According to the study, they have five or more alcoholic beverages on 73% of the days that they drink. 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. Folks within the intermediate familial subtype account for 19% of alcoholics.
The Future of Alcoholism Classification
Social determinants such as family history, socioeconomic status, and community support also impact recovery. Tailoring treatment plans to consider these factors enhances engagement and effectiveness. Psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, helps modify drinking behaviors and develop healthier coping skills.
The Role of Medication in Detox and Residential Treatment Programs
People in the functional subtype manage to prevent the disease from interfering in their professional and personal lives, but often with dire consequences. Their disease can continue for years until a severe, alcohol-related problem in their health or relationships arises. With the highest education and income levels of all alcoholic types, they are predominately middle-aged (around 41), male (60%), and married (about 50%). They usually develop an alcohol dependency in their late 30s, later than other subtypes, and experience moderate rates of depression. This subtype contains the lowest levels of employment, education, and income out of all other subtypes. This category is also likely to consume high levels of alcohol within a short period, although they drink less frequently than others.
This is often one of the most difficult subtypes to treat, as these individuals may not believe they have a problem—or may not care. Approaches that include behavioral therapy, structure, and accountability (such as inpatient programs or legal consequences) tend to work best. The young adult subtype is the most prevalent but often the most overlooked. Because many in this group don’t fit the stereotype of a “problem drinker,” it’s easy to dismiss their alcohol use as normal college or young adult behavior. But beneath the surface, this subtype involves frequent binge drinking and a high risk of long-term consequences.
Alcohol Use Disorder
These are the “high-functioning” alcoholics who seem to have it all together. Understanding how different demographic factors intersect with alcohol use can guide targeted prevention and treatment strategies. Genetics directly influence metabolic tolerance because of inherited differences. Avenues Recovery have outlined each subtype within this article, so you can learn about them all and identify where you or a loved one may fit in. Chances are that a certain stereotype, which seems nothing like yourself, comes to mind. Chemical tests use blood, breath, urine or saliva to measure the BAC of a person.
- Alcoholic beverages are made by fermenting different types of grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Current research acknowledges that alcoholism is a complex and multifaceted condition, influenced by various individual, genetic, and environmental factors.
- The young adult subtype is the largest of the groups accounting for 31.5% of alcoholics.
- This group has the highest rate of seeking treatment from a private health care provider but also often choose self-help groups, specialty treatment programs, and detox programs.
- This group has a higher education level than most but not as high as the functional subtype.
Diagnostic and Treatment
They typically participate in 12-Step groups or are treated by private healthcare professionals. People who regularly drink heavily may experience severe or dangerous alcohol withdrawal symptoms if they quit cold turkey. A better approach can be to set goals to taper or gradually lower one’s alcohol intake. This strategy may be most appropriate for anyone currently drinking heavily when they seek treatment, such as the chronic severe subtype.
- Once they have developed AUD, quitting on their own may seem next to impossible.
- Although most individuals within this category are educated and employed, their income and level of education tend to be lower than that of functional alcoholics.
- It’s important to view relapses as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than as failures.
- Overall, the interplay of genetic inheritance, mental health issues, and social environment critically shapes different alcoholism subtypes.
- However, changing your drinking habits is the first step in the right direction.
- If binge drinking happens more frequently, the epsilon alcoholic may become a gamma alcoholic.
- By utilizing validated screening tools, healthcare providers can identify individuals who may be at risk for or already experiencing problematic alcohol use.
Functional alcoholics may not seek help until they experience a major crisis, such as a health scare or a DUI. It’s important to recognize the signs of functional alcoholism and seek help before it’s too late. There are many resources available for those struggling with alcohol addiction, including support groups, counseling, and rehabilitation programs. In conclusion, understanding the different types of alcoholics can help us better understand and support those struggling with alcohol addiction.
We then review the severity levels of alcohol use disorder (AUD), how healthcare providers classify these levels, and how demographics play a role. Finally, we discuss practical strategies for addressing risk factors that can lead to harmful drinking patterns. Representing only 9% of alcoholics, chronic severe alcoholics face the gravest consequences of addiction. Drinking is the centerpiece of their lives, often leaving a devastating wake of physical, emotional, and financial ruin.
Understanding the Varieties of Alcohol Use Disorders
The impact of alcoholism extends beyond the individual, as it has significant medical, social, and psychological implications for both the patient and society. Alcohol-related issues contribute to over 200,000 hospitalizations annually and account for 7.4% of emergency room Types of Alcoholics visits. Recognizing the importance of early intervention, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening adults for unhealthy alcohol use in the primary care setting. Functional drinkers manage significant responsibilities while maintaining a heavy drinking habit.
This subtype is also mostly male (over 75%) and has often been addicted to alcohol since being as young as 18. They also frequently suffer from other forms of mental illness (OCD, bipolar disorder, depression) or other substance abuse disorders. People in this subtype don’t drink as often as other types of alcoholics. The best type of treatment will depend on your treatment needs and individual circumstances.
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