Sober living

What Are The Subtypes of Alcoholics?

Alcoholics are unable to control how much and how often they drink, and generally, they are unable to stop drinking on their own. Alcoholism is a diverse and complicated disease, and there are many factors that can make one person more vulnerable than another to suffer from it. Biological and environmental factors, as well as a person’s age when they first drink alcohol, can also be contributing factors to alcohol abuse, dependence, and addiction. About half of this subtype of alcoholics smoke cigarettes, and one-third have a family history of alcoholism. Around one-quarter of the functional alcoholic demographic have had at least one major depressive episode in their lives as well. Depression and mood disorders commonly co-occur with alcohol abuse and can increase a person’s vulnerability to addiction.

This alcoholism type is thought to have a genetic basis and a poor prognosis. In discussing the general causes and conditions favoring inebriety, Crothers also classified alcoholism as either acquired or hereditary. People with acquired inebriety often have histories of physical disorders, particularly dyspepsia (i.e., indigestion), bad nutrition, and exhaustion from unhygienic living conditions or stressful work environments.

There Is Help Available For All Types of Alcoholics

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 publishes that co-occurring mental health disorders and addiction are common, as about 8 million adults in America battled both in 2014. Those in this subtype typically start drinking early and develop alcohol dependence early .

  • According to the NIAAA study, a functional alcoholic is usually middle-aged and developed a dependency problem later in life than most other subtypes, typically at around 37 years old.
  • Medically-supervised withdrawal, evidence-based treatment, behavioral therapy, support groups, and plans for life after treatment can all aid a person who is looking to recover from alcohol addiction.
  • Starting with medical detox and “ending” with continued support via our alumni program, clients at our facility are led through every step of their recovery by our specialists.
  • One of the biggest differences between this subtype and Young Adult Alcoholics is the fact that a Young Antisocial drinker tends to have a much higher rate of drinking in their family and of experiencing mental disorders.
  • This subtype mainly includes men, has the highest divorce rate, and frequently includes users of illicit drugs.
  • There is no cure for the disease of alcohol addiction although it can be successfully treated and managed with professional help from an alcohol rehab treatment center.

However, you can 5 types of alcoholics as a social drinker and slowly become an alcoholic without being aware of your problem. If you or someone you care about needs help to stop drinking and is ready to begin treatment for alcohol abuse, contact Chapman House TODAY. In Southern California, the best resource for individuals and families in crisis is Chapman House Treatment Centers. Located in Orange County, Chapman House has provided premium alcohol, drug, and behavioral health care treatment since 1978.

Guide to the Different Kinds of Alcoholics

Here are the five types of alcoholics and their main characteristics. This drinking type may not be a problem as long as it doesn’t cause disruptions in personal lives and careers.

  • The NIAAA reports over 1,500 college students die each year due to alcohol-related causes.
  • They tend to drink less often than the other types, but binge drink more.
  • As was mentioned above, some people believe there are seven types of alcoholics.
  • A social drinker consumes alcohol in various settings, such as homes, restaurants and celebrations, to bond, relax and socialize with others.

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