Alcohol is the primary active ingredient in some of the most popular drinks on the planet. Beer, wine, spirits, and liquors all contain varying amounts of alcohol. They all cause the well-known state of alcohol intoxication or “drunkenness.” The chemical name of the drinking alcohol we all know and love is ethyl alcohol or ethanol.

Common questions

Individuals in this subtype tend to have higher rates of Antisocial Personality Disorder, criminality, and other psychiatric disorders compared to other subtypes. Understanding the genetic factors and symptoms of AUD is crucial in recognizing and addressing the disorder. If you or someone you know is struggling with AUD, it is important to seek professional help and explore the various treatment options available. For more information on the stages of alcoholism, causes of alcoholism, and the long-term effects of alcohol, visit our related articles on stages of alcoholism, what are the causes of alcoholism? Overall, the interplay of genetic inheritance, mental health issues, and social environment critically shapes different alcoholism subtypes. Recognizing these factors helps in tailoring prevention and treatment strategies, emphasizing the importance of integrating medical, psychological, and social interventions.

The Recovery Village Kansas City

A successful treatment plan typically combines medication, psychological Types of Alcoholics therapies, social support, and aftercare. Pharmacological options such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are used to reduce cravings and deter drinking. Detoxification, often supervised medically, addresses withdrawal symptoms safely.

Counseling and Talk Therapy

Traits include impulsiveness and vulnerability to mental health disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. Understanding the different types of alcoholics is crucial in addressing the complexities of alcohol addiction. The main types of alcoholics include the Young Adult Subtype, Functional Subtype, Young Antisocial Subtype, and Chronic Severe Subtype. Understanding the definition and symptoms of alcohol addiction, as well as the impact on health, is the first step toward seeking help and making positive changes. In the following sections, we will explore the different types of alcoholics, seeking help and treatment options, factors influencing alcohol addiction, and historical perspectives on alcoholism. Those within the chronic severe subtype are typically middle-aged but began drinking alcohol at an early age.

• It’s crucial to be honest with yourself about your consumption habits and to understand your limits.
• Early attempts to understand alcoholism revolved around clinical observation and anecdotal evidence.
• This group tends to start drinking younger (around 17) and also develops an alcohol dependence earlier (around 32).
• If you used any amount of alcohol while you were pregnant, talk with your child’s healthcare provider as soon as possible and share your concerns.
• It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

• Verify your insurance today – treatment could be more affordable than you think.
• Working with a therapist specializing in addiction can provide personalized strategies and coping mechanisms.
• Multiple genes are involved in determining an individual’s susceptibility to AUD, with some genes increasing the risk and others potentially decreasing it.
• People with this subtype tend to drink continuously rather than episodically and often engage in antisocial behaviors such as fighting and criminal activity.
• Managing stress through healthier outlets and professional guidance can prevent the progression of alcohol use disorder.

These alcoholics are usually middle-aged people who started drinking and struggling with alcohol at a young age. Chronic severe alcoholics typically have difficulty functioning normally from day to day. Even within the realm of social drinking, it’s crucial to acknowledge potential risks. While moderate consumption might seem harmless, it’s important to remember that everyone’s tolerance and metabolism differ. Additionally, regular social drinking, even in moderation, can increase the risk of developing alcohol dependence over time.

How Healthcare Providers Determine the Severity Level

When you drink alcohol or take other drugs, safe driving is not possible. Not every impaired or intoxicated driver causes a traffic crash, but each one is dangerous, putting their lives and those they share the road with at risk. If you or someone you love falls into these categories, do not hesitate to reach out for support. The types of alcohol are identified by the type of carbon atom attached to the hydroxyl group. Methyl alcohol is also known as primary alcohol and has the chemical formula CH3OH. The chemical formula for isopropyl alcohol, or secondary alcohol, is C3H8O, and the chemical formula of ethyl alcohol which is also called tertiary alcohol is C2H5OH.

Overview of Alcohol Use Disorder and Its Severity Levels

They might also skip class, work, or other responsibilities the day after heavy drinking but don’t always connect those outcomes to alcohol. When you drink for enhancement, you drink because it makes you feel excited. This is considered a more risky motivator for drinking when compared to social drinking and drinking to conform. When you couple this drinking motivator with someone’s personality, it may be cause for serious concern.

Habits for Proper Mental Health

Understanding the types of alcoholism can help you recognize warning signs in yourself or others and highlight the need for professional help. With the lowest levels of education, employment, and income of any subtype, this group also drinks more at one time and more overall than other groups. Yet, members of this group—35%—are more likely to seek help, and from multiple sources, including private healthcare providers, self-help groups, specialty treatment programs, and detox programs. This group has attained a higher education level than all groups other than the functional subtype. More hold full-time jobs, but their income skews lower than the functional subtype.