For instance, an individual might struggle with both alcoholism and depression, each condition exacerbating the other. This complex interplay between addiction and mental health can make treatment particularly challenging. Psychologically, chronic severe alcoholism can lead to a host of mental health issues.
Intermediate Familial Type
The young adult subtype is less likely to have a full-time job but is more likely to be in college than other groups. This subtype drinks less frequently than others but is very likely to engage in binge drinking when they do. Members of this group are 2.5 times more likely to be male than female. While it is very unlikely that a member of this group will seek out treatment, they are most likely to seek out a 12-step program if they do.
Understanding Alcoholism
- Consequently, no single characteristic distinguishes alcoholics from non-alcoholics, and separate homogeneous subtypes differ by more than just one defining characteristic.
- As suggested in the subtypes grouped under this designation, when alcohol dependence develops in such an individual, typically after years of socially approved heavy drinking, it presents in a more benign form.
- This involves assessing the severity of their alcohol use disorder, identifying any co-occurring mental health conditions, and considering their overall support system.
When they do seek treatment, they’re more likely to attend a 12-step group or seek treatment from private health care professionals. Researchers found that about 65% of chronic severe alcoholics are male. They also have the highest divorce rates, with 25.1% divorced, 8.6% separated and only 28.7% married.
- Some outgrow their problem drinking, while others develop an addiction to alcohol as they age.
- When they drink, their maximum number of drinks is 17, the highest of any subtype of alcoholic.
- The first step to creating a better life for yourself is getting professional help.
- When heavy or binge drinking is the norm in a family, people tend to fall into drinking as normal behavior.
- Most of these typologies were published by alienists in books and scholarly journals.
Living with a Functioning Alcoholic
They may require medical detoxification to safely manage withdrawal symptoms, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. Long-term, intensive treatment is typically necessary, often involving a combination of medication, therapy, and support groups. However, the impact of functional alcoholism on personal https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and professional life can be insidious. Over time, it can lead to deteriorating health, strained relationships, and decreased work performance. The constant stress of maintaining a façade can also take a toll on mental health, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders.
What Factors Contribute to Alcoholism?
Around 31.5 percent of alcoholics fall into this subtype, which is by far the largest single group. Alcoholics within this category generally start drinking at an early age of 19 and also form alcohol dependence as early as 24 years of age. These alcoholics show comparatively low rates of co-occurring mental health disorders and moderate levels of substance use disorders. The Young Adult subtype 5 types of alcoholics refers to individuals who develop alcohol dependence during their late teens or early twenties. These individuals often have a relatively short duration of alcohol dependence and typically do not exhibit other substance abuse issues. They may have a family history of alcoholism, but they tend to have fewer severe consequences related to their drinking behavior compared to other subtypes.
Some people may transition between different alcoholic types based on changing life circumstances, but this probability depends on various factors, including their response to treatment. In the U.S., the intermediate familial alcoholic subtype comprises 19% of all alcoholics. Intermediate familial alcoholics are similar to functional ones but are more likely born with a genetic predisposition to alcoholism. However, identifying similarities can help people identify what kind of alcoholic they are. In this blog article, we cover the different types of alcoholics and how they can seek help to stay sober. Over 6 percent of American adults battled an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2015, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) publishes.
- While there is no known cure for alcoholism, it is treatable with professional help and ongoing support.
- Only 9 percent have gone to college, and only 43 percent are employed full time.
- At the other end of the spectrum from functional alcoholism, we find chronic severe alcoholism – perhaps the most recognizable and severe form of alcohol addiction.
- According to the NIAAA “More than 10% of US children live with a parent with alcohol problems…” (Alcohol Facts).
- This research helped scientists identify several different types of alcoholics.
- We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.
Another factor is whether or not someone is also addicted to other drugs. This additional substance abuse is noted as co-occurring substance dependence, which can be caused by alcoholism or go on to cause alcoholism. The type of alcoholic can also be determined by any additional mental health diagnoses. However, despite their apparent success, individuals with this subtype still experience negative consequences from their alcohol use.
If they do choose to seek help, they tend to prefer 12-step programs over specialty treatment clinics or private professional practices. There’s no one way to describe a ‘typical alcoholic’ since alcoholism develops differently from person to person. However, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) performed a study to categorize different alcoholics to note their similarities. The effort was made to categorize different types of alcoholics, partly to dispel the myth that there is a typical alcoholic. Genetic, environmental, and psychological factors influence the risk of becoming an alcoholic.
