Five Types of Alcoholics Identified

• • Problem drinking, which is described as any drinking that’s to the point of intoxication and that impairs decision-making
  • Binge drinking, which is drinking copious amounts of alcohol frequently
  • Alcohol abuse, which is regular drinking with a constant increase in the frequency and quantity consumed
  • Alcoholism, which is characterized by a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol

In the last few years, however, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has conducted an extensive survey regarding alcoholism. Their findings have further divided alcoholics into five separate categories based on patterns of alcohol dependence. The five types of alcoholics they identified are:

• • Young adult alcoholics
  • Young antisocial alcoholics
  • Functional alcoholics
  • Intermediate familial alcoholics
  • Chronic severe alcoholics

Not only do these categories help alcoholics and medical experts better understand this disease, but they also help rehab and detox centers in Florida to treat it more effectively. These alcoholism types describe people of different age groups and at various life stages, who come from different backgrounds and are involved in different relationships, and who suffer from varying types of mental illness and struggle with different medical issues, so it only makes sense to understand the different types of alcoholics before seeking or offering treatment.

Together, young adult and young antisocial alcoholics account for about half the alcoholism in the United States, and young adult alcoholics alone make up about 32 percent. On average, these alcoholics are around 24 years old, but most started drinking around age 20. And while young adult alcoholics typically drink less often than other alcoholics do, they tend to binge drink more often, and on drinking days, they average a 14 drink maximum.

In this category, the alcoholics are more likely to be male, most have never been married, about half are employed full-time, and a fair number are still in school. Furthermore, most of these alcoholics don’t have any co-occurring mental illnesses, alcoholism doesn’t tend to run in the family, and it is rare for them to seek treatment. Instead, this is one of the alcoholism types with high denial rates, with sufferers often chalking up their excessive drinking to a lifestyle choice. Those who do seek treatment for their alcoholism generally prefer 12-step programs.

These alcoholics are people in their mid-twenties, most are male, and most became dependent on alcohol around the age of 18. There is a strong correlation here between their alcoholism and the alcoholism of a close family member. Many suffer from co-occurring disorders, namely depression, bipolar disorder, social anxiety disorder, or an antisocial personality disorder, which is characterized by:

• • Fighting and assault
  • Criminal activity and deceitfulness
  • Lack of remorse
  • Irresponsibility and a disregard for the safety of others

There is a high rate of other substance abuse with this alcoholism type, including cigarettes, cocaine, opiates, and marijuana. The maximum number of drinks people in this category consume is around 17, the highest of all the groups. About one-third of the people in this category seek treatment, and when they do, they tend toward self-help groups, specialty programs, and detox programs.

About 20 percent of alcoholics fall into this category, which is typically made up of middle-aged men and women from families with a long history of alcohol abuse. Like young antisocial alcoholics, about half of these alcoholics also suffer from depression or bipolar disorder. Unlike the previous alcoholism types, however, functional alcoholics generally have steady employment, are in stable relationships, have a higher level of education, have higher family incomes. They tend to drink daily or every other day. Of the one-fourth of people in this group who seek treatment, most prefer 12-step programs and private healthcare programs.