Individuals within this group are typically in their early twenties and develop alcohol dependence around 19 years old. They don’t drink as often as other subtypes, but they do have high rates of binge drinking. Alcohol use disorder is common in the U.S., and understanding that addiction looks different for each person is important. Some people may use alcohol to cope with stress or mental health conditions, while others may consume it socially, out of boredom or as part of their daily routine.
Alcoholism is a huge problem in the United States, and these issues must be addressed appropriately. There are many types of alcoholics which complicate the situation as alcoholism is not a one-type-fits-all. Sub-categories are important and reveal a true representation of alcoholism and negative drinking patterns within the U.S. There are, however, 5 identified subtypes of alcoholics as identified by the National Institute Of Health (NIH).
What Factors Contribute to Alcoholism?
Thus, it is no coincidence that some of the leading physicians in countries such as France, England, Germany, and the United States devoted considerable attention to studying alcoholism. According to a review of the world alcohol literature, 39 classifications of alcoholics were developed between 1850 and 1941 (Babor and Lauerman 1986). Most of these typologies were published by alienists in books and scholarly journals. This group has the lowest levels of education, employment, and income of any group. This group also drinks more at once and more overall than other groups, although they drink slightly less frequently. On the other hand, this group is more likely to seek help than almost any other; 35% sought out some form of assistance in overcoming alcoholism.
For some alcoholics who’ve been excessive drinkers for years, it’s a difficult path to embrace sobriety. They may find it extraordinarily challenging and suffer frequent relapses or give up the goal of sobriety completely. Others, whose drinking is only more recently affecting their lives to a significant degree, may be less affected by the stigma that surrounds the fact that alcoholism changes personality.
Determining Your Alcoholic Type
This type of treatment allows you to receive help in an outpatient setting while still attending to your everyday responsibilities. This is a great option for people with mild to moderate addiction and those who have already gone through inpatient treatment. It typically includes medically monitored withdrawal, which helps reduce symptoms of withdrawal.
- Of this type, about 76% are male and only 7.6% have received a college degree, although another 13.4% are still in school.
- Each category represents a unique group, but they are all determined by the same factors.
- Type I and type II alcoholics also differed in their patterns of electrical brain waves as measured by an electroencephalogram (EEG).
- Moreover, many don’t believe they have a drinking problem until they start experiencing health issues.
- In the U.S., the intermediate familial alcoholic subtype comprises 19% of all alcoholics.
- Personal responsibility to remain in treatment and to practice the principles learned in treatment should be stressed.
Although some alcoholics may fare better than others in their daily lives, the common ground all types of alcoholism share is their negative effects over time. A small problem with alcohol is very likely to grow into a larger problem over time without treatment. 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. Learning about the five types of alcoholics can strengthen this understanding.
What are the Five Types of Alcoholism?
A special treatment approach, known as dual diagnosis treatment, is required to help people achieve their recovery goals. Many have been diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder and other mental illnesses, including major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, social phobias and panic disorder. The majority smoke, and many use other drugs, including marijuana, cocaine and opioids. More than half of young antisocial alcoholics have a family history of alcoholism, and around half also struggle with antisocial personality disorder.
Additionally, young antisocial alcoholics have a high probability of having other substance use disorders. About three-quarters of them are regular smokers, and 66 percent meet the marijuana abuse/dependence criteria. Many also have a high probability of cocaine use disorder 5 types of alcoholics and opioid use disorder. This research helped scientists identify several different types of alcoholics. Understanding these categories provides more insight into alcohol addiction and the effective treatment options for people suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD).