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Knowing where you or your loved one falls under the five categories of alcoholics can help you recognize and understand the signs of a developing addiction. There’s no one way to describe a ‘typical alcoholic’ since alcoholism develops differently from person to person. However, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) performed a study to categorize different alcoholics to note their similarities. Family members and friends can recognize the type of alcoholic by observing their loved one’s behaviors and their impact on relationships. The effort was made to categorize different types of alcoholics, partly to dispel the myth that there is a typical alcoholic. A functional alcoholic may not hit “rock bottom,” and they are often successful in relationships, employment, and life in general.
If you are struggling with alcohol misuse despite negative personal, professional, and health consequences, you may fit into one of the five types of alcoholism or alcoholics. An alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by the chronic, compulsive use of alcohol despite the negative consequences on a person’s life. Alcohol is one of the most widely used addictive substances in the U.S., with 84% of adults aged 18 and older having tried it in their lifetimes. While many people may use the term “alcoholic” to describe someone who has an alcohol addiction, the term is offensive and outdated. It’s more appropriate to say “a person with alcohol use disorder” or “substance use disorder.” Following a description of the term “alcoholic,” this article will use the more appropriate terminology.
Identifying Alcoholism
Social stigma can have a profound effect on individuals with alcoholism, often hindering their willingness to seek help and access treatment. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) highlights the negative stereotypes and judgment faced by those with AUD, which can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and despair. This stigma can exacerbate the disease by discouraging individuals from reaching out for the support they need. Alcoholism is the result of a combination of factors such as genetics, environmental, social, and psychological.
- Unhealthy alcohol use includes any alcohol use that puts your health or safety at risk or causes other alcohol-related problems.
- Nevertheless, Jellinek’s work provided typology research with a new impetus that ushered in the post-Jellinek era of typology development.
- Early intervention and comprehensive treatment can prevent some of the long-term health effects of alcoholism, improving overall quality of life for those in recovery.
- More than 50% of this group have traits of antisocial personality disorder.
- This subgroup is very likely to have had immediate family members with alcoholism.
Many people who fall into the young antisocial alcoholic subtype suffer from other mental health disorders as well, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or depression. As many as three-fourths of this subset also smoke marijuana and/or cigarettes, and many also struggle with opioid or cocaine addictions as well. Polydrug abuse, and co-occurring disorders combined with alcohol abuse, increases the risk https://ecosoberhouse.com/ for addiction and can interfere with treatment measures. Around one-third of young antisocial alcoholics will seek treatment for problematic drinking. The Apollonian-Dionysian distinction has been used to summarize the commonalities among alcoholic subtypes. Greek and Roman mythology attributes the characteristics of contemplation, intellect, artistic creativity, and self-restraint to the god Apollo.
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Despite originating from diverse socioeconomic and demographic backgrounds, these individuals share a commonality in family dynamics, with alcohol use being a prevalent aspect, thereby elevating their risk of developing Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The young adult subtype is less likely to be employed or married but is more likely to be in college in comparison to other subtypes. Although this category consumes less frequently than others, they are more prone to engage in binge drinking.
They have moderate rates of major depression (24%) and smoking cigarettes (43%), and low rates of anxiety disorders, other substance use disorders, and the lowest rates of having legal problems (fewer than 1%). Young adult alcohol dependents are 2.5 times more likely to be male than female. About 75% have never been married, 36.5% are still in school, and 54% work full time. Approximately 22% have a first- or second-degree family member who is also dependent on alcohol. Compared to other types of alcoholics, young adults are less likely to have psychiatric disorders or legal problems.
Short- & Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Addiction
If you feel that you sometimes drink too much alcohol, or your drinking is causing problems, or if your family is concerned about your drinking, talk with your health care provider. Other ways to get help include talking with a mental health professional or types of alcoholics seeking help from a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar type of self-help group. Chronic severe alcoholics include the highest percentage of people struggling with co-occurring psychiatric disorders and other substance abuse issues.
