It’s more common for individuals struggling with alcoholism to identify with one or two types rather than all five. It’s essential for family members to seek support and resources to help them cope with their loved one’s addiction. Support groups like Al-Anon provide a safe space for family members and friends of alcoholics to share their experiences and find comfort in knowing they are not alone. With the right treatment and support, those struggling with intermediate familial alcoholism can overcome their addiction and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Seeking Treatment for Alcoholism
Young Antisocial alcoholics are at a higher risk for alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction, and early intervention is critical. Research suggests that individuals in the Young Antisocial subtype tend to have a family history of alcoholism and a genetic predisposition to alcoholism. The functional subtype of alcoholism represents approximately 19 percent of individuals with AUD. The condition can be challenging to recognize and diagnose due to the absence of obvious symptoms.
- Polydrug abuse, and co-occurring disorders combined with alcohol abuse, increases the risk for addiction and can interfere with treatment measures.
- The five types of alcoholics are young adult, young antisocial, functional, intermediate familial, and chronic severe.
- Functional alcoholics, also known as “high-functioning alcoholics,” make up about 19.5% of alcoholics.
- For example, the Young Adult Subtype often responds well to brief interventions and motivational interviewing techniques.
Addiction Treatment
They may also have more psychiatric comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety disorders, making a recovery more challenging. Being aware of your risk of AUD can help you make changes to your drinking behaviors and address risk factors that are within your control. Preventative measures are much easier than trying to cut back on drinking after you have become dependent or addicted to alcohol. If you try to reduce your consumption or quit alcohol cold turkey and experience withdrawal symptoms, you have likely developed AUD. Your body has become dependent on alcohol and responds with physical and psychological discomfort when alcohol is cut off.
Understanding Alcoholism and Its Different Forms
- It’s essential to remember that every individual’s experience with alcoholism is unique.
- They often struggle with interpersonal relationships and may be prone to aggression or violence when under the influence of alcohol.
- Preventative measures are much easier than trying to cut back on drinking after you have become dependent or addicted to alcohol.
- The young adult subtype refers to individuals who develop alcohol dependence during their late teens or early twenties.
- Alcoholism is a complex condition that requires a comprehensive approach to treatment and support.
- Unlike young adult alcoholics, antisocial alcoholics don’t drink socially with peers.
They often have co-occurring mental health disorders and may require intensive treatment interventions to address their complex needs. The Young Adult subtype refers to individuals who develop alcohol dependence during their late teens or early twenties. These individuals often have a relatively short duration of alcohol dependence and typically do not exhibit other substance abuse issues. They may have a family history of alcoholism, but they tend to have fewer severe consequences related to their drinking behavior compared to other subtypes.
I trained my brain and body to think they “needed” alcohol for any kind of stressful situation or negative emotion. This was very destructive for me and eventually I had to make a change or I didn’t know what might progress even further. Brittany has 15 5 types of alcoholics years of experience in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse field. More than 75 percent of this group also battles addiction to other substances too, including drugs like nicotine, marijuana, cocaine and opioids.
Behaviorally, individuals in this subtype may prioritize alcohol consumption over other responsibilities or activities, yet still manage to fulfill their Halfway house obligations. They may use alcohol as a coping mechanism to manage stress, anxiety, or underlying emotional issues without displaying overt signs of impairment. One modern approach to typology differentiates between the Apollonian and Dionysian subtypes. Apollonian subtypes tend to have a later onset of alcoholism, a slower disease progression, fewer complications, less psychological impairment, and a better prognosis. In contrast, Dionysian subtypes experience an earlier onset, more severe symptomatology, greater psychological vulnerability, and more personality disturbance.
- Over time, you may need to drink more alcohol to achieve the same relaxing or euphoric effect.
- They may have a family history of alcoholism, but they tend to have fewer severe consequences related to their drinking behavior compared to other subtypes.
- Individuals in this group often exhibit aggressive and impulsive behavior, disregard for social norms, and a lack of empathy.
- After treatment, there are a wide variety of support group options to connect with others and avoid relapses, such as Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, alcoholism group programs, and SMART Recovery.