Are there two types of alcoholism?

For this class of problem drinker, individuals usually go to self-help groups, specialty treatment programs, detoxification programs, and individual private health care providers according to the study. Those in the chronic severe subtype may have to undergo detox due to their high intake of alcoholic beverages. This subtype also sees people struggling with more mental illness as well. Whether you participate in binge drinking, heavy drinking, or any type of alcohol abuse, it’s important to understand the dangers you can face to your health and well-being. From blackouts to alcohol poisoning, heavy alcohol consumption can lead to a number of problems. Some people drink alcohol because it’s exciting and makes them feel alive. They actively seek to get drunk to chase a thrilling sensation and are likely to be adolescent or young adult males with extroverted, aggressive or impulsive personalities.

Over 6 percent of American adults battled an alcohol use disorder in 2015, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism publishes. Less than 10 percent of adults in the United States who struggled with alcoholism in 2015 received professional treatment for the disease, NIAAA further reports. Primary or “true” alcoholics types of alcoholics are characterized by their immediate liking for alcohol’s effects, the rapid development of an uncontrollable need for alcohol, and their inability to abstain. In contrast, alcohol dependence in the remaining subtypes, which collectively are called secondary addicts, develops in the course of prolonged drinking.

What Is the Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder?

It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Only17%of functional alcoholics have ever sought help for their alcohol dependence. Those who do tend to make use of 12-step programs and private health care professionals. Almost35%of young antisocial alcoholics have sought help for their alcohol dependence problems. They tend to go to self-help groups, alcohol detox programs, specialty treatment programs, and private health care providers.

Some types of alcoholics are Mr. Hydes; that is, they become mean after drinking excessively or hostile. Part of that might have to do with the fact that many functional alcoholics don’t really believe they have a problem in the first place. They often believe since their life hasn’t fallen apart around them that they have everything under control. This view is also reinforced by the fact that alcohol has become such an integral part of American life and that the only way you’re a drunk is if you lose your job, house, and family because of it. This type of alcoholic can end up being one of the most deceptive.

The Different Types of Alcoholism

This means that if someone tries to change their drinking patterns, they will likely experience intense withdrawal symptoms. Someone who is a functional alcoholic will often live a completely normal life and can even be very successful. Functional alcoholics don’t always appear to have an alcohol use disorder. This type of alcoholic refers to people between the ages of 18 and 25. An alcoholic is diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder based on a specific set of criteria. As with other addictions, alcohol use disorder can range from mild to severe. Alcohol use disorder or alcoholism is a pattern of ongoing alcohol abuse.

• People who are ready to begin recovery from being a functional alcoholic often need to treat underlying mental health issues that have been previously masked by alcohol use.
• Members of this subgroup have an increased risk of suffering from major depression, antisocial personality disorder , bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder at some point in their lives.
• Some alcoholics are very good at hiding the signs and symptoms of their substance use disorder, while others may not even realize that they’re struggling with dependency at all.
• While functional alcoholics may not binge drink, they do drink more alcohol than average.
• At this point, people who are in the gamma stage need medical help to safely get alcohol out of their systems.
• They also experience the highest rate of alcohol-related emergency department visits and tend to spend a lot of time recovering from the effects of alcohol.