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.
Balancing Work, Family, and IOP Treatment: A Practical Guide
- In conclusion, understanding the different types of alcoholics can help us better understand and support those struggling with alcohol addiction.
- Reach out to professionals, support groups, or helplines to begin the journey toward recovery.
- About 21.1 percent of alcoholics fall into the young antisocial subtype.
- These medications can help reduce cravings, block the effects of alcohol, and treat withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and insomnia.
Early prevention is critical for this group, as many people in this category do not recognize the danger until it progresses into full-blown alcohol use disorder. Strategies like educational campaigns or brief interventions during healthcare visits can effectively help binge-drinking Types of Alcoholics alcoholics recognize their risky behaviors and take corrective action. These individuals often have a family history of alcohol addiction and may demonstrate risky behaviors, like drunk driving or violent outbursts, that strain their relationships. They may also face frequent legal issues, such as arrests for disorderly conduct.
Long-Term Side Effects of Alcohol
- This isn’t just an observation—it’s a scientific fact that could revolutionize how we treat alcohol addiction.
- When heavy or binge drinking is the norm in a family, people tend to fall into drinking as normal behavior.
- Alcohol Help is not a medical provider or treatment facility and does not provide medical advice.
- You can identify different types of alcoholic treatment you prefer, such as individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, or 12-step programs.
This group of alcoholics are the most likely to reach out for help through inpatient treatment programs, as well as through 12-Step groups and detox services. This group of alcoholics is, however, the most likely to reach out for professional help than any other type of alcoholic. Several variables can impact the lifespan of someone with AUD, such as the severity of their condition and co-occurring health problems. The CDC estimated that 56% of all alcohol-related deaths in the US from 2011–2015 involved people between 35–64 years of age. The prefrontal cortex is largely responsible for the third stage of the addiction cycle. This area of the brain involves a person’s decision-making and time-management skills.
- Download our app today to find out how virtual medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use can help you achieve your recovery goals.
- Even if you don’t yet have AUD, problematic drinking and alcohol abuse should be addressed before it progresses to AUD.
- This category is also likely to consume high levels of alcohol within a short period, although they drink less frequently than others.
- Young adults tend to drink less often than older alcoholics, but they binge drink more.
- Less than 20 percent of this category seek help, and most do so through a 12-step program or private health care professional.
Rethinking longevity: Genes account for 50% of human lifespan variation, study suggests
More than 75% are male, and more than 50% have traits of antisocial personality disorder. Substances may include cigarettes, marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and opioids. This subtype starts to drink earlier than other groups—around the age of 17—and becomes dependent earlier, usually by age 32.