
Full Answer
What are the 5 types of Alcoholics?
What Are the 5 Types of “Alcoholics”?
- Young Adult. This subtype represented 31.5 percent of the survey respondents. ...
- Young Antisocial. This is the second most common subtype, at the time of the study, with 21.1% of the total respondents.
- Functional. ...
- Intermediate Familial. ...
- Chronic Severe. ...
What is the best job for alcoholics?
- Brand Ambassador – Represents a specific brand of beer or alcohol at events.
- Distiller – Distills hard alcohol like gin, rum, whiskey, tequila, vodka, or schnapps.
- Winemaker – Produces and creates different wines.
- Cicerone – Recommends and chooses beers for restaurants and clients (basically a sommelier for beer).
When to leave a relationship with an alcoholic?
You should leave an addict or alcoholic partner any time abuse occurs, they get high in front of your or your children, or they don’t come home. But it’s easier said than done. More on leaving an addictive relationship here.
Are there different levels of alcoholism?
There are different levels of drunkenness. The effects of alcohol consumption will vary depending on several individual factors, but they are highly dependent on the amount of alcohol consumed. Depending on the blood content level of alcohol, the effects can be very mild, or they can result in death. Individual Results

Is there different types of alcoholic?
The study found that there are 5 subtypes of alcoholics: Young Adult Subtype. Functional Subtype. Intermediate Familial Subtype.
What are the five species of alcoholism?
Based on etiologic elements, alcoholic process elements (e.g., level of tolerance or loss of control), and damage elements, Jellinek (1960a, b) proposed five types, or species, of alcoholism: alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and epsilon (table 1).
What are the 4 types of drinkers?
There are four types of drinkers, each with different motivations, which include the social drinker, conformity drinker, enhancement drinker, and coping drinker. People consume alcohol for many different reasons.
What are the 3 types of drinkers?
There are three main categories that users of alcohol fall into; social drinker, alcohol abuser or alcoholic. Most people who drink alcohol will not have any problems with their consumption; however, for those who do have a problem handling it, oftentimes, their problem will gradually worsen.
What are the 7 personality traits of an alcoholic?
Usually, when someone is displaying these characteristics, it indicates that they are struggling with alcohol abuse....Often someone who is abusing alcohol will also display the following signs and become:Insecure.Sensitive.Impulsive.Impatient.Secretive.Defensive.Manipulative.Easily aggravated.More items...•
What is a Type 1 alcoholic?
In initial studies, type I alcoholics frequently exhibited high harm avoidance, low novelty seeking, and high reward dependence (Cloninger 1987a), personality characteristics indicating high levels of anxiety.
What is a GREY area drinker?
Gray area drinkers do not have a physical dependency on alcohol; they drink because they want to, not to avoid withdrawal symptoms. They don't identify as having alcohol use disorder, so they wouldn't be comfortable in an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, and they can stop anytime they want to.
What is considered an alcoholic?
What Is An Alcoholic? An alcoholic is known as someone who drinks alcohol beyond his or her ability to control it and is unable to stop consuming alcohol voluntarily. Most often this is coupled with being habitually intoxicated, daily drinking, and drinking larger quantities of alcohol than most.
What causes a person to be an alcoholic?
Your culture, religion, family and work influence many of your behaviors, including drinking. Family plays the biggest role in a person's likelihood of developing alcoholism. Children who are exposed to alcohol abuse from an early age are more at risk of falling into a dangerous drinking pattern.
What is an alcohol belly?
Most people are familiar with the term “beer belly,” the name for the stubborn fat that tends to form around your middle if you are a frequent drinker. All kinds of alcohol — beer, wine, whiskey, you name it — are relatively calorie-dense, topping out at about 7 calories per gram.
What type of drunks are there?
Thomas Nashe's 8 Kinds of DrunkardsEnglish: It Is Full of Words for Drunk People. ... Ape Drunk. ... Lion Drunk. ... Swine Drunk. ... Sheep Drunk. ... Maudlin Drunk. ... Martin Drunk. ... Goat Drunk.More items...•
What is considered a problem drinker?
You are drinking too much if you are: A woman who has more than seven drinks per week or more than three drinks per occasion. A man who has more than 14 drinks per week or more than four drinks per occasion. Older than 65 years and having more than seven drinks per week or more than three drinks per occasion.
What are the different types of drunks?
Which Drunk Personality Type Are You?The Happy Drunk. In the early stages of drinking, when we are just “tipsy,” most of us experience a degree of euphoria. ... The Angry Drunk. ... The Affectionate Drunk. ... The Sloppy Drunk. ... The Reckless Drunk. ... The Secret Drunk. ... The Blackout Drunk.
How many alcoholics are there?
About 15 million American adults struggle with an alcohol use disorder. In American culture, alcohol is used for celebration and commiseration alike.
What are 4 effects of alcohol on the brain?
Difficulty walking, blurred vision, slurred speech, slowed reaction times, impaired memory: Clearly, alcohol affects the brain.
What do most alcoholics have in common?
Generally, alcoholics seem to have the same kinds of personalities as everybody else, except more so. The first is a low frustration tolerance. Alcoholics seem to experience more distress when enduring long-term dysphoria or when tiresome things do not work out quickly. Alcoholics are more impulsive than most.
How many subtypes of alcoholics are there?
The results revealed five subtypes of alcoholics, which are as follows:
What is alcohol abuse?
Alcohol abuse is the excessive consumption of alcohol. It can happen on individual occasions (binge drinking) or habitually.
How old are functional alcoholics?
Most are middle-aged (around 41) and started drinking around age 18. They consume alcohol daily or at least several times per week. While functional alcoholics may not binge drink, they do drink more alcohol than someone without a problem would consume. This group also tends to suffer from moderate depression.
What are the problems that antisocial alcoholics have?
Antisocial alcoholics tend to have a family history of alcoholism. They also often suffer from co-occurring mental health problems, such as bipolar disorder and depression.
What does it mean to binge drink?
Binge drinking is defined as excessive alcohol use. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines it as drinking to where your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches .08 grams or more. This requires approximately five drinks for males and four drinks for women within a two hour timespan.
What are the mental health problems of an antisocial alcoholic?
They also typically suffer from co-occurring mental health problems, such as bipolar disorder, depression, antisocial personality disorder, or social anxiety disorder.
What are the different types of AUD?
The categories acknowledge a person’s: 1 Age 2 Background 3 Current situation 4 Medical issues 5 Family history of AUD 6 Age of onset of regular drinking and alcohol problems 7 Symptom patterns of alcohol dependence and abuse 8 Presence of additional SUD and mental health disorders
Chronic Severe Alcoholic FAQs
This subgroup is the smallest of the five. They tend to begin drinking age around 15. They may also have mental health conditions, such as antisocial personality disorder, depression, or anxiety, as well as other co-occurring addictions. Their loved ones may also be alcoholics, while many have low rates of employment and higher education.
Functional Alcoholic FAQs
As the name suggests, these alcoholics hold down jobs and maintain—to an extent—relationships. This group tends to be middle-aged, though they begin drinking and develop dependence later in life. They usually don’t suffer from other drug use issues or depressive disorders, while the majority of this group is male.
Young Adult Alcoholic FAQs
This group is the largest among all types of alcoholics—an alarming statistic. The people in this group tend to develop alcohol dependence in young adulthood. They are less likely to have other mental health conditions than other subgroups. They may also binge drink and refuse to seek treatment, though if they do, they may choose 12-step programs.
Young Antisocial Alcoholic FAQs
This group becomes dependent on alcohol at the earliest age, around 18. They also align with the following trends:
Intermediate Familial Alcoholics FAQs
This group is highly likely to have family members who are also suffering from alcohol use disorder and aligns with the following characteristics:
How many people have a family history of alcoholism?
Approximately one-third have a family history of alcoholism, and about one-quarter have been diagnosed with major depression. “High-functioning alcoholics are difficult to identify on a surface level because they appear to be fully functioning members of their families and society.”.
What percentage of alcoholics have a family history?
Nearly 50 percent of intermediate familial alcoholics have a family history of alcoholism. Nearly 50 percent have a family history of alcoholism, and co-occurring mental illness is prevalent.
How many days do antisocial alcoholics drink?
More than three-quarters of young antisocial alcoholics are male, and about 15 percent are married. They drink approximately 201 days out of each year and usually consume five or more drinks per sitting.
What percentage of antisocial alcoholics seek help?
While nearly 35 percent of young antisocial alcoholics have sought help for their drinking at some point, they have the “worst prognosis of any of the subtypes,” according to Dr. Howard Moss, the former associate director for clinical and translational research at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
When do antisocial alcoholics start drinking?
