5 Different Types of Alcoholics Types of Drinkers

Both habitual and periodic inebriety may manifest themselves in different ways, leading to a further classification of inebriates as social and unsocial. Social inebriates drink openly with other drinkers, whereas unsocial, or solitary, inebriates shun the company of others and tend to drink secretly, often because of “neurasthenia” (i.e., exhaustion of the nervous system). The unitary disease concept, as illustrated in “The Drunkard’s Progress,” by Nathaniel Currier. Typology theorists believe this is an inadequate representation of the heterogeneity of etiologies and drinking patterns. © Alcohol Research Documentation, Inc., Rutgers University Center of Alcohol Studies. That is why alcohol detox and alcohol withdrawal treatment is administered by medical professionals.

This type of alcoholic can balance their personal and professional responsibilities while living with addiction. Often, they don’t seek help for their drinking until they experience significant health problems. But the physical health risks for chronic severe alcoholics don’t stop there. Long-term alcohol abuse can cause damage to the liver, pancreas, and other vital organs, leading to a range of serious health problems. Chronic severe alcoholics are at high risk for developing liver disease, pancreatitis, and other alcohol-related illnesses.

The Young Antisocial Alcoholic

This subtype often develops their patterns of addiction in their late teens to early 30s. Unlike some other subtypes, they might also experience a mix of regular and binge drinking patterns. Alcohol Use Disorder manifests five types of alcoholics in various forms, challenging the one-size-fits-all approach to treatment and understanding. This category of alcoholics generally start drinking at a young age of 15 and develop alcohol dependence at an early age of 18.

With the right treatment and support, it is possible to overcome addiction and live a healthy, fulfilling life. Understanding the different subtypes of alcoholism, including the functional subtype, can help individuals and caregivers recognize the signs of alcoholism and seek appropriate support and treatment. By shedding light on these subtypes, we can better address the complexities of alcoholism and provide the necessary resources https://ecosoberhouse.com/ for recovery. However, despite their apparent success, individuals with this subtype still experience negative consequences from their alcohol use. They may suffer from health issues related to long-term alcohol consumption, such as liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and mental health issues. The Young Antisocial Subtype of alcoholism typically manifests in individuals who struggle with both alcohol abuse and antisocial behavior.

Getting Help for Alcoholism

This group also experiences the highest alcohol-related emergency room visits, work and social problems, and withdrawal. The chronic severe subtype is the smallest but most severe of all the categories of alcoholism. Around 19.5 percent of the alcoholic population in the United States falls into the functional alcoholic subtype. Someone who is considered a functional alcoholic may lead a kind of double life, compartmentalizing their drinking from the rest of their life.

• Generational alcohol abuse is extremely common in chronic severe cases along with the highest rates of mental health disorders out of any type.
• Only 8.7% of young adult alcohol dependents have ever sought treatment for their drinking problem.
• Families may be more willing to overlook excessive drinking and issues related to alcohol abuse if their loved one appears to be functional in other areas or does not fit into the commonly perceived idea of what an alcoholic should look like.
• Someone who is considered a functional alcoholic may lead a kind of double life, compartmentalizing their drinking from the rest of their life.

It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. This is the rarest and most dangerous type of alcoholism, making up 9.2% of alcoholics. They begin drinking around age 16 and develop alcohol dependence later, around 29 years of age. This group has the highest rates of drinking, consuming alcohol on an average of almost 248 days a year and binge drinking on 69% of them with a maximum of 15 drinks. Almost 35% of young antisocial alcoholics have sought help for their alcohol dependence problems.