Type 1 vs Type 2 Alcoholism: Whats Your Type? FHE Health

Around one-quarter of intermediate familial alcoholics seek treatment for drinking-related problems. NIAAA reports on a national survey that found that 60 percent of college students between the ages of 18 and 22 drank alcohol in the past month, and nearly two out of every three of these students binge drank during that month. Binge drinking https://ecosoberhouse.com/ 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. According to NIAAA, around 20 percent of college students struggle with alcohol addiction. Alcohol use disorder is a multifaceted issue that affects individuals differently.

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• They tend to drink less frequently than people of other types (an average of 143 days a year).
• Alpha alcoholics are psychologically dependent on alcohol, using it as an emotional crutch.
• One such issue is that of a perceived need for professional help and recognition that a problem with alcohol exists.

One of the main recommendations I was provided to prevent reoccurrence (especially since my type of cancer is an estrogen-dependent cancer), was to stop drinking alcohol… for good. To gain some clarity about what treatment may be best for you or a loved one with alcoholism contact FHE Health. We’re always available to answer your questions, so you can get on with your life knowing you’ve got compassionate, caring experts who can help. They are tough-minded in social situations, detached, and practical, and show emotional coolness.

Alcohol Abuse

It’s a chronic disease marked by an inability to control alcohol consumption. In the U.S., the intermediate familial alcoholic subtype comprises 19% of all alcoholics. Intermediate familial alcoholics are similar to functional ones but are more likely born with a genetic predisposition to alcoholism. Functional alcoholics have an average household income of almost $60,000 and the lowest rates of legal issues. In addition, 17% seek substance addiction treatment at private facilities.

The Binge Drinker

• But they started drinking much earlier than young adult alcoholics — usually by the age of 15 or 16.
• This subgroup is very likely to have had immediate family members with alcoholism.
• Theories suggest that for certain people drinking has a different and stronger impact that can lead to alcohol use disorder.
• When they do seek treatment, they’re more likely to attend a 12-step group or seek treatment from private health care professionals.

Thus, Dionysian subtypes of alcoholics are characterized by early onset, more severe symptomatology, greater psychological vulnerability, and more personality disturbance. Many have been diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder and other mental illnesses, including major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, social phobias and panic disorder. The majority smoke, and many use other drugs, including marijuana, cocaine and opioids.

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If you or a loved one fall into one of these types of alcoholism, know that there are options. When they do seek treatment, they’re more likely to attend a 12-step group or seek treatment from private health care professionals. 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.

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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. Chronic severe alcoholics include the highest percentage of people struggling with co-occurring psychiatric disorders and other substance abuse issues. This group also experiences the highest alcohol-related emergency room visits, work and social problems, and withdrawal.

These classifications have distinguished alcoholism subtypes based on a multitude of defining characteristics, including drinking patterns, consequences of drinking, personality characteristics, and coexisting psychiatric disorders. As shown in table 2, similar alcoholic subtypes can be categorized within two broad groups, called the Apollonian and Dionysian types, based on recurrent characteristics of the drinkers. Until the 1960’s, typology theory—including Jellinek’s work—was guided primarily by armchair intuition and clinical observation. With the development of better measurement techniques and research methods, however, empirical research on typologies gained momentum.

The consequences of young adult alcoholism can be both immediate and long-term. In the short term, young adults may experience academic or work-related problems, engage in risky behaviors, or suffer injuries due to alcohol-related accidents. Long-term, they risk developing chronic health problems and potentially setting the stage for lifelong struