES your efforts and struggles
    O    It  OFFERS  NO FUTURE
    N    It  NEVER has a happy ending.....until you get HELP...long term, serious help
    
    This is most honest and sincere response I can give.  God Bless you

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25. 58

    kat74posted 13 years ago

    Both of then are very destructive. A drug addict will go to any length to be able to access the drugs while an alcohol addict will also do the same. These two types of addicts make their own miserable and even worse the lives of their families and friends.
    
    People addicted to both will steal to be able to access both the drugs and the alcohol. They will lose their job because of not being productive at work, they will even lose their family because living with them is just impossible.
    
    Its a sickness which can only be eradicated if the addict is involved in the process of healing. If they are forced to go to rehabs centers, the treatment doesn't work most of the tomes and they end up back in the addictive life. It is a sickness and one with either drugs or alcohol addiction need a lot of help to be able to recover.

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26. 58

    writer21posted 13 years ago

    Well, I guess, both of them becuase both has a long term effect to the body.

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27. 60

    youtrillposted 13 years ago

    Both are bad for human life!
    I am not using any thing !

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28. 62

    duiposted 13 years ago

    literally both of it is destructive...but if you know how to use it well, you could benefit from it.

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29. 48

    sidnelsontheoneposted 13 years ago

    I think drugs are more destructive than alcohol, especially if you get addicted to them.

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30. 59

    wmseoposted 13 years ago

    i guess,  drugs is much  more destructive!!!

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31. 58

    snkhan120posted 13 years ago

    off course both but u want me to point out 1 so that is drug

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32. 0

    HERBERT ubaldoposted 13 years ago

    I think both of them, but if I can choose only one, drug is more destructive

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33. 59

    BayouDumbbellsposted 13 years ago

    Drugs get to your emotions quicker than alcohol.. Of course, it depends on the amount of consumption..
    
    Monetary? Completely depends on the choice of drugs/alcohol..
    
    Generational - Hope you're asking about the genetic effects? Well, somewhere I've read that a few studies reveal higher rate of alcoholism inherited (I'm not sure if that is the right word) through generations than opiate addiction. But the studies were not able to differentiate cause of the vulnerability between genetic contribution and family environment.
    
    My point is, both are bad anyway, why should we care about the worse of the devils?

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34. 61

    CreamT0632posted 13 years ago

    Alcohol addiction is the worst addiction. promise! driving under the influence of an alcohol is really a big disaster.

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35. 81

    thelyricwriterposted 13 years ago

    They are equal and here is why. They are both the same disease, addiction. They are very similar. The edge would be to drugs because it is much easier to die from, therefore, it is more dangerous. But in sight, they are connected because the mind state is almost the same. Anyone who is addicted to them have common thinking. They do what ever they have to do to get it. To them, it is like breathing. They have to have it.

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36. 60

    trevorhicksposted 13 years ago

    Well, for me it's both. When you say "addiction" it is also destructive. However, the way you response to it is different.

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37. 57

    DStephenposted 13 years ago

    Alcohol is a drug.  Addiction can be destructive whether it involves licit or illicit substances.

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38. 61

    juiwei2000posted 13 years ago

    They are both very destructive, in their on way

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39. 60

    brandonakellyposted 13 years ago

    I personally have a little brother who is an alcoholic AND a drug addict, although he does drink quite a bit, it is the drugs that have landed him in the most trouble and destroyed his life. Depending on how bad the addiction to the drug gets, he steals from his own family, that being us, then turns around and trades these valuables for drugs. I know there are those who are quite the opposite, never touch drugs but let alcohol ruin their lives. It depends on the individuals dependency on the substance and how much control they allow it to have over them.

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40. 63

    KaisaJordanposted 13 years ago

    Both are bad for your health and sometime make some people od things they have no business doing.

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41. 61

    CathWhiteposted 13 years ago

    Drug and alcohol addiction are both very destructive. But I guess alcohol addiction can be controllable than drug addiction.

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42. 60

    Messenger_of_god8posted 13 years ago

    drugs=alcohol so they are both the same and ruin lives and tear families apart and are the reason for most of the chaos in this world

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43. 0

    blog8withJposted 13 years ago

    Either ways it's both destructive. Drug addiction is more dangerous than the latter, but as I said both are destructive.

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44. 61

    Erika Jauch Irbyposted 13 years ago

    This is a tough question!  I think it depends on the person, really.  I have seen alcohol take down a young woman in a matter of months and another acquantaince functioning with a meth addiction for years.  But those might be extreme cases.
    
    Alcohol is so available and is also excepted so maybe it can be more destructive because it can reach more people.  But some drugs like meth or herorine can obviously penetrate the brain and affect the body more quickly. 
    
    I have no idea the recovery changes for either addiction, per my lack of reserach onthe topic, but if one had a better chance of recovery over the other, then I might consider that addiction less destructive.

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45. 0

    vperryposted 13 years ago

    Actually, alcohol is a drug of sorts as well.  It's all additive.  It's all unhealthy and unnatural.  They are both destructive and can harm others around you at the same time.  I've seen people or known people that have died of both drugs and alcohol addiction.  Sad.

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46. 49

    infosoundsposted 13 years ago

    No doubt that drug and alcohol are both dangerous for human but  I think that drug is most destructive. Lot of peoples used drug and alcohol for entertainment but is not enjoyment for human is very dangerous for them.

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47. 60

    knowledgeispowerrposted 13 years ago

    I think both are the danger names and both are destructive!

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48. 61

    artcivacompposted 13 years ago

    Alcohol is readily available and is more socially accepted. One can get drunk in a bar and drive through a school on the way home. Drug users tend to be less social so they do less harm to the general public.
    
    Crack and cocaine will lead to financial destruction pretty quickly. Cocaine addicts will often steal and get into crime and prostitution to support their habits.

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49. 52

    plinkaposted 13 years ago

    I think, both of them are destructive. The difference between them is that alcohol is a slower killer, while hard drugs can make rapid and dramatic changes in your life, your health, in your personality.

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50. 86

    romper20posted 13 years ago

    mixing them would be the most destructive.

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