Understanding the Five Types of Alcoholics Get Help For Alcohol Addiction

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. You’ll also know why it requires special treatment for successful recovery. Intermediate familiar alcoholics are typically employed and have a close family member who’s an alcoholic too.

• Individuals in this subtype often exhibit antisocial behavior, engage in impulsive actions, and have a higher risk of co-occurring disorders such as conduct disorder or antisocial personality disorder.
• This group drinks more frequently than any other, although their total alcohol intake is less than the young antisocial subtype.
• Family members may experience feelings of guilt, anger, and frustration as they try to understand and cope with their loved one’s addiction.
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for alcohol addiction treatment include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram, which help reduce cravings and discourage alcohol consumption.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Overperforming in their own life is how the Hero tries to feel a sense of control when their family life is in disarray. Tim enjoys writing about addiction and recovery, this topic has personally affected him, fuelling his desire to help others. After undergoing a full detox, it is always recommended that individuals follow this with therapy or counselling of some form. Luckily, there are many ways in which individuals can go about this, specialised to their needs and requirements on a personal level. Most of these individuals will have a family history of AUD, meaning that they were more likely to be exposed to this behaviour as a young child or adolescent. Although there are many other reasons why an individual may develop an AUD, these are the most common.

• Don’t let the facade of “functionality” fool you – alcoholism is a disease that requires professional attention and care.
• Young antisocial and chronic severe types show strongest genetic loading.
• The chronic severe subtype is the least prevalent, accounting for only about 9 percent of alcoholics.13 However, this group is the most severe, with heavy drinking occurring almost daily.
• However, with the right support and resources, it is possible to overcome alcohol addiction and lead a healthy, fulfilling life.
• Almost35%of young antisocial alcoholics have sought help for their alcohol dependence problems.
• Alcohol use disorder looks different for each person, so your treatment should look different too.

Individuals belonging to the Intermediate Familial Subtype often have a family history of alcoholism, with close relatives, such as parents or siblings, who have struggled with alcohol addiction. This genetic predisposition increases their vulnerability to alcohol-related problems. One of the defining characteristics of the functional subtype is the ability to maintain their external responsibilities despite their alcohol use.

• Understanding the various types of alcoholics can also help individuals struggling with alcoholism realize that they are not alone in their experiences.
• Join our supportive sober community where each day becomes a step towards personal growth and lasting positive change.
• However, that can be tricky because there are five subtypes of AUD, and each may appear somewhat different.
• Beyond problematic drinking behaviors, there are a few traits that are more common among people with AUD.
• AA follows a 12-step program that emphasizes self-reflection, acceptance, and ongoing support from peers who have faced similar challenges.

If you were raised in a home where one or both parents were alcoholics (or even addicts), you are probably an Adult Child of an Alcoholic (ACOA). ACOA’s are a group of individuals who have unique, and sometimes dysfunctional ways of living and behaving due to their upbringing. There are also some specific family roles ACOA’s may take on when they are growing up. Individuals struggling with alcoholism may exhibit traits from more than one type.

Alcohol Use Disorder Severity Levels

Because many in this group don’t fit the stereotype of a “problem drinker,” it’s easy to dismiss their alcohol use as normal college or young adult behavior. But beneath the surface, this subtype involves frequent binge drinking and a high risk of long-term consequences. These alcoholics also tend to spend a considerable amount of time using and recovering from alcohol while also experiencing a reduction in productivity due to drinking. This category also reports the highest rate of emergency room visits due to drinking. 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.

The Caretaker

Preventative measures are much easier than trying to cut back on drinking after you have become dependent or addicted to alcohol. Discover why treating both conditions together changes everything. Young antisocial and chronic severe types show strongest genetic loading. Suddenly, alcoholism wasn’t a character flaw—it was a medical condition with distinct subtypes.

Alcohol Recovery Steps: Tips and Strategies for Recovery

Studies have found that individuals with a family history of alcoholism are at a higher risk for developing the disease themselves. Encourage them to speak with their healthcare provider or seek out resources like Alcoholics Anonymous or counseling services. Remember that recovery is a journey, and everyone’s path is different. With the right support and resources, those struggling with alcoholism can overcome their addiction and lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Unfortunately, alcohol abuse can lead to a range of negative consequences, including legal troubles and even criminal activity. This type of alcoholic may require specialized treatment to address their underlying issues and prevent them from engaging in criminal behavior while under the influence of alcohol.

In many cases, you may not expect a functional alcoholic to have a problem. That’s because they can balance their drinking with their personal and professional life. Moreover, many don’t believe they have a drinking problem until they start experiencing health issues. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) studied alcoholics and how they differ. Each subtype is unique and offers a bit more insight into alcohol abuse.

Characteristics of Young Antisocial Subtype

At New Horizons Recovery Centers, we offer alcohol addiction treatment in Ohio and Pennsylvania that addresses the unique needs behind each form of alcohol use disorder. The chronic severe subtype involves long-term, compulsive alcohol dependence, often with significant medical and psychiatric complications. Unlike other subtypes, these individuals may not experience major legal, financial, or health issues right away, making it hard to spot until the pattern becomes ingrained. However, the risks are significant—alcohol-related injuries, blackouts, and the progression to more serious alcohol dependence later in life. These individuals are the most-educated and well-off out of all categories, and half of them are most likely to be married. Although these alcoholics appear to be functional, they still suffer from an addiction to alcohol.

When heavy or binge drinking is the norm in a family, people tend to fall into drinking as normal behavior. Chronic severe alcoholics have the highest rate of family members who also experience alcohol dependence at77%. The last personality type is “the caretaker,” which is when a child tries to help their alcoholic parent. For example, a child may feel the need to make excuses or lie to cover up their parent’s drinking problems.

Some genes increase the risk, while others may potentially decrease it. For example, individuals of Asian descent may carry a gene variant that affects alcohol metabolism, leading to unpleasant effects such as flushing, nausea, and rapid heartbeat when drinking. These individuals tend to avoid alcohol due to these effects, which in turn helps protect them from developing AUD. It’s important to note that treatment approaches should be tailored to each individual’s specific needs and circumstances. A comprehensive and personalized treatment plan, combining pharmacotherapy, behavioral interventions, and support systems, can significantly increase the chances of successful recovery from AUD. heroin addiction The diagnosis of AUD is typically established using the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).