Understanding the Five Types of Alcoholism

Also, a friendly reminder to not forget mixers and sodas (you’ll get counts for those bundled into The Knot alcohol calculator as well). Prefer a customizable digital version of a drink calculator for a wedding? BTW, The Knot also has a general wedding planning spreadsheet to help you with everything else.

How to approach a loved one who may be struggling with alcoholism?

Additionally, alcoholism can exacerbate existing mental health issues and make them more difficult to manage. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Young antisocial alcoholics are often resistant to treatment, but with the right interventions, recovery is possible. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be particularly effective in addressing the underlying issues that contribute to heavy drinking and antisocial behavior.

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Ongoing research continues to refine these classifications, integrating genetic, psychological, and social factors. Future directions include developing personalized medicine approaches, better understanding gene-environment interactions, and creating targeted prevention programs. By appreciating the diversity among alcohol-dependent individuals, healthcare providers can enhance treatment efficacy and support long-term recovery. The familial subtype frequently shows a high prevalence of family history of alcoholism, with onset of drinking in adolescence and development of dependence in the early thirties.

Treatment Approaches

They also have a high prevalence of co-occurring substance use disorders, compounding their struggles and increasing the risk of overdose. Beyond problematic drinking behaviors, there are a few traits that are more common among people with AUD. A family history of alcohol use disorder, co-occurring mental health disorders, polysubstance misuse, and smoking were all prominent among the subtypes, with the exception of young adults. The smallest subtype is chronic severe alcohol use disorder, comprising only 9% of Americans with AUD.

How Much Alcohol to Buy for Your Wedding, Based on Guest Count

how many types of alcoholics are there

Couples and family counseling incorporates spouses and other family members in the treatment process and can play an important role in repairing and improving family relationships. Studies show that strong family support through family therapy increases the chances of maintaining abstinence (not drinking) compared with people going to individual counseling. This guide is written for individuals—and their family and friends—who are looking for options to address alcohol problems. It is intended as a resource to understand what treatment choices are available and what to consider when selecting among them. For more information, please visit the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator®, an online tool that helps individuals find the right treatment for them—and near them. The Navigator offers a step-by-step process to finding a highly qualified professional treatment provider.

  • This group is marked by heavy alcohol use coupled with behavioral or mental health challenges, such as antisocial personality disorder, bipolar disorder, or depression.
  • Understanding the different types of alcohol dependence is crucial for effective treatment and recovery strategies.
  • Over time, untreated AUD can lead to alcohol dependency and even death.
  • A family member dealing with substance abuse can affect family relationships.
  • In practice, treatment plans often integrate these components, adjusted to fit the specific subtype.
  • Our treatment consultants are available 24/7 to help you regain control of your life.
  • From high-functioning professionals to individuals who drink to cope with trauma, the types of alcoholics vary—but the consequences can be equally devastating.
  • This means they can be especially helpful to individuals at risk for return to drinking.
  • In addition, 17% seek substance addiction treatment at private facilities.
  • Unfortunately, some of the standard medications used to treat AUD can increase the burden on the liver as its job is to process food, beverages, and drugs that enter your system.
  • This area of the brain involves a person’s decision-making and time-management skills.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of AUD is crucial so you can get help before the problem worsens. However, that can be tricky because there are five subtypes of AUD, and each may appear somewhat different. Familiarizing yourself with the different AUD subtypes can help you spot the need for intervention, such as alcohol rehab, earlier on. Binge drinking is a common form of alcohol consumption in America and is often overlooked and brushed under the rug. It usually involves someone drinking five or more alcoholic beverages in one sitting.

Treatment Intensity Matters

People who drink for enhancement often engage in adolescent binge drinking and other risky behaviors. There are many types of alcoholics, depending on the person’s reason for drinking, age and other factors. If you or Types of Alcoholics a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, help is always available.

  • For some people, simply drinking more than moderate amounts of alcohol can result in an alcohol use disorder.
  • Each program is designed with your unique needs in mind, so you can get back to living the healthy life you deserve.
  • The provider can help adjust the treatment plan and aid long-term recovery.
  • Their antisocial tendencies are not merely a result of alcohol intoxication but are deeply ingrained personality traits that predate and persist alongside their alcohol use.

Explore the steps of recovery from addiction, from therapy approaches to support resources for lasting healing. Understanding these categories enhances clinical diagnosis and guides personalized interventions, ultimately facilitating better management and recovery outcomes for individuals with AUD. If a beta alcoholic seeks rehabilitation, they must uproot themselves from this toxic environment, as constant exposure can interfere with their treatment and delay their recovery. Even if your loved one is not ready to get help for AUD, you can still support them by suggesting alcohol-free activities when you spend time together. And be sure to offer a listening ear and encouragement when they are ready to talk.


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