The 5 Types of Alcoholics and How to Identify Them

With the right support and resources, it is possible to overcome alcoholism and achieve a fulfilling, healthy life. The Young Antisocial subtype is characterized by individuals who not only struggle with alcoholism but also exhibit antisocial behaviors. These individuals often have a history of conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder during childhood. They may engage in impulsive and risky behaviors, and their alcohol use may be intertwined with legal issues and criminal activities.

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Some common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include sweating, shaking, nausea, irritability, and anxiety. These symptoms can be mistaken for hangovers, but withdrawal lasts much longer, sometimes up to a week or two. By studying the genetic factors and their interplay with the environment, researchers and healthcare professionals can gain valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of AUD. This knowledge can ultimately contribute to the development of more effective prevention strategies, personalized treatment approaches, and improved outcomes for individuals affected by AUD. Early intervention is crucial to prevent the progression of AUD and the development of alcohol-related physical or mental health complications.

Young Antisocial Alcoholics

Delta alcoholism is similar to gamma but a person under this classification will be able to control the amount of alcohol they drink. Some people with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) face visible consequences. To recover from AUD, seeking professional help and attending support groups is essential. Treatment options such as inpatient, outpatient, detoxification, support groups, and MAT can all help those struggling with AUD. This type of treatment allows you to receive help in an outpatient setting while Types of Alcoholics still attending to your everyday responsibilities.

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• However, those that do fall into this subtype display the most severe symptoms of chronic alcoholism.
• Unfortunately, regular drinking worsens mental health issues over time, creating a destructive feedback loop.
• The severity of AUD is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe, based on the number of criteria that are met.

Some outgrow their problem drinking, while others develop an addiction to alcohol as they age. Identifying the specific type of alcoholic makes it easier to understand and treat people’s problems. Get professional help from an online addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp. After Fran came across a memoir written by someone with a similar type of experience and family background, something clicked. She realized she was going down the same path as many of her relatives, but also realized that she had a choice to take a different approach.

Treatments

Understanding these different types of alcoholics allows individuals, families, and medical professionals to create recovery approaches based on specific needs. For instance, an individual struggling with binge drinking may need different care than one battling long-standing alcohol dependency. By identifying both the root causes and triggers of alcohol use, professionals and loved ones can provide tailored recovery solutions that lead to sustainable change. The Chronic Severe subtype represents the most severe form of alcoholism. Individuals in this category have a long history of alcohol dependence and experience significant physical, psychological, and social consequences as a result of their drinking.

• Alcohol use in this group often begins as a form of social experimentation driven by peer pressure and cultural norms that glorify drinking.
• The safety and well-being of the person who is struggling is also a primary focus in alcohol rehab.
• It’s important to remember that these subtypes are not mutually exclusive, and individuals may exhibit characteristics from more than one subtype.

There are many resources available for those struggling with alcohol addiction, including support groups, counseling, and rehabilitation programs. The term “functional alcoholic” is used colloquially to describe someone who is typically middle-aged and well-educated, with job stability and a family. This type of alcoholic drinks excessively but does not appear to have an obvious problem with alcohol. Nearly 20% of alcoholics make up this category, and many have a multigenerational family history of alcoholism.