5 Types of Alcoholics According to the NIAAA

In addition, individuals with this subtype may be at higher risk for legal and other social problems related to their alcohol use, making early intervention all the more critical. The Young Antisocial subtype is characterized by the early onset of alcoholism, with symptoms typically beginning before age 25. Recognizing the early signs of functional alcoholism and seeking help promptly can help prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the risk of long-term complications. If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance misuse or addiction, Desert Hope Treatment Center is here to help.

Openness and New Drinking Experiences

Many alcoholics in this category also battle substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder. Alcoholism is a complex disorder that can manifest in various ways, making it crucial to recognize and understand the different types of alcoholics. By identifying these subtypes, professionals can develop tailored treatment plans to address individual needs effectively. Yes, intermediate familial alcoholics are often able to maintain their jobs and relationships despite their heavy drinking. However, they may experience frequent blackouts and other negative consequences as a result of their drinking. Intermediate familial alcoholics are individuals who have a family history of alcoholism, and who may have grown up in homes where alcohol abuse was common.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Steroids?

Treatment options such as inpatient, outpatient, detoxification, support groups, and MAT can all help those struggling with AUD. Examples of these medications include Naltrexone (Vivitrol), Acamprosate (Campral), and Disulfiram (Antabuse). It allows you to focus on recovery in an environment free from triggers and distractions. This may result in gaps in recollection of events, potentially damaging relationships or causing embarrassment. Drinking may temporarily alleviate negative emotions, but it can exacerbate them in the long run, leading to increased alcohol 5 types of alcoholics dependence.

• They often experience significant life disruptions, such as job loss, relationship breakdowns, and legal problems, as a result of their alcohol dependency.
• Studies have also shown that participation in self-help groups can benefit a chronically severe alcoholic as they provide social support and a sense of community for those in recovery.
• This demographic’s average age is 24, with most being male, single, still in school, and with family histories of alcoholism.
• This can lead to a destructive cycle of dependence and worsening emotional states.

Intermediate Familial Subtype

While treatment for all alcoholics remains generally similar, some may respond better to different addiction support types than others. The good news is they’re more likely to seek treatment than those in other groups at 66%. They are also the most likely to participate in detox programs at inpatient treatment centers with private health care providers.

This subtype of alcoholics is generally in their mid-20s and started drinking young. Early episodes of binge and heavy drinking https://ecosoberhouse.com/ (binge drinking on five or more days in the same month) can elevate the risk for struggling with alcohol-related issues later in life. People who fall into the young adult alcoholic subtype also rarely have a family history of alcoholism. Alcoholism is considered to be a heritable disease, as NIAAA reports that genetics can account for about half of the risk for developing the disease. The flip side of this coin, however, is that environmental and other factors make up the other half of the risks for the onset of addiction.

• Melrose Recovery offers alcohol rehab near Los Angeles, which includes detox and residential treatment.
• It’s important to note that treatment approaches should be tailored to each individual’s specific needs and circumstances.
• Open individuals may be more receptive to information about the effects of alcohol and potentially more willing to modify their drinking habits based on new knowledge or experiences.
• These types of alcoholics tend to drink less regularly than other groups, but binge drink whenever they do drink.
• There’s no one way to describe a ‘typical alcoholic’ since alcoholism develops differently from person to person.

Preexisting Mental Health Conditions

• Alcoholism is a treatable disease, but it requires professional intervention and support.
• A functional alcoholic may not hit “rock bottom,” and they are often successful in relationships, employment, and life in general.
• While treatment for all alcoholics remains generally similar, some may respond better to different addiction support types than others.
• They’re often middle-aged and educated and can maintain stable employment and relationships.

When examining alcoholism, it becomes evident that there are distinct subtypes that individuals may fall under. Understanding these 5 types of alcoholics is essential for proper identification and intervention. The types include the Young Adult Subtype, Young Antisocial Subtype, Functional Subtype, Intermediate Familial Subtype, and Chronic Severe Subtype. The Intermediate Familial Subtype makes up approximately 18.8% of the alcoholic population in the United States 1.

Functional Alcoholic

These alcohol-induced personality shifts stem from alcohol’s rapid effects on the brain, which can begin within minutes of consumption. All treatment providers we recommend are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) or Care Inspectorate. Through our referral service, we refer thousands of individuals struggling with addiction to the most suitable and effective treatments for them.

Men outnumber women 2.5 times to 1 in this category, and they tend to be single. The presence of any two symptoms within a one-year period can result in a diagnosis of alcohol addiction. As previously mentioned, however, there are multiple types of alcoholic subtypes. The following checklists for each type can help you determine which subtype you might fall into.

The Chronic Severe Subtype represents approximately 9.2% of the alcoholic population in the United States 1. Individuals in this subtype likely started drinking and experiencing alcohol-related issues at a young age. They drug addiction are often middle-aged and have a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders. Chronic severe alcoholics also have a higher likelihood of abusing other substances alongside alcohol. Almost one-third of alcoholics in the United States are young adult alcoholics.