Different Types of Alcoholics: Understanding Each Type

For resources and support, explore the stages of alcoholism and recovery to begin your healing process today. Functional alcoholics are high-functioning individuals who hide their drinking. Despite outward appearances, they are at risk for serious health problems like liver disease and heart issues. The Recovery Village Kansas City offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. The young adult subtype is less likely to have a full-time job but is more likely to be in college than other groups. This subtype drinks less frequently than others but is very likely to engage in binge drinking when they do.

Mental Health Issues and Alcohol Use Disorder

• Below are two resources that practitioners use to help diagnose and treat people with AUD.
• A chronic severe alcoholic’s life may include multiple failed relationships, job instability, and homelessness due to their inability to function without alcohol.
• There’s no one way to describe a ‘typical alcoholic’ since alcoholism develops differently from person to person.
• A functional alcoholic is more likely to have alcoholism in their family history than other subtypes.

Early intervention—education, therapy, family support—can shift the trajectory before long-term damage occurs. Based on research found by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), there are five main subtypes of alcoholism that classify most alcohol dependency cases. If you identify with any of the definitions in this article, your concern about drinking may be justified. We encourage you to continue to explore our website to learn about addiction, treatment, recovery, and living a healthy and sober life. If you’re ready to talk to someone, we have recovery specialists on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This drinking type may not be a problem as long as it doesn’t cause disruptions in personal lives and careers.

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The blood alcohol content (BAC) is one way to monitor and deter irresponsible alcohol consumption. If you or someone you love falls into these categories, do not hesitate to reach out for support. Dr. Anchan Kumar studied Family Medication at the College of Manitoba, where she was profoundly committed to conveying optimized healthcare. Her endeavours centre on upgrading understanding encounters, making strides in the quality of care and progressing well-being results. Types 1-5 are NIAAA-classified subtypes with research validation.

Are there any restrictions on consuming beer from growlers in public places?

We know that Types of Alcoholics one of the underlying risk factors for alcoholism is genetics. If someone is raised in an environment of heavy drinking, they may begin to replicate the same patterns. Problematic patterns of drinking can also be troublesome in terms of relationships. Someone who is a functional alcoholic will often live a completely normal life and can even be very successful. An alcoholic is someone who meets the criteria for alcohol use disorder.

• Treatment typically includes individual and group counseling, medication, and other therapies.
• Results from the 2023 NSDUH show that using drugs while drinking (called polysubstance use) occurs most among young adults, with 5.9% having both drug and alcohol use disorders.
• Learn what factors affect outcomes and which treatment option fits your recovery needs.
• They may be high-functioning alcoholics who are able to maintain successful careers and fulfill daily responsibilities despite their alcohol dependence.

Treatment Matching

Another option is faith-based programs that incorporate religious or spiritual beliefs into the recovery process. When it comes to treating alcoholism, there are various options available that cater to individual preferences and needs. Classifications, while useful for diagnosis, don’t always serve the individual well for their long-term recovery goals. It’s more beneficial to focus on the goals for recovery and acquire the tools, skills, and strategies that help facilitate long-term recovery. Lake Ave Recovery is a Day Treatment Program and Intensive Outpatient Program in Massachusetts helping those with substance use and dual diagnosis disorders.

Chronic Severe alcoholics require immediate medical attention for alcoholism and close monitoring of their health. In many cases, chronic alcoholism can be successfully managed with a combination of treatments tailored to the individual’s needs. Alcoholism is a life-threatening condition that occurs when an individual has difficulty controlling their drinking patterns due to the physical and psychological changes it causes.