Young antisocial alcoholics are also typically their mid-20s. But they started drinking much earlier than young adult alcoholics — usually by the age of 15 or 16. Researchers found that 21.1 percent of alcoholics fall into this category. Their alcoholism usually manifests by the time they are 18 or 19, and more than half come from families with alcoholism.
How many days do alcoholics drink a year?
On average, young adult alcoholics drink about 143 days each year. Few young adult alcoholics use other drugs or have legal problems. They also have a low incidence of family history of alcoholism. On average, they drink about 143 days each year, and they typically consume five or more drinks at a time.
What is intermediate familial alcohol?
Intermediate Familial Alcoholics. Nearly 19 percent of alcoholics in the U.S. fall into the intermediate familial category. Most are middle-aged, began drinking at about 17 and were addicted to alcohol by their early 30s. Nearly 50 percent of intermediate familial alcoholics have a family history of alcoholism.
What is the smallest percentage of alcoholics?
The chronic severe subtype makes up the smallest percentage of alcoholics, with only 9.2%. This group tends to start drinking at a young age (around 15) but typically develops an alcohol dependence at an intermediate age (around 29). 77% of this group have close family members with alcoholism, the highest percentage of any subtype. 47% of the members of this group exhibit anti-social personality disorder, the second highest rate of any subtype. This subtype is the most likely of any to experience major depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, and panic disorder. This group also is very likely to experience addiction to cigarettes, marijuana, cocaine, and opioids.
What percentage of alcoholics are young adults?
It is determined that roughly 31.5% of alcoholics fall into the category of young adults, which is the largest single group. This group tends to begin drinking at an early age (around 19) and also develops an alcohol dependence early (around 24).
What is the youngest age group of alcoholics?
Fully 21.1% of alcoholics fall into the young antisocial subtype. This group tends to start drinking at the youngest age (around 15 ) and also develops an alcohol dependence at the earliest age (around 18). More than 50% of this group have traits of antisocial personality disorder. They also have high rates of depression, bipolar disorder, social phobia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. This group also has the highest rates of other substance abuse disorders, including addiction to cigarettes, Marijuana, Meth, Cocaine, and Opioids. More than 3/4 of the members of this group are male.
What is the young adult subtype?
The young adult subtype is less likely to have a full-time job but is more likely to be in college than other groups. This group is also unlikely to ever have been married. This subtype drinks less frequently than others but is very likely to engage in binge drinking when they do. Members of this group are 2.5 times more likely to be male than female. While it is very unlikely that a member of this group will seek out treatment, they are most likely to seek out a 12-Step program if they do.
What is the intermediate familial subtype?
This group tends to start drinking younger (around 17) and also develops an alcohol dependence earlier (around 32). This subgroup is very likely to have had immediate family members with alcoholism. They also have high probability of suffering from anti-social personality disorder, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder. This group also suffers from high rates of cigarette, marijuana, and cocaine addiction.
Is there such a thing as an alcoholic?
There is no such thing as a typical alcoholic. Every individual has their own unique circumstance. There are, however, 5 identified subtypes of alcoholics as identified by the NIH. Alcohol Info.
Do alcoholics have the highest education?
They have the highest education levels and income of all types of alcoholics. Half of this group are married. These are people that may seem to have their lives together, the ones that others look up to. However, while they are “functional” in a sense, they are still suffering from addiction.
How Do I know If I'm An Alcoholic?
Or maybe you've realized that just because you have a successful career and loving family doesn't mean you aren't a functional alcoholic after all.
What Should I Know About Recovering Alcoholics?
Knowing that a recovering alcoholic needs to stay away from the substance altogether can help you overcome substance abuse or support those around you on the road to recovery.
What is the most prevalent subtype of alcohol dependent?
1. Young Adult Subtype. The young adult subtype is the most prevalent subtype, making up 31.5% of people who are alcohol dependent. The average age of dependent young adults is almost 25 years old, and they first became dependent at an average age of around 20 years old.
How many patterns of alcohol dependence are there?
The NIAAA researchers found that there were five distinct patterns of alcohol dependence.
How many antisocial alcoholics seek help?
Almost 35% of young antisocial alcoholics have sought help for their alcohol dependence problems. They tend to go to self-help groups, detoxification programs, specialty treatment programs, and private health care providers.
How old are antisocial alcoholics?
They are also young ( average age 26 years) and have the earliest age of onset of drinking ( average is under 16 years old) and the earliest age of alcohol dependence ( average of 18 years ). Young antisocial alcoholics drank an average of 201 days in the last year, binge drinking (consuming five or more drinks) on an average of 80% of their drinking days. When they drink, their maximum number of drinks is 17, the highest of any subtype of alcoholic.
