Breaking Down The 5 Different Types of Alcoholics

Around one-third of young antisocial alcoholics will seek treatment for problematic drinking. It is determined that roughly 31.5% of alcoholics fall into the category of young adults, which is the largest single group. This group tends to begin drinking at an early age (around 19) and also develops an alcohol dependence early (around 24). This group has comparatively low rates of co-occurring mental health conditions and moderate rates of other substance use disorders and family members with alcoholism. The functional subtype is what you might think of when you hear “functional alcoholics.” Making up 19.5% of alcoholics, this is the group that is holding down jobs and relationships.

Behavioral Treatments

If you recognize any of these alcoholic subtypes in yourself or someone you what are whippets know, it may be time to seek help. Our admissions navigators are available 24/7 to provide the information you need to start your journey to sobriety. Brief Interventions are short, one-on-one or small-group counseling sessions that are time limited. The counselor provides information about the individual’s drinking pattern and potential risks.

If you know someone who has firsthand knowledge of a program, it may help to ask about their personal experience. Certain medications have been shown to effectively help people stop or reduce their drinking and avoid a return to drinking. 12-step facilitation therapy is an engagement strategy used in counseling sessions to increase an individual’s active involvement in 12-step-based mutual-support groups. The good news is that no matter how severe the problem may seem, most people with AUD can benefit from some form of treatment. Many others substantially reduce their drinking and report fewer alcohol-related problems.

Types of Treatment

Many people with AUD do recover, but setbacks are common among people in treatment. Behavioral therapies can help people develop skills to avoid and overcome triggers, such as stress, that might lead to drinking. Medications also can help deter drinking during times when individuals may be at greater risk of a return to drinking (e.g., divorce, death of a family member). Nearly half of them have a close family member who is also an alcoholic. They have an average age do alcoholics have big noses of 38 years, began drinking at almost age 17, and developed alcohol dependence at an average age of 32 years. Intermediate familial alcoholics drink on an average of 172 days a year, consuming five or more drinks on 54% of those days with a maximum of 10 drinks.

This group drinks more frequently than any other, although their total alcohol intake is less than the young antisocial subtype. Two-thirds of this subtype have sought help for their alcoholism at some point, making them by far the most likely to have done so. They often seek help at self-help groups, rehabilitation programs, and detox programs. They have the highest rate of seeking treatment at an inpatient program and also seek out help from private physicians, psychiatrists, and social workers at high rates. The terms “alcoholism” and “alcoholic” carry a heavy stigma that can discourage individuals from seeking help. The young adult subtype is the most prevalent subtype, making up 31.5% of people who are alcohol dependent.

This group also suffers from high rates of cigarette, marijuana, and cocaine addiction. 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.

1. Binge drinking is a pattern of excessive alcohol use that increases the risk for developing tolerance and then physical dependence on alcohol that can then lead to addiction.
2. About 64% are male, while around 38% are married and 21% are divorced.
3. Brief Interventions are short, one-on-one or small-group counseling sessions that are time limited.
4. Chronic severe alcoholics include the highest percentage of people struggling with co-occurring psychiatric disorders and other substance abuse issues.
5. 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.

Are There Different Types of Alcoholics?

The groups for family and friends listed in the “Resources” section may be a good starting point. It is important to gauge whether the facility provides all the currently available, evidence-based methods or relies on one approach. You may want to learn if the program or provider solution-focused therapy interventions offers medication and whether mental health issues are addressed together with alcohol treatment. Also known as “alcohol counseling,” behavioral treatments involve working with a health care provider to identify and help change the behaviors that lead to alcohol problems. 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.

Approximately 22% have a first- or second-degree family member who is also dependent on alcohol. Compared to other types of alcoholics, young adults are less likely to have psychiatric disorders or legal problems. 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. Other names for AUD include alcohol misuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, and alcoholism.

The Functioning Alcoholic

Almost 35% of young antisocial alcoholics have sought help for their alcohol dependence problems. They tend to go to self-help groups, alcohol detox programs, specialty treatment programs, and private health care providers. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Almost 27% of intermediate familial alcohol dependents have sought help for their drinking problem.