If you’re concerned about someone who drinks too much, ask a professional experienced in alcohol treatment for advice on how to approach that person. Many people with AUD do recover, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ but setbacks are common among people in treatment. Behavioral therapies can help people develop skills to avoid and overcome triggers, such as stress, that might lead to drinking.

Inpatient Treatment

You might be prescribed medication to help with your condition in severe cases. Join our supportive sober community where each day becomes a 5 types of alcoholics step towards personal growth and lasting positive change. In the next section, we provide more detailed traits of each of the five types.

Personality Characteristics of Type 2 Alcoholism

They may not experience the same level of obvious negative consequences as other types of alcoholics, at least not initially. A functioning alcoholic, for example, can mask his chemical dependency from the outside world while holding down jobs, maintaining relationships, and handling their daily responsibilities despite their substance abuse issues. The question many of these professionals have been asking for the last few decades has been, “Are there different types of alcoholics? ”This article provides some of the historical attempts about the classification of alcoholics and explains the five different types of alcoholics as they are currently understood.

Getting Help for Alcoholism

• Only 17% of functional alcoholics have ever sought help for their alcohol dependence.
• Functional alcoholism is a silent epidemic, and far more people are suffering from its hidden symptoms than most would ever imagine.
• The Verified badge on our articles is a trusted sign of the most comprehensive scientifically-based medical content.If you have any concern that our content is inaccurate or it should be updated, please let our team know at [email protected].
• If you or someone you know suffers from alcohol use disorder, seek treatment as soon as possible.
• 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.

This group tends to begin drinking at an early age (around 19) and also develops an alcohol dependence early (around 24). This group has comparatively low rates of co-occurring mental health conditions and moderate rates of other substance use disorders and family members with alcoholism. Most likely what a person pictures when the term alcoholic is used, the chronic severe alcoholic subtype only accounts for about 9 percent of the entire US alcoholic population. A chronic severe alcoholic likely started drinking and struggling with alcohol-related issues and problematic drinking at a young age and is currently middle-aged.

• This demographic’s average age is 24, with most being male, single, still in school, and with family histories of alcoholism.
• They may also teach life skills to help maintain sobriety in difficult situations and provide support that decreases the chance of a relapse.
• People who fall into the young adult alcoholic subtype also rarely have a family history of alcoholism.
• Nearly 50 percent of intermediate familial alcoholics have a family history of alcoholism.
• Identifying the specific type of alcoholic makes it easier to understand and treat people’s problems.

What Are the 4 Types of Drinkers?

Nevertheless, Jellinek’s work provided typology research with a new impetus that ushered in the post-Jellinek era of typology development. The classification system described in this study will have broad application in both clinical and research settings.” A report of the study is now available online in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence. While two-thirds have sought alcohol rehab for their addiction, it’s important that any treatment program address their co-occurring disorders and include therapies focused on preventing alcohol relapse. Get professional help from an online addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp. There’s no one way to describe a ‘typical alcoholic’ since alcoholism develops differently from person to person.

Managing Stress and Anxiety in Sober Living

They also have high rates of depression, bipolar disorder, social phobia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. This group also has the highest rates of other substance use disorders, including addiction to cigarettes, marijuana, meth, cocaine, and opioids. This group tends to start drinking younger (around 17) and also develops an alcohol dependence earlier (around 32). This subgroup is very likely to have had immediate family members with alcoholism.

What Does the Term ‚Alcoholic‘ Mean?

Conformist Drinking

• In severe cases, individuals may experience alcohol-induced psychosis, characterized by hallucinations and delusions.
• This type is defined by the physical complications that arise from heavy drinking, even in the absence of physical or psychological dependence.
• The NIAAA has identified five subtypes that can help you better understand alcohol use disorder and how it affects different individuals.
• Recognizing that you need help is the first step in your treatment journey.
• Such severe consequences could be avoided, and alcoholics can start their lives in recovery.
• They are impulsive risk-takers who deliberately get drunk and are often boisterous and extroverted.