The Five Types of Alcoholics: Different Faces of Alcoholism

By exploring the characteristics, behaviors, and impact of each subtype, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of alcoholism and the importance of tailored treatment approaches. The functional alcoholic subtype accounts for about 19% of alcoholics and includes individuals in their early ‘40s. They start drinking around 18 years old but develop alcohol dependence later in life around the age of 37. This type of alcoholic can balance their personal and professional responsibilities while living with addiction.

Intermediate Familial Alcoholics

• Unlike many of the other types of drinkers, they’re the most likely to seek help (which makes sense, given that the red flags are hard to miss).
• In this article, we’ll explore the five major types of alcoholics, how to identify them, and why these categories matter for recovery.
• Some people drink alcohol because it’s exciting and makes them feel alive.
• This subtype is the second largest form of alcoholic making up 21.1% of the total.
• 18.8% of alcoholics are classified as ‘intermediate familial’ alcoholics.

One of the most concerning aspects about alcoholism in this age group is the damage alcohol can do to the brain, as the brain is still developing in important areas, such as in the prefrontal cortex. Though each person’s experience is unique, there are patterns that can serve as red flags. Behaviorally, individuals in this subtype may prioritize alcohol consumption over other responsibilities or activities, yet still manage to fulfill their obligations. They may use alcohol as a coping mechanism to manage stress, anxiety, or underlying emotional issues without displaying overt signs of impairment. FDA-approved drugs such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram play significant roles.

Behavioral and Personality Traits of Different Alcoholic Subtypes

The consequences of alcoholism can range alcohol rehab from mild to severe, affecting various areas of life, including physical health, mental well-being, and relationships. When it comes to recovering from alcoholism, seeking help and support is a crucial step on the journey to sobriety. There are various treatment options available that can provide individuals with the necessary tools and resources to overcome alcoholism and lead a healthier, happier life. 18.8% of alcoholics are classified as ‘intermediate familial’ alcoholics.

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This can come with very dangerous health consequences, especially since most binge drinkers are between 18 and 24 years old. At New Jersey Addiction Interventions, our goal is to provide readers with the most accurate and current information about addiction and behavioral health. Our team of licensed medical reviewers, experts in mental health and addiction medicine, is dedicated to helping readers and potential clients make well-informed choices about their treatment options. We uphold rigorous accuracy standards, relying only on trustworthy sources for the content we share on our website.

At Mainspring Recovery, we know how important it is to have a trusted partner while you leave drugs and alcohol behind. Find a brighter tomorrow by starting with our compassionate team of medical professionals and recovery specialists today at our rehab center types of alcoholics in Virginia. We’re here 24/7 to help guide you or your loved on through rehab and recovery. Alcohol Help is not a medical provider or treatment facility and does not provide medical advice. The treatment centers found on the Alcohol Help site are paid advertisers.

They often rationalize their drinking because they still “get things done.” However, emotional disconnection, health issues, and mental health decline are common over time. This group tends to begin drinking at a young age—often before 15—and is at high risk for developing chronic alcohol dependency. What separates this type from the young adult subtype is the presence of co-occurring antisocial behaviors and often other substance use. Unlike other subtypes, these individuals may not experience major legal, financial, or health issues right away, making it hard to spot until the pattern becomes ingrained. However, the risks are significant—alcohol-related injuries, blackouts, and the progression to more serious alcohol dependence later in life. The treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) include detoxification, behavioral therapies, medications, mutual-support groups, and aftercare programs.

• Recognize the signs of marijuana addiction and discover the truth about cannabis use disorder.
• Several variables can impact the lifespan of someone with AUD, such as the severity of their condition and co-occurring health problems.
• Holistic treatments may include mindfulness-based therapies, meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and massage therapy.

Because of the high rates of co-occurring mental health conditions, this group of alcoholics is the most likely to receive treatment. This group of alcoholics tends to have fewer educational achievements, work lower-paying jobs, and are unlikely to seek treatment. While they are not high achievers professionally, they usually maintain a full-time job. This subtype has the highest rates of divorce, separation, and visits to the emergency room due to drinking.

Alcohol Help does not endorse any treatment facility advertising on our site and does not guarantee the quality of care provided, or the results to be achieved, by any treatment facility. The information provided by Alcohol Help is not a substitute for professional treatment advice. Inpatient rehab follows detox, which is where you learn necessary recovery skills, including coping, communication, relapse prevention, and relationship building. Sober living, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient treatment, and aftercare are additional components of a complete treatment program. Severe alcoholics can receive help, which will likely begin with alcohol detox. During a supervised detox, you are supervised by doctors and nurses 24 hours a day to ensure you have a safe and comfortable withdrawal experience.

We receive a commission if you begin treatment with a fee-paying provider. To learn more about alcoholism, addiction, and rehabilitation, please do not hesitate to get in contact with Rehab 4 Alcoholism today. Within a group such as this, individuals can talk about the issues they faced while addicted in a judgement-free environment around others who may have similar experiences. Two of the most effective addiction treatments are outlined in the following subheadings. Although strong links have been drawn between alcoholic parents and children growing up to be alcoholics (3), there are many other reasons why someone may turn to alcoholism.

• The Intermediate Familial Subtype of alcoholics is characterized by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental influences.
• They rationalize their drinking as a regular part of relaxing or celebrating, masking the level of dependence they’ve developed.
• Chronic severe alcoholics usually have a family history of alcoholism, which explains why they began drinking at such a young age.
• It’s also common for people within this subtype to have co-occurring substance use disorders with marijuana, cocaine and opioids.
• Knowing which type someone is can help determine appropriate alcohol treatment.

However, for this group, alcohol dependence typically develops at around 29 years old. Treatment for alcohol use disorder generally consists of medication, therapy, and support. AUD can involve binge or heavy drinking, but some people with this condition do not engage in these drinking behaviors. For some people, simply drinking more than moderate amounts of alcohol can result in an alcohol use disorder. That means a man with AUD averages more than two drinks a day or fourteen per week and a woman with the condition averages more than one drink a day or seven per week.

What Are the Types of Treatment for AUD?

Recognizing and talking openly about the stigma is crucial to breaking down barriers to treatment. Compassion, education, and understanding are key components in reducing the stigma, which can help encourage individuals to seek professional help rather than hiding or denying their condition. Treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) effectively requires understanding the unique needs of each subtype and tailoring interventions accordingly. Different approaches are used depending on the severity, behavioral patterns, and co-occurring conditions of alcoholics.