In the next sections, we’ll introduce you to these two clinically defined manifestations of alcoholism and the characteristics that describe them. Addiction Resource is an educational platform for sharing and disseminating information about addiction and substance abuse recovery centers. Addiction Resource is not a healthcare provider, nor does it claim to offer sound medical advice to anyone.

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The Intermediate Familial Alcoholic

Therapy can be continued in the long term, even after leaving rehab, meaning that it is one of the most effective forms of treatment for all types of alcoholics at any stage of their recovery. Individuals who drink chronically are shown to exhibit far more aggressive behaviours than other types of alcoholics, meaning that they often engage in antisocial behaviours and/or crime. A study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) establishes five different types of alcoholics.

• Although this is the smallest group (9%), it is one of the most detrimental.
• Chronic severe alcoholics drink almost every day and consume alcohol in large amounts.
• The same is true for certain types of amaro—an Italian herbal liqueur—known as “vino amaro.”  As the name implies, these amari, such as Pasubio, are made from wine.
• They drink approximately 201 days out of each year and usually consume five or more drinks per sitting.
• This comes as the rates for some of these cancers are increasing among younger adults.
• Unfortunately, most functional alcoholics live in denial, too ashamed or too proud to admit the truth to themselves or others.

Is It Possible for an Individual to Fit Into More Than One Category of the 5 Types of Alcoholics?

Someone in the intermediate familial alcoholics subtype is usually employed, but they may have lower levels of education and income than the functional subtype. 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.

• While two-thirds have sought alcohol rehab for their addiction, it’s important that any treatment program address their co-occurring disorders and include therapies focused on preventing alcohol relapse.
• Using cluster analysis, the investigators identified two types of alcoholics who differ consistently across 17 defining characteristics, including age of onset, severity of dependence, and family history of alcoholism.
• Periodic inebriety is characterized by intense drinking or craving for alcohol interspersed with periods of abstinence.
• Alcoholism can be a devastating medical disorder, but it can be managed with the proper care and support.

Family members and friends can recognize the type of alcoholic by observing their loved one’s behaviors and their impact on relationships. Still, professional guidance is often needed to provide effective support. Some outgrow their problem drinking, while others develop an addiction to alcohol as they age. Identifying the specific type of alcoholic makes it easier to understand and treat people’s problems. Alcoholism is a complex and pervasive issue affecting millions of people in America.

The causes of alcoholism are multifaceted and can vary from individual to individual. The 5 A’s model is a framework for brief interventions and conversations with individuals at risk for or experiencing alcohol-related problems. These steps aim guide healthcare professionals 5 types of alcoholics in addressing alcohol use disorder and promoting behavior change. They are more likely to try detoxification or medication-assisted treatment than other subtypes. They may prefer programs with intensive medical, psychological care, and long-term follow-up and support.

• For some alcoholics who’ve been excessive drinkers for years, it’s a difficult path to embrace sobriety.
• Only trained and licensed medical professionals can provide such services.
• ”This article provides some of the historical attempts about the classification of alcoholics and explains the five different types of alcoholics as they are currently understood.
• Including well-known groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), mutual support groups or self-help groups are beneficial for individuals throughout most of their time spent rehabilitating.

Functional alcoholics are more likely to smoke but usually aren’t addicted to other substances. They typically drink every other day, consuming five or more drinks on average, and they often surround themselves with others who drink heavily. That’s exactly what happened to ABC news anchor Elizabeth Vargas, a functional alcoholic who sought treatment for an alcohol addiction in 2014 after years of trying to hide her drinking. Addiction treatment programs can tailor their approaches and interventions to the specific characteristics and challenges of each type of alcoholic.