What is an Alcoholic? Characteristics & Levels of Alcoholism
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. There are, however, five identified subtypes of alcoholics as identified by the National Institute of Health. The effects of alcohol on the body depend on your blood alcohol content (BAC). The liver can only process approximately one standard drink per hour.
Determining Your Alcoholic Type
The typical young adult alcoholic is about 25 and started drinking at age 19 or 20. Men outnumber women 2.5 times to 1 in this category, and they tend to be single. Experts in the field of addiction say these categories are more than just labels — they can also be useful tools in treating alcoholism. 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 subtype drinks less frequently than others but is very likely to engage in binge drinking when they do.
- Among all the types of alcohol on this list, fortified wines are the oddity.
- Because not every case of alcoholism is the same, tailoring addiction treatment to the individual person may help improve rates of success.
- Close to 80 percent of chronic severe alcoholics have a genetic and familial link to alcoholism, meaning that a close family member also suffered, or suffers, from alcoholism.
- “Non-chilled, filtered, aged products can gain a visual cloudiness if the bottles aren’t sealed correctly,” says Asher.
- Some outgrow their problem drinking, while others develop an addiction to alcohol as they age.
Types of Alcohol & Liquor Names
People who fall into the young adult alcoholic subtype also rarely have a family history of alcoholism. Alcoholism is considered to be a heritable disease, as NIAAA reports that genetics can account for about half of the risk for developing 5 types of alcoholics the disease. The flip side of this coin, however, is that environmental and other factors make up the other half of the risks for the onset of addiction. Meanwhile, undistilled or fermented beverages include wines, beers, etc.
Young Adult Subtype
Almost 66% of chronic severe alcoholics have sought help for their alcoholism. They have the highest rates of attendance at self-help groups, detoxification programs and specialized rehabilitation programs, and the highest rates of treatment https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/why-is-alcohol-addictive/ in inpatient programs. When seeking treatment, they tend to turn to social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and private physicians. Only 17% of functional alcoholics have ever sought help for their alcohol dependence.
Treatment Options for Alcohol Addiction
Difference Between Distilled & Undistilled Alcohol
- The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing.
- Alcohol is the oldest and most widely consumed recreational drug on the planet.
- Unlike Type 1 alcoholism, however, the severity of alcohol abuse in those with Type 2 alcoholism doesn’t change over time.
- Join our supportive sober community where each day becomes a step towards personal growth and lasting positive change.
- Spirytus is a vodka that’s 192 proof with the highest ABV (96%) on the market.
- Each liquor is created through a unique process, and each process manipulates the flavor profile and the alcoholic content of the beverage.
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