The 5 Different Types Of Alcoholism Longleaf Recovery & Wellness

While environmental factors can play a significant role in the development of alcohol use disorder, genetics also plays an important role. Studies have shown that individuals with a family history of alcoholism are more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder themselves. It’s also important to note that functional alcoholics may be at higher risk for health problems such as liver disease and high blood pressure. Alcoholism is a serious disease that can have devastating consequences if left untreated.

Counseling & Therapy

The chronic severe subtype is the smallest but most severe of all the categories of alcoholism. Regardless of the category a person falls into, alcohol use disorders share common warning signs. Individuals often develop a tolerance for alcohol, meaning they need to consume more over time to feel the same effects.

• Traditional interventions, such as 12-step programs or brief interventions, are often less effective for this group.
• 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.
• Additionally, the stigma surrounding alcoholism may prevent them from seeking help, as they fear judgment or repercussions in their personal and professional lives.
• If you’re dealing with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and need help to stay sober, reach out to an addiction specialist to help get the treatment you need.
• Cope-motivated drinkers use alcohol to escape their problems, such as depression and anxiety.
• People who drink for enhancement often engage in adolescent binge drinking and other risky behaviors.

immigration agents are being withdrawn from Minnesota, border czar says

• Blood alcohol content (BAC) is the percentage of alcohol in your blood and is normally determined by a chemical test of breath, blood, urine or saliva.
• Environmental, emotional, and social factors often play a decisive role in shaping harmful drinking behaviors, contributing to alcohol use disorder and alcoholism.
• Chronic severe alcoholics often face co-occurring mental health disorders, risky decision-making, and even legal issues, creating a downward spiral that can be life-threatening.
• They may be in denial about their addiction, believing that they can quit drinking at any time.
• Within this group, the average age at which someone develops an alcohol addiction is 20 years old.

It often helps to learn more about the kinds of alcohol addiction that are possible. You may realize that someone you were worried about truly is struggling with alcohol use disorder. Alternatively, you may recognize yourself in one of the profiles above and are determined to create change. Based on the above, people fall into the following categories of alcoholics. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism in Birmingham, AL, contact Birmingham Recovery Center today for more information on our comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment services.

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

Additionally, they evaluate co-occurring mental health disorders and the individual’s support system to create a comprehensive treatment plan. The term “alcoholic” can carry a burden of shame that may deter people from seeking help. Many worry that admitting to having a problem brands them with an irreversible label. In reality, alcohol use disorder is a treatable medical condition, not a moral failing or weakness of willpower.

Addictions We Treat

Ideally, health care providers will one day be able to identify which AUD treatment is most effective for each person. These advances could optimize how treatment decisions are made in the future. Alcoholics Anonymous® (also known as “AA”) and other 12-step programs provide peer support for people quitting or cutting back on their drinking. Combined with treatment led by health care providers, mutual-support groups can offer a valuable added layer of support. The subtype of alcoholism from which someone may suffer does not change the fact that all kinds of alcohol addiction are chronic disorders that can be treated.

However, even a mild disorder can escalate and lead to serious problems, so early treatment is important. Unhealthy alcohol use includes any alcohol use that puts your health or safety at risk or causes other alcohol-related problems. It also includes binge drinking — a pattern of drinking where a male has five or more drinks within two hours or a female has at least four drinks within two hours. Alcohol use disorder is a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol or continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems. This disorder also involves having to drink more to get the same effect or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking.

• Their loved ones may also be alcoholics, while many have low rates of employment and higher education.
• However, identifying similarities can help people identify what kind of alcoholic they are.
• Appreciating the complex interplay of genetic, psychological, social, and behavioral factors informs a holistic approach to recovery, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

They tend to go to self-help groups, alcohol detox programs, specialty treatment programs, and private health care providers. Yet, despite the negative effects of alcohol abuse, alcoholics continue to drink. Functional alcoholics represent a unique and often overlooked subset of individuals struggling with alcohol addiction.

Understanding these genetic differences can help tailor treatment approaches and improve outcomes for individuals with AUD. The diagnosis of AUD is typically established using the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The DSM-5 provides a comprehensive framework that helps healthcare professionals assess the severity of alcohol use and identify the presence of AUD. Because denial is common, you may feel like Types of Alcoholics you don’t have a problem with drinking. You might not recognize how much you drink or how many problems in your life are related to alcohol use.

Although they may not experience immediate consequences, their reliance on alcohol often grows over time. The health effects, such as liver damage or high blood pressure, may go unnoticed until it’s too late. Additionally, cracks in their seemingly “perfect” lives may eventually surface, leading to strained relationships or declining productivity. Young adults in this group may not view their drinking as problematic, choosing to dismiss it as a “college phase” or part of youthful experimentation.

Alcoholism is a complex and chronic disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is characterized by an uncontrollable and compulsive desire to consume alcohol, despite the negative consequences it may have on one’s physical health, mental well-being, and relationships. While research has depicted seven types of alcoholics, we will discuss five types of alcoholics based on what we know about addiction at this time.