What is an Alcoholic? Characteristics & Levels of Alcoholism

The young adult subtype also often abuses other substances besides alcohol and rarely seeks treatment. In the U.S., the young adult alcoholic subtype comprises 31.5% of all alcoholics. This demographic’s average age is 24, with most being male, single, still in school, and with family histories of alcoholism. The presence of any two symptoms within a one-year period can result in a diagnosis of alcohol addiction. As previously mentioned, however, there are multiple types of alcoholic subtypes.

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Less than 20% of this subgroup has sought help, and most do so from a 12-step program or a private health care professional. Generally, this group tends to view drinking heavily as a normal behavior. Intermediate familial alcoholics are about 38 years old and started drinking around the age of 17. Their alcohol consumption is the highest of any subtype of alcoholics and they drink excessively during their drinking sessions.

Are There Different Levels of Alcoholism?

In the next sections, we’ll introduce you to these two clinically defined manifestations of alcoholism and the characteristics that describe them. With ⅔ of this group having sought out treatment for their alcoholism they are the most likely of all the subtypes to seek help. Help for them can be found through rehabilitation programs, self-help groups, detox programs, private specialists, social workers, and psychiatrists.

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• On drinking days, the average maximum number of drinks is almost 14.
• Approximately half suffer from clinical depression, and about 1 in 5 has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Distilled alcohol is created through a process called distillation, which separates the molecules of a liquid based on their boiling points.
• A functional alcoholic may not hit “rock bottom,” and they are often successful in relationships, employment, and life in general.

Many will suffer from dysthymia, major depression, general anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, phobias, and panic attacks. This group is also most likely to be addicted to multiple substances other than alcohol such as Marijuana, Cocaine, Opioids, and cigarettes. This group tends to start drinking at the youngest age (around 15) and also develops an alcohol dependence at the earliest age (around 18).

What are the Five Types of Alcoholism?

People in this subtype don’t drink as often as other types of alcoholics. Many of those in the grips of alcoholism choose not to seek help, https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/alcohol-vs-drugs-comparison-of-addictions/ but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you or a loved one fall into one of these types of alcoholism, know that there are options.

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This subtype is also mostly male (over 75%) and has often been addicted to alcohol since being as young as 18. They also frequently suffer from other forms of mental illness (OCD, bipolar disorder, depression) or other substance abuse disorders. These young adults usually don’t have diagnosed mental disorders, substance-related or otherwise.

Understanding Dual Diagnosis & Seeking Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

Two main components of professionally led treatment