They also have high rates of depression, bipolar disorder, social phobia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. This group also has the highest rates of other substance use disorders, including addiction to cigarettes, marijuana, meth, cocaine, and opioids. This group tends to start drinking younger (around 17) and also develops an alcohol dependence earlier (around 32). This subgroup is very likely to have had immediate family members with alcoholism. They also have high probability of suffering from antisocial personality disorder, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder. This group also suffers from high rates of cigarette, marijuana, and cocaine addiction.
Alcoholism Treatment Options
With lines between problematic and social drinking frequently blurred in our 20s and early 30s, it can be hard to spot the problem before it progresses into the more severe stages of AUD. These treatment options can help you or your loved one take the first step toward sobriety and live a healthier, happier life. If you are looking for the right treatment option for yourself or someone you know, it is important to speak with a doctor or mental health professional about the best action plan. When heavy or binge drinking is the norm in a family, people tend to fall into drinking as normal behavior.
Mounting evidence links alcohol with cancer. Defining a “safe” amount of drinking is tricky — and controversial.
This subtype typically includes individuals in their late 30s to 50s and has a strong family history of alcoholism. Their drinking patterns are often shaped by generational cycles of alcohol use and emotional trauma. This group tends to begin drinking at a young age—often before 15—and is at high risk for developing chronic alcohol dependency.
The Functional subtype can be particularly hard to detect since these individuals manage to uphold a veneer of stability while suffering from significant drinking problems. Comprising about 21% of alcoholics, the Young Antisocial subtype often features individuals with a propensity for antisocial behavior, impulsivity, and risk-taking. This group tends to exhibit higher rates of criminal behavior and often has a turbulent relationship with alcohol.
- This group has the lowest levels of education, employment, and income of any group.
- About 64% are male, while around 38% are married and 21% are divorced.
- He continued on his journey with the Reframe app and found that its community of others who could sympathize especially helpful.
- Factors including age, genetics, body size and existing health conditions all influence how alcohol affects a person.
- Approaches that include behavioral therapy, structure, and accountability (such as inpatient programs or legal consequences) tend to work best.
Chronic Severe Alcoholics
This group has one of the lowest education levels of any subtype and also has the lowest employment rate. 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.
Only 43% of chronic severe alcoholics are employed full-time and 7.6% are unemployed or permanently disabled. This type typically includes individuals in their late teens to mid-20s. Most have developed a pattern of heavy drinking soon after high school or during college years, even if they’re otherwise high-functioning.
Young Antisocial Alcoholics
Many are exploring ways to cut back, including the Dry January Challenge or alcohol-free drinks. Heavy drinking can also cause problems well beyond the health of the drinker — it can damage important relationships. It’s all too common that problem drinking disrupts bonds with a spouse, family members, friends, coworkers, or employers. Support groups like Alcoholics 5 types of alcoholics characteristics of each alcoholic type Anonymous (AA) provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and find encouragement from others who have overcome addiction.
You’ll also know why it requires special treatment for successful recovery. Sunnyside Med offers access to compounded naltrexone (50mg + B6 5mg), paired with behavioral tools to help you reduce your drinking over time. Get professional help from an online addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp. Intermediate familiar alcoholics are typically employed and have a close family member who’s an alcoholic too.
The NIAAA researchers found that there were five distinct patterns ofalcohol dependence. “A lot of people with this genetic variant are aware of some of the visible symptoms, but they don’t know that it means alcohol really puts them at more risk than other people,” Chen said. The initial contact points — mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach — are most vulnerable, which is why these areas show some of the strongest links to alcohol-related cancers. Close observation of mood fluctuations can provide insights into the individual’s drinking patterns and overall mental state.
These individuals tend to suffer from a range of psychological and emotional issues that they may attempt to numb through heavy drinking. Alcohol serves as a way for them to cope with the stress and trauma they have experienced, and they may feel that it is the only way they can find relief. Typically between the ages of 18 and 25, they may have begun drinking in their early teens. Sadly, what begins as social drinking can quickly escalate to heavy drinking, often on weekends, and may lead to binge drinking. The effects of this type of drinking can be devastating, not just on the individual but also on their family and friends. The chronic severe subtype often faces visible life disruptions and may have other psychiatric conditions.
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. Members of this group generally start drinking later (around 18) and develop an alcohol dependence later (around 37). This group suffers from moderate rates of depression but lower rates of most other co-occurring disorders. Many members of this group smoke cigarettes, but few have other substance use disorders. The Young Adult subtype constitutes approximately 31.5% of alcoholics.
- Assessing the risks and benefits of alcohol consumption remains an active area of research that may lead to major changes in official guidelines or warning labels.
- They might appear successful and in control but struggle with dependency privately.
- Let’s take a closer look at different types of alcoholism and how they lead to five distinct types of drinkers.
- But not as embarrassing as being caught with her hands shaking as she’s passing out the flyers.
- It is determined that roughly 31.5% of alcoholics fall into the category of young adults, which is the largest single group.
This increased sensitivity can lead to an increased risk for addiction and dependence. If you suspect that someone you know may have a drinking problem, it’s essential to approach the situation with compassion and understanding. Avoid judgment or criticism and instead offer your support and encouragement for seeking help. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, it’s important to seek professional help. Treatment options include detox, counseling, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, there are resources available to help.
Furthermore, long-term alcohol abuse can cause brain damage by shrinking parts of the brain responsible for memory and learning. And while to the outside world it looks like Samantha is on top of the world, she has a secret. Like other “functional alcoholics” (which make up about 19.5% of the total), she seems to be handling her life well. However, she’s now drinking on a daily basis, starting earlier and earlier. At one point, she even started pouring wine into an empty juice bottle and taking sips during her PTA meeting. But not as embarrassing as being caught with her hands shaking as she’s passing out the flyers.
For more information on functional alcoholism and how to get help, visit NIH. Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol. While AUD is a major challenge, it’s crucial to keep in mind that recovery is possible.