Around one quarter of those in this category seek help for their alcoholism. It’s important to note that genetics alone do not determine whether someone will become an alcoholic. However, understanding the genetic component of alcoholism can help individuals with a family history of the disease take steps to reduce their risk, such as avoiding heavy or binge drinking and seeking professional help if necessary. Thorough assessments can help treatment providers to determine what the right type and level of care might be for a person battling alcohol addiction.
- This group tends to start drinking at a young age (around 15) but typically develops an alcohol dependence at an intermediate age (around 29).
- That means people who drink heavily often need to keep drinking heavily to feel the impact of alcohol.
The British website DrinkAware points out that people who drink heavily over a period of several weeks or months can develop very high levels of alcohol-related enzymes in the gut. That means people who drink heavily often need to keep drinking heavily to feel the impact of alcohol. The body has become accustomed to alcohol, so smaller sips do not have the same power. People in this category-type typically start drinking during their late teens five types of alcoholics – age 17 and onwards but, develop a dependency on alcohol by the time they reach their 30’s. It is thought that most individuals in this category regularly engage in binge drinking – consuming a high volume of alcohol over a short period, well above the recommended daily amount. When seeking help for alcoholism, it may be beneficial for some individuals to determine the category of alcoholic that they, or someone they know, may fall under.
Get Help for Alcohol Addiction in Las Vegas
In addition to physical effects, long-term alcohol abuse can also have significant impacts on mental health. Alcohol abuse is linked to an increased risk of depression and anxiety disorders. When it comes to types of alcoholics, there are many factors to consider to choose the best alcohol addiction treatment.
- If you are struggling with alcohol misuse despite negative personal, professional, and health consequences, you may fit into one of the five types of alcoholism or alcoholics.
- 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.
- If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, seek treatment today.
It would seem logical to begin a discussion of the history of typology with E.M. Jellinek’s classic work on the different “species” of alcoholism (1960a, b), which is widely considered to be the first scientific alcoholism typology. Moreover, by studying the evolution of alcoholism typologies, current researchers can place Jellinek’s ideas and subsequent thinking into a broader perspective.
How Do People Become Alcoholics?
While functional alcoholics may not binge drink, they do drink more alcohol than the average person. Unlike young adult alcoholics, antisocial alcoholics don’t drink socially with peers. Instead, antisocial alcoholics drink alone and typically struggle with co-occurring mental health problems. Of this type, about 76% are male and only 7.6% have received a college degree, although another 13.4% are still in school. Family incomes average around $32,000, the lowest among the subtypes alongside the chronic severe subtype. Nearly 50 percent of intermediate familial alcoholics have a family history of alcoholism.
Of the five alcoholic subtypes, intermediate familial individuals have the highest employment rates and an average family income of $50,000 yearly. Many young antisocial alcoholics also have other substance use disorders, including addiction to cigarettes, marijuana, and opiates. Only 17% of functional alcoholics have ever sought help for their alcohol dependence.
Common Alcoholic Personality Traits
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. The chronic severe subtype is the smallest but most severe of all the categories of alcoholism. 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.
As the name suggests, young adult alcoholics are typically between the ages of 18 and 25. Unfortunately, these individuals tend to be heavy drinkers and engage in binge drinking, often as a way to fit in with their peers. This can lead to a wide range of negative consequences, including academic problems, relationship issues, and even legal troubles. Dealing with alcohol addiction can be a challenging and overwhelming experience.
Can someone be a combination of all five types of alcoholics?
Some of the types describe people dealing with fewer mental health issues outside of their alcohol abuse, whereas others suffer from depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, and more. Understanding the different types of alcoholics can help individuals and their loved ones recognize the signs of alcoholism and seek appropriate treatment. While each type of alcoholic may require a different form of treatment, the first step is recognizing that there is a problem. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism, it is important to seek help and support from a qualified healthcare professional.
One of the ways that alcoholism affects mental health is by disrupting sleep patterns. Many chronic severe alcoholics experience insomnia and other sleep-related problems, which can worsen depression and anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, heavy drinking can interfere with the body’s natural ability to regulate stress hormones, leading to heightened feelings of anxiety and irritability. To manage their withdrawal symptoms and address any underlying health conditions, intensive medical treatment may be necessary for chronic severe alcoholics. In addition to medical treatment, behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management may help address the psychological aspects of alcohol dependence and promote abstinence.