Recurrent alcohol use results in failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home. A significant amount of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain, use, or recover from alcohol. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation that includes patient interviews, assessment of drinking patterns, and application of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria.
- This category is more likely to seek treatment, with more than 35 percent of these individuals having pursued treatment for alcoholism.
- Alcohol dependence in this group typically begins by age 18, and many have co-occurring drug use or behavioral problems.
- For informational purposes only, a link to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments web page is provided here.
- In this blog article, we cover the different types of alcoholics and how they can seek help to stay sober.
- This classification is based on a large-scale study involving 43,093 participants and considers factors such as age of onset, family history, personality traits, and co-occurring substance use.
What starts out as a habit can morph into physical dependence, and certain genetic and social factors can set the process in motion. AUD is a medical condition characterized by an inability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse consequences. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) doesn’t discriminate and comes in many forms, some of which can be harder to recognize than others. A teenager sneaks sips of vodka out of her parents’ liquor cabinet. For informational purposes only, a link to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments web page is provided here.
What types of alcoholics are conscious of their addiction?
Let’s take a closer look at different types of alcoholism and how they lead to five distinct types of drinkers. Their dependence tends to develop later in life (around age 37), after years of socially acceptable alcohol use. The functional subtype is often the hardest type of alcoholism to quit. The combination of medical, psychological, and social risks makes this the most life-threatening form of alcoholism. Their drinking typically begins early (around age 16), and dependence develops by age 29, leading to long-term damage across multiple areas of life. This group exhibits the highest levels of physical dependence, psychiatric comorbidities, and co-occurring substance use disorders.
Binge pattern alcoholics don’t drink daily. A staggering 77% have close relatives with alcohol addiction—the highest of any subtype. Anxiety disorders compound drinking behaviours. Nearly half have close family members with alcoholism. Roughly 18.8% of alcoholics belong to this category. Education and income levels rank highest among all alcoholic types.
The 5 Types of Drinkers
Recurrent alcohol use in situations where it is physically hazardous. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use. Continued alcohol use despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by its effects.
Medical Content Strategist
Additionally, young antisocial alcoholics are likely to have other substance use disorders involving marijuana, tobacco, or opioids. Because of this, medical and mental health professionals have moved away from this term, opting instead to use “individual with alcohol use disorder” when referring to people facing drinking-related issues. About 31 percent of functional alcoholics have a family member with alcohol use disorder. About one-third of young antisocial alcoholics seek treatment for alcohol addiction. Additionally, young antisocial alcoholics have a high probability of having other substance use disorders. Alcohol addiction affects people differently and there are many types of alcoholics.
- AUD is a medical condition characterized by an inability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse consequences.
- Many in this category have not pursued higher education due to the effects of early-onset drinking and related social or legal problems.
- Severe acute withdrawal symptoms such as delirium tremens and seizures rarely occur after 1-week post cessation of alcohol.
- While functional alcoholics may not binge drink, they do drink more alcohol than the average person.
Signs and symptoms
This term also describes someone who struggles to manage their drinking behavior and experiences intense urges when not consuming alcohol. An alcoholic is defined as an individual who cannot stop drinking alcohol despite experiencing negative physical and mental effects. They generally start drinking at 18 and do not become alcohol-dependent until around age 37. Functional alcoholics appear outwardly successful, often holding steady jobs and maintaining relationships.
Binge Pattern Alcoholic
The types of alcoholics are often referenced to categorize different subgroups of people who experience alcohol use disorder (AUD). Young antisocial alcoholics tend to start drinking early, around age 15, and often meet criteria for antisocial personality disorder. About 66 percent of chronic severe alcoholics seek treatment for their alcohol dependence. Young adult alcoholics also have low rates of co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders and low rates of family alcoholism. Individuals in this group have a strong family history of alcoholism and exhibit high rates of co-occurring mental health disorders, including antisocial personality disorder, depression, and anxiety. The intermediate familial subtype encompasses individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) who often begin drinking during their teenage years and develop alcohol dependence in their early thirties.
Understanding Alcoholism: 5 Different Types of Alcoholics
Technology is reshaping how treatment centres identify, prevent, and address substance dependencies across Canada. Dr. Anchan Kumar studied Family Medication at the College of Manitoba, where she was profoundly committed to conveying optimized healthcare. Seth brings many years of professional experience working the front lines of addiction in both the government and privatized sectors.
What separates this type from the young adult subtype is the presence of co-occurring antisocial behaviors and often other substance use. It’s not just about labels—it’s about identifying behaviors, recognizing risk factors, and exploring the root causes behind alcohol use. The functioning alcoholic may need ongoing outpatient support to maintain career responsibilities while recovering.
Guidelines for parents to prevent alcohol misuse amongst adolescents, and for helping young people with mental health problems have also been suggested. Another common method of alcoholism prevention is taxation of alcohol products – increasing price of alcohol by 10% is linked with reduction of consumption of up to 10%. Increasing the age at which alcohol can be purchased, and banning or restricting alcohol beverage advertising are common methods to reduce alcohol use among adolescents and young adults in particular, see Alcoholism in adolescence. It helps distinguish a diagnosis of alcohol dependence from one of heavy alcohol use. Other tests are sometimes used for the detection of alcohol dependence, such as the Alcohol Dependence Data Questionnaire, which is a more sensitive diagnostic test than the CAGE questionnaire.
This type of treatment allows you to receive help in an outpatient setting while still attending to your everyday responsibilities. Detoxification usually lasts a few days to a week, depending on the severity of your addiction. Detoxification helps you withdraw from alcohol safely and comfortably. This type of treatment is the most intensive and effective.
The treatment for intermediate familial subtypes of alcoholics includes self-help groups, detoxification programs, and behavioral therapies. A strong family history of alcoholism is common, accompanied by exposure to substance use disorders in early life. The young adult 5 types of alcoholics according to the niaaa subtype consists of individuals between the ages of 18 and 24, with most developing alcohol dependence in their late teens or early twenties. According to the World Health Organization’s fact sheet titled “Alcohol,” published in July 2024, an estimated 400 million people worldwide, or 7% of the global population aged 15 years and older, lived with alcohol use disorders in 2019. The young adult and functional alcoholic subtypes seeking addiction treatment will most likely benefit from 12-step programs.
Seeking Help for Different Types of Alcoholism
Chronic severe types often require 90 days or longer, plus extensive aftercare. Drinking started at the youngest age (around 15), polysubstance abuse rates are highest, and consumption quantities when drinking are largest. The key distinction is antisocial personality disorder. Having alcoholic relatives increases vulnerability but doesn’t guarantee the outcome. Genetics account for roughly 50% of addiction risk.
Their collective expertise shines through in each article, offering readers valuable guidance, the latest in addiction science, and inspiring stories of healing and transformation. Comprising experienced therapists, medical experts, and dedicated support staff, this team brings a wealth of knowledge and compassionate insight into the complexities of addiction and recovery. This process is conducted under medical supervision to monitor and alleviate withdrawal symptoms, which range from mild anxiety to severe complications like seizures. The treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) include detoxification, behavioral therapies, medications, mutual-support groups, and aftercare programs. Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem likely caused or worsened by alcohol.