Different Types of Alcoholics and Alcoholism

The Chronic Severe Subtype represents approximately 9.2% of the alcoholic population in the United States 1. Individuals in this subtype likely started drinking and experiencing alcohol-related issues at a young age. They are often middle-aged and have a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders. Chronic severe alcoholics also have a higher likelihood of abusing other substances alongside alcohol. Alcohol addiction is a complex disorder that can manifest in various ways.

• With acute alcohol withdrawal, more than 90% find themselves subservient to alcohol, despite the terrible physical and mental symptoms it causes.
• Not every impaired or intoxicated driver causes a traffic crash, but each one is dangerous, putting their lives and those they share the road with at risk.
• Additionally, they may have a family history of alcoholism, which can increase their risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.
• You may intend to limit yourself to just one or two drinks when you go out but often find that you can’t stop after that point.
• This group also suffers from high rates of cigarette, marijuana, and cocaine addiction.

Risk Factors and Warning Signs

You might see this type of alcoholism in industries where heavy drinking is normalized like entertainment or politics. Those who receive help usually gravitate towards groups, medical detox and treatment programs, or seek individual care from a private provider. The specific subtype of alcoholic you are doesn’t matter as much as simply getting help does.

Zero Tolerance for Drivers Under Age 21

Individuals often develop a tolerance for alcohol, meaning they need to consume more over time to feel the same effects. This pattern can lead to Types of Alcoholics withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating, or tremors when they stop drinking. Persistent cravings, secretive drinking, or prioritizing alcohol over other areas of life often indicate a growing problem.

Functional Subtype

• Functional alcoholics are often able to maintain their responsibilities despite their drinking.
• Young antisocial alcoholics are individuals who engage in heavy drinking as a way to cope with underlying psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and antisocial behavior.

This makes it the most common type of alcoholism in wine-drinking countries, where people are somewhat “expected” to drink as part of their culture. Beta alcoholism involves serious medical complications due to excessive drinking. Beta alcoholics usually suffer from liver damage and nutritional deficiency, and may frequently experience blackouts due to severe intoxication. Unlike alpha alcoholism, beta alcoholism does not involve psychological or physical dependence.

Life After Rehab and Relapse Prevention

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. It is a progressive condition that can have severe physical, psychological, and social repercussions. All types of alcoholics require treatment to overcome the multiple components of addiction. Fortunately, many treatment options are available to help them start living a healthier, sober lifestyle. Alcoholism affects more than just your physical health; it touches every part of your life.

First Health PPO Coverage for Drug & Alcohol Rehab

Young antisocial alcoholics drank an average of 201 days in the last year, binge drinking (consuming five or more drinks) on an average of 80% of their drinking days. When they drink, their maximum number of drinks is 17, the highest of any subtype of alcoholic. Chronic severe alcoholics include the highest percentage of people struggling with co-occurring psychiatric disorders and other substance abuse issues. This group also experiences the highest alcohol-related emergency room visits, work and social problems, and withdrawal.

This subtype is the most likely of any to experience major depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, and panic disorder. This group also is very likely to experience addiction to cigarettes, marijuana, cocaine, and opioids. This category of alcoholics represents the smallest percentage of alcoholics, with only 9.2 percent. Although this category of individuals generally starts drinking at the of 15, they usually develop alcohol dependence at an intermediate age of around 29 years old. This subtype is the most likely out of all subtypes to undergo major depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. This category also has addictions to cigarettes, marijuana, opioids, and cocaine.

• To gain a deeper understanding of this condition, it is important to explore its definition, overview, and the complexity it entails.
• And if you are serving hard liquor at your wedding, limiting the selection will help ensure guests won’t overindulge.
• Experts in the field of addiction say these categories are more than just labels — they can also be useful tools in treating alcoholism.
• Some individuals may prefer traditional treatment methods such as detoxification, counseling, and medication-assisted therapy.
• Continued binge drinking can lead to accidents, legal troubles, damaged relationships, and declining academic or job performance.

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Also known as the “high-functioning alcoholic,” this subtype defies many people’s assumptions about alcohol use disorder. These individuals often appear successful on the outside—they have stable jobs, families, and social lives—but secretly rely on alcohol to cope or unwind. These individuals frequently have a history of legal trouble, unstable relationships, impulsivity, or aggression.