Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism NIAAA

The drinking patterns in this group are severe, with frequent episodes of binge drinking and other substance use disorders, including cigarettes, cannabis, and other illicit drugs. Classifying alcoholism into subtypes can also help identify and remove barriers to professional assessment and treatment. For example, those in the chronic and severe subgroup tend to have the lowest socioeconomic status. This means that 5 types of alcoholics according to the niaaa while they may benefit most from inpatient treatment, they may not be able to financially afford the cost.

What Are the Types of Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder?

The Chronic Severe Alcoholic Subtype makes up the smallest group of alcoholics, at approximately 9 percent. More than 75 percent of this group also battles addiction to other substances too, including drugs like nicotine, marijuana, cocaine and opioids. They tend to have long-term issues with alcohol and benefit from structured treatment. After Fran came across a memoir written by someone with a similar type of experience and family background, something clicked. She realized she was going down the same path as many of her relatives, but also realized that she had a choice to take a different approach. Now she’s happily alcohol-free and enjoys checking out the Reframe app readings about the latest neuroscience research on the role that genetics and environment play in alcohol misuse.

Jason struggled with alcohol use throughout his 20s, but found that AA and inpatient treatment wasn’t for him.
By the time she started her grad school career, she had all the hallmark signs of AUD and ended up at the emergency room after getting alcohol poisoning several times.
Many rely on structured support like a 12-step program for ongoing sobriety.
These methods are commonly applied to anyone living with alcohol use disorder.
According to America’s Health Rankings, in 2023, Indiana ranked 16th among U.S. states for excessive drinking, with 16% of adults reporting binge drinking or heavy alcohol consumption that year.

And when you consider the fact that the next highest is 21.1%, the proportion of Young Adult Alcoholics is absolutely huge. Recent studies show that there are roughly eight million people in the United States who could be diagnosed for alcohol dependence. 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.

Intermediate Familial Subtype: Fran’s Family

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Key signs include difficulties cutting back, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms if alcohol use is abruptly stopped.
Binge drinking is a pattern of excessive alcohol use that increases the risk for developing tolerance and then physical dependence on alcohol that can then lead to addiction.
It exhibits the behavioural patterns that they are familiar with, and they may follow in their family member’s footsteps regardless of the consequences.

NIAAA researchers found that there were five distinct patterns of alcohol dependence.

The combination of their co-occurring disorders prevents them from being able to function at work and in other areas. Young adult alcoholics are the biggest subtype of alcoholics in the United States. These drinkers are about 24 years old, and their alcohol dependence started relatively early, around the age of 19. Young adult alcoholics also have low rates of co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders and low rates of family alcoholism. According to the study, they have five or more alcoholic beverages on 73% of the days that they drink. This group tends to start drinking at the youngest age (around 15) and also develops an alcohol dependence at the earliest age (around 18).

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Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life. Anxiety disorders, depression and bipolar disorder are common among this demographic, as well as addiction to cigarettes, cocaine, marijuana and opioids. As we wrap up this exploration, let’s embrace empathy, celebrate the strength within each individual’s recovery, and continue supporting a community that understands the complex and personal nature of alcoholism.

Professional help may include medical detoxification, where individuals are guided through the process of safely withdrawing from alcohol under medical supervision. Medications may also be prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. While understanding the different types of alcoholism is crucial, effective treatment is equally important for navigating this substance use disorder. Individuals in this group are about 38 years old and initially started drinking around the age of 16. However, for this group, alcohol dependence typically develops at around 29 years old.

Evidence Based

Of the alcoholism subtypes, functional individuals are less likely to relapse. Functional alcoholics consume alcohol daily or at least several times per week. Contact us today to schedule an initial assessment or to learn more about our services. Whether you are seeking intensive outpatient care or simply need guidance on your mental health journey, we are here to help.

This subgroup is very likely to have had immediate family members with alcoholism. They also have high probability of suffering from antisocial personality disorder, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder. This group also suffers from high rates of cigarette, marijuana, and cocaine addiction. About 31% of functional alcoholics have a close family member who also has alcohol dependence.

Type I Alcoholism is characterized by a later onset, typically after age 25, and requires a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors to develop. Individuals with this type often experience binge drinking episodes with periods of abstinence and exhibit a progressive worsening of alcohol abuse. These untreated conditions often play a part in the desire for and use of alcohol.

5 types of alcoholics according to the niaaa

Are there distinctions in treatment methods for different types of alcoholics?

Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Although there are many stereotypes about what an alcoholic looks like or how they behave, alcoholism manifests differently in everyone. Intermediate familiar alcoholics are typically employed and have a close family member who’s an alcoholic too.