Forgive me if I am repeating anything another has said but I haven't the energy to read all the post on this hot topic.
An Al Anon friend of mine tells me she notices a remarkable difference between 'straight alkies' and those who are maybe 'alkie/addict' or 'addict'. She says alcoholics are more forward than addicts (as in outgoing, life of the party etc...) while addicts tend to be more withdrawn. I'm not saying this is a right or wrong statement, it's just FYI. I tend to agree with her.
Personally I think 'addicts' tend to be more involved in crime than alcoholics as it can cost a lot to keep a habit,compared to a daily $10 casket of wine.
When I got sober I really identified with the life styles alot of people in NA had lived not the ones in AA who still had jobs, houses and their kids etc....
There is also the age old joke - What's the difference between and alcoholic and an addict?
An alcoholic will steal your wallet but an addict will steal your wallet then help you look for it.