By shedding light on these subtypes, we can better address the complexities of alcoholism and provide the necessary resources for recovery. The Young Adult Subtype is one of the five types of alcoholics that can help us better understand and address the complexities of alcoholism. This subtype is characterized by specific traits and behaviors that are common among young adults struggling with alcohol addiction. Recognizing and understanding the different types of alcoholics is an essential step in addressing the complexities of alcoholism. By tailoring treatment approaches to meet the specific needs of individuals within each subtype, we can improve the likelihood of successful outcomes and long-term recovery. Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic disease characterized by the compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcohol.
Intermediate Familial Subtype
The intermediate familial subtype, on average, begins drinking around age 17 and starts struggling with dependence by their 30’s. Less than 30% of all intermediate familial alcoholics seek treatment for their disease. Nova Recovery Center is a trusted drug and alcohol rehab facility offering personalized treatment programs across the United States. With a focus on long-term recovery, our evidence-based services include medical detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, and sober living.
What is Alcoholism?
Intervals can last up to years if the drinker does not find any motivation to binge drink. If binge drinking happens more frequently, the epsilon alcoholic may become a gamma alcoholic. Called “maintenance drinkers,” delta alcoholics are unable to skip a day without drinking, but since they can control how much they drink, they often do not look or feel drunk. Alpha alcoholics are advised to go to therapy or explore other coping mechanisms to deal with emotional and physical stress, like exercising, meditation, journaling or getting emotional support from a trusted loved one.
Habits for Proper Mental Health
- They are also the most likely to participate in detox programs at inpatient treatment centers with private health care providers.
- Likely to be in college, this subtype drinks less frequently than other groups, but they are more prone to binge drink when they do.
- Such gradual dependencies often go unnoticed until significant health or personal disruptions arise.
- Early intervention is crucial to prevent the progression of AUD and the development of alcohol-related physical or mental health complications.
- These individuals may hold steady jobs, have stable relationships, and exhibit a high level of functioning in society.
It allows you to focus on recovery in an environment free from triggers and distractions. This post discusses five distinct categories of people who suffer from alcoholism. By exploring each category in depth, you’ll better understand the complexities surrounding alcoholism.
Cultural Factors in Alcohol Types
- Fortunately, many treatment options are available to help them start living a healthier, sober lifestyle.
- By identifying with a particular subtype, individuals may find solace in knowing that others have faced similar challenges and have successfully overcome them.
- Still, it took years — the overlapping challenges of ASP and social anxiety made the already rough process even lengthier.
Copers will likely experience long-term consequences from their avoidant behavior when they fail to address underlying issues. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines specific criteria for diagnosing alcohol use disorder. These criteria include factors such as the inability to cut down or control alcohol consumption, cravings or strong urges to drink, and continued alcohol use despite adverse effects on relationships or work performance. The young antisocial subtype makes up the second largest percentage of Americans with alcohol use disorder, coming in at 21%.
However, they may rely heavily on alcohol to cope with stress or manage emotions. This high-functioning alcoholic subtype may be less likely to seek help due to their ability to maintain a functional lifestyle. The Functional Subtype refers to individuals who are typically middle-aged, well-educated, and employed. They may be high-functioning alcoholics who are able to maintain successful careers and fulfill daily responsibilities despite their alcohol dependence. This subtype often denies having a drinking problem and may not seek help until later stages 5 types of alcoholics of alcoholism. When it comes to addressing alcoholism, a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective.
Over the past 150 years, clinicians and researchers have been striving to categorize alcoholics based on their personal and drinking-related characteristics. This section explores the historical overview of alcoholism typologies, including E.M. This group is the youngest to start drinking and to become alcohol-dependent (15 and 18, respectively). More than 75% are male, and more than 50% have traits of antisocial personality disorder.
The terrible times that led to good times
Challenging these societal norms and providing education about responsible drinking are crucial steps in preventing alcoholism from taking root. Untreated mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, are central to many cases of alcohol addiction. People in this subtype don’t drink as often as other types of alcoholics. Regardless of which type of alcoholic someone is, the potential risk for health problems or death are alarming. Alcoholism is the 3rd leading lifestyle-related cause of death with around 88,000 deaths reported each year.
In their favor, because this form of alcoholism is easy to spot, young antisocial alcoholics are more likely to seek treatment. They are also more likely to try more substantial treatment programs such as detox programs and help from a health care provider. These individuals are also more at risk of major depression and bipolar disorder, adding to the time spent in rehabilitation and treating these co-occurring mental health issues. Individuals who classify as functional alcoholics often struggle with mental health, and many individuals in this category commonly report depression and other mood disorders as a result of their behaviour. For the young adult subtype of alcoholic, the brain is still developing.
This type experiences a mix of genetic predispositions and learned behaviors from family settings. Despite their external stability, their reliance on alcohol creates underlying strain, both physically and mentally. Over time, their drinking intensifies, affecting mental health and potentially leading to more serious issues like alcohol use disorder. Acknowledging the problem is the first step, followed by seeking structured help to break the cycle of addiction. For any form of alcoholism, understanding the emotional triggers driving alcohol use is key to achieving lasting recovery. 77% of chronic severe subtypes have close relatives suffering from alcoholism, and more Oxford House than 80% of this group struggle to stop their alcohol dependence.