How many days did antisocial alcoholics drink?
Young antisocial alcoholics drank an average of 201 days in the last year, binge drinking (consuming five or more drinks) on an average of 80% of their drinking days. When they drink, their maximum number of drinks is 17, the highest of any subtype of alcoholic.
What percentage of alcoholics are antisocial?
Young antisocial alcohol dependents make up 21.1% of alcoholics – 54% of them have antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). ASPD is characterized by at least three of the following DSM-5 diagnostic criteria: Recurring criminal activities. Regular fights or assaults. Lack of regard for the safety of others.
What is the highest rate of emergency room visits related to drinking of any subtype?
Chronic severe alcoholics experience the most pervasive symptoms: The highest rate of emergency room visits related to drinking of any subtype. 94% drink larger/longer amounts than intended. 92% drink despite experiencing problems from drinking, such as at work, school, in relationships or while driving.
What type of alcohol can humans drink?
The only type of alcohol that humans can safely drink is ethanol. We use the other two types of alcohol for cleaning and manufacturing, not for making drinks. For example, methanol (or methyl alcohol) is a component in fuel for cars and boats. It’s also used to manufacture antifreeze, paint remover, windshield wiper fluid, and many other products.
What is the name of the group of atoms that make up the secondary alcohols?
In chemistry, an alcohol exists when a hydroxyl group, a pair of oxygen and hydrogen atoms, replaces the hydrogen atom in a hydrocarbon. Alcohols bind with other atoms to create secondary alcohols. These secondary alcohols are the three types of alcohol that humans use every day: methanol, isopropanol, and ethanol.
What is the difference between distilled alcohol and alcohol proof?
In general, a distilled alcoholic beverage will have a higher alcohol proof . Alcohol by volume (ABV) and alcohol proof are two measures of alcohol content, or the concentration of alcohol in a drink. Alcohol by volume is the number of milliliters of ethanol per 100 milliliters (or 3.4 fl.oz.) in a solution, while alcohol proof is twice ...
What is undistilled alcohol?
Distilled and Undistilled Alcohol. There are two categories of alcoholic beverages: distilled and undistilled. Undistilled drinks are also called fermented drinks. Fermentation is the process by which bacteria or yeast chemically converts sugar into ethanol. Wine and beer are both fermented, undistilled alcoholic beverages.
What is the alcohol content of champagne?
Champagne, the most well-known sparkling wine, has an alcohol concentration of about 10% to 12%. Some wines are “fortified” with distilled alcohol. Port, Madeira, Marsala, Vermouth, and Sherry are examples of fortified wines. They usually have about 20% ABV.
How much alcohol is in beer?
A standard beer, whether it be a lager or an ale, has between 4% to 6% AB V, although some beers have higher or lower concentrations of alcohol. For example, “light beers” only have between 2% to 4% ABV while “malt liquors” have between 6% to 8%.
What is the most popular drink in the world?
Beer . Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage worldwide. In fact, after water and tea, beer is the most commonly-consumed drink in the world. Beer is also most likely the oldest alcoholic drink in history.

Young Adult Subtype
Functional Subtype
- The functional subtype is what you might think of when you hear “functional alcoholics.” Making up 19.5% of alcoholics, this is the group that is holding down jobs and relationships. This group tends to be middle aged (around 41). Members of this group generally start drinking later (around 18) and develop an alcohol dependence later (around 37). This group suffers from moderate rat…
Intermediate Familial Subtype
- The intermediate familial subtype accounts for 18.8% of alcoholics. This group tends to start drinking younger (around 17) and also develops an alcohol dependence earlier (around 32). 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 anxiet…
Young Antisocial Subtype
- Fully 21.1% of alcoholics fall into the young antisocial subtype. This group tends to start drinking at the youngest age (around 15) and also develops an alcohol dependence at the earliest age (around 18). More than 50% of this group have traits of antisocial personality disorder. They also have high rates of depression, bipolar disorder, social phobia, and obsessive compulsive disorde…
Chronic Severe Subtype
- The chronic severe subtype makes up the smallest percentage of alcoholics, with only 9.2%. This group tends to start drinking at a young age (around 15) but typically develops an alcohol dependence at an intermediate age (around 29). Seventy-seven percent of this group have close family members with alcoholism, the highest percentage of any subtype...