On average, they drink alcohol every other day, and they consume five or more drinks on an average of 98 of those drinking days. About 31 percent of functional alcoholics have a family member with alcohol use disorder. Although they have low rates of anxiety disorders, they have about a 24 percent probability of having major depression. Alcohol use disorder (alcoholism) is a complex disease that doesn’t always look the same or affect people in the same ways. These five subtypes differ from one another in who they affect, how common they are, their severity, and other identifying characteristics. There is no subtype of alcohol dependence that is ‘safe’ enough to ignore.
Other studies compared alcoholics with and without coexistent psychopathologies. Therapy can be continued in the long term, even after leaving rehab, meaning that it is one of the most effective forms of treatment for all types of alcoholics at any stage of their recovery. Individuals who drink chronically are shown to exhibit far more aggressive behaviours than other types of alcoholics, meaning that they often engage in antisocial behaviours and/or crime. Generally, these individuals started drinking at a young age, though they are now middle-aged or older and often struggle with antisocial personality disorder and/or trouble with the law. Additionally, these individuals are often far more likely to have a co-occurring mental health disorder such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Individuals in this category are not fully developed, meaning that the brain can undergo significant developmental damage as a result of high alcohol consumption.
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Although strong links have been drawn between alcoholic parents and children growing up to be alcoholics (3), there are many other reasons why someone may turn to alcoholism. As alcohol is a physically addictive substance, as mentioned above, this makes the withdrawal process slightly more 5 types of alcoholics complex than other substances such as cocaine and cannabis (both of which are non-physically addictive substances). When in the cycle of addiction, an individual’s career/school life, finances, and relationships, can all be affected, often worsening as the individual is left untreated.
Previous efforts to identify alcoholism subtypes focused primarily on individuals who were hospitalized or otherwise receiving treatment for their alcoholism. Thus, a substantial proportion of people with alcoholism were not represented in the samples previously used to define subtypes of this disease. Of all subtypes, the functional subtype is the least likely to have legal problems; they are the least likely to report problems due to their drinking.
Tailoring Treatment f0r Different Types of Alcoholism
Genetic factors play a significant role in alcoholism, and individuals with a family history of alcoholism are more likely to develop alcohol use disorders. Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic disease characterized by the compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcohol. It is marked by an inability to control or stop drinking despite the negative consequences it may have on one’s physical health, mental well-being, and personal relationships. The presence of any two symptoms within a one-year period can result in a diagnosis of alcohol addiction.
- This group also drinks more at once and more overall than other groups, although they drink slightly less frequently.
- However, these numbers can vary depending on your alcohol tolerance and other biological responses.
- Many young antisocial alcoholics also have other substance use disorders, including addiction to cigarettes, marijuana, and opiates.
- These are people that may seem to have their lives together; they may be the ones that others look up to.
More than half of young antisocial alcoholics have a family history of alcoholism, and around half also struggle with antisocial personality disorder. When a person suffers from a co-occurring mental health disorder, the risk for also developing alcoholism or problems with substance abuse are elevated. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) publishes that co-occurring mental health disorders and addiction are common, as about 8 million adults in America battled both in 2014. This group tends to start drinking at the youngest age (around 15) and also develops an alcohol dependence at the earliest age (around 18). More than 50% of this group have traits of antisocial personality disorder. They also have high rates of depression, bipolar disorder, social phobia, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Treating Alcohol Use Disorders
Morning drinking relieves mild withdrawal symptoms, and the person’s life becomes centered around the use of small doses of alcohol throughout the day. Eventually alcohol’s cumulative effects lead to major medical complications and organic brain disorders. The NIAAA researchers found that there were five distinct patterns of alcohol dependence.
M. Jellinek created the first scientific typology which referred to alcoholism as a disease, but, these have since evolved. The Intermediate Familial Subtype is one of the five types of alcoholics, characterized by a strong family history of alcoholism and a later onset of alcohol-related problems compared to other subtypes. Understanding the characteristics and factors that contribute to this subtype can provide valuable insights into the nature of alcoholism and inform appropriate interventions. Chronic severe alcoholics include the highest percentage of people struggling with co-occurring psychiatric disorders and other substance abuse issues. This group also experiences the highest alcohol-related emergency room visits, work and social problems, and withdrawal.
It also can determine whether a certain type of treatment will be more effective than another. The five types of alcoholics are young adult, young antisocial, functional, intermediate familial, and chronic severe. About 77 percent of chronic severe alcoholics have family members with alcohol dependency. Of the five types of alcoholics discovered in the study, they have the lowest education levels and employment rates of all. They are also likely to be regular smokers and use other substances, including marijuana, cocaine, and opioids.
More than a quarter have sought help for their drinking at some point through self-help groups, treatment programs, alcohol detox programs and health care providers. These treatment options can help you or your loved one take the first step toward sobriety and live a healthier, happier life. If you are looking for the right treatment option for yourself or someone you know, it is important to speak with a doctor or mental health professional about the best action plan. Remember, it’s not just alcohol which can causes symptoms that lead to panic attacks. Excessive intake of other drugs and food, including caffeine and sugar, may also be triggers. It is also important to check whether you feel able to take a break from alcohol and look out for the warning signs of a drinking problem.
Removing Barriers to Treatment
Tim enjoys writing about addiction and recovery, this topic has personally affected him, fuelling his desire to help others. Two of the most effective addiction treatments are outlined in the following subheadings. Luckily, there are many ways in which individuals can go about this, specialised to their needs and requirements on a personal level. Most of these individuals will have a family history of AUD, meaning that they were more likely to be exposed to this behaviour as a young child or adolescent. Although there are many other reasons why an individual may develop an AUD, these are the most common. By definition, an alcoholic is an individual who consumes alcohol to a dangerous level, above the government’s recommended 14 units a week, and who may be struggling in other areas of their lives as a result of this.
- They drink more heavily than any other type of alcoholic, consuming alcohol 248 days of the year on average and drinking five or more drinks 69 percent of the time.
- Chronic severe alcoholics experience the highest alcohol-related emergency room visits, professional and social problems, and withdrawal.
- This is a slippery slope that can easily spiral into a devastating addiction, make your panic attacks and anxiety worse in the long term.
- Not surprisingly, alcohol affects just about every aspect of their life.
- Many people don’t seek help for themselves or a loved one with a drinking problem due to shame, embarrassment, or being unable to recognize the problem for what it is.