Alcoholism is the common name for a medical disorder that impairs a person’s ability to stop drinking alcohol, even when they experience problems at work, have trouble relating to friends and loved ones, and damage their health. People with alcoholism need treatment to stop drinking and avoid relapsing. Support groups, therapy, and medication are commonly prescribed treatments that promote long-term sobriety.

The 5 Types of Alcoholics

The different types of alcoholics tend to progress from moderate to severe as drinkers increase the quantity and frequency of their alcohol consumption over an extended period of time. The five types of alcoholics are commonly classified as:

1. Young Adult Alcoholics

Almost one-third of alcoholics in the United States are young adult alcoholics. Many of these teens and early twenty-somethings are college students in environments that promote excessive social and binge drinking. Since heavy drinking among young people is often seen as a phase, most young adult alcoholics suffer without seeking help.

2. Young Antisocial Alcoholics

Young antisocial alcoholics account for slightly more than one-fifth of all alcoholics in the United States. This subgroup is typically comprised of twenty-somethings who started drinking in their youth. Around half of these alcoholics have an antisocial personality disorder characterized by impulsivity, a lack of remorse, and rebelliousness. Lawlessness and criminal behavior are often associated with the young antisocial alcoholic subtype. Many sufferers use alcohol to self-medicate conditions like anxiety and are likely to abuse other addictive substances.

3. Functional Alcoholics

In the United States, functional alcoholics comprise about one-fifth of the alcoholic population. They are typically middle-aged, educated, stable people who tend to drink outside of their “normal lives.” Most of them can keep up with their everyday responsibilities at home, work, and in social situations. The functional alcoholic may be good at covering up unhappiness and maintaining an image of success. They are unlikely to seek professional help unless they experience a crisis.

4. Intermediate Familial Alcoholics

Intermediate familial alcoholics make up another fifth of all the alcoholics in America. They are usually middle-aged, and about half of them come from families with a history of alcoholism. Many alcoholics in this category also battle substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder. They may use alcohol to escape from difficult emotions.

5. Chronic Severe Alcoholics

About a tenth of American alcoholics are chronically severe alcoholics. These alcoholics are usually middle-aged people who started drinking and struggling with alcohol at a young age. Most have a family history of alcoholism. Chronic severe alcoholics typically have difficulty functioning normally from day to day. Their condition may have progressed from young antisocial alcoholism, and they may likely experience legal problems, substance abuse problems, and psychiatric disorders like anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression.

What Are the Different Types of Alcoholism?

The types of alcoholism can be characterized and classified according to a combination of factors, including the severity of the condition, the behaviors associated with the disorder, the biology of the drinker, and the drinker’s demographic profile. The stages of alcoholism are classified as pre-alcoholic, early alcoholic, chronic alcoholic, and end-stage alcoholism. We will discuss four kinds of drinkers who may become any of the five types of alcoholics.

Generally speaking, alcoholism falls into four categories:

1. Social Drinking

Social drinkers like to celebrate with alcohol and drink for fun. Most social drinkers are young people who spend their time drinking with friends. Usually, their alcohol consumption is moderate, but sometimes it is associated with binge drinking.

2. Conformist Drinking

Conformist drinkers drink to fit in socially on holidays, at celebrations, and in other situations where other people consume alcohol. They are not regular drinkers, but they may join in a champagne toast or have a glass of beer when others are doing the same.

3. Thrill Seekers

Thrill seekers find drinking to be a fun and exciting activity. They are impulsive risk-takers who deliberately get drunk and are often boisterous and extroverted. Some thrill-seeking drinkers can be aggressive and seek out fights when they are under the influence of alcohol.

4. Copers

Copers drink to avoid life’s worries and feelings of depression and anxiety. They may seem like neurotic, disagreeable people who lack self-respect. Many drink heavily, and they tend to experience more alcohol-related problems than other drinkers. Copers will likely experience long-term consequences from their avoidant behavior when they fail to address underlying issues.

What Are the Symptoms of Alcoholism?

All types of alcoholism can contribute to severe and detrimental physical and mental health issues. Alcoholics may suffer from clumsiness, blackouts, cognitive decline, memory lapses, and poor judgment. They may also suffer physical malaise caused by nutritional deficiencies and liver damage. Some alcoholics have insomnia, and many suffer from emotional distress.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Alcoholism?

Today, many treatments can help people recover from alcoholism.

Behavioral Treatments for alcoholism

Professional counselors use behavioral treatments to help alcoholics develop new habits. Counselors may use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and other techniques to help patients achieve sobriety. They may also teach life skills to help maintain sobriety in difficult situations and provide support that decreases the chance of a relapse.

Medications for Alcoholism

Acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone are three medications approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to treat alcoholism. Doctors and other healthcare professionals prescribe these medications to discourage patients from drinking. They can be used alone or complement other treatments and counseling.

Support Groups for alcoholism

12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) help people reduce their drinking, stop drinking, or maintain abstinence by providing peer support. Support groups are generally used with other lifestyle modification and professional intervention forms.

Alcoholism treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and patients who work with qualified medical professionals have the best chance of recovery.

Strategies for Reducing Alcohol Consumption

If it is impractical or impossible to stop drinking, consider following these strategies to reduce your alcohol intake.

• Decide how much alcohol you plan to consume before you start drinking.
• Let your friends and family know you’re cutting down, and ask for their support.
• Gradually reduce your alcohol consumption, day by day. This way, you can drink less without feeling deprived.
• Try consuming smaller portions or lower-strength drinks.
• Try to go for a few days without drinking.

Sabino Recovery Provides Trauma-Focused Treatment for Alcoholism

Alcoholism can be a devastating medical disorder, but it can be managed with the proper care and support. Sabino Recovery is a residential recovery center in Tucson, AZ, that provides highly personalized treatment for all forms of alcoholism. Our staff is here to provide the help you need to realize a better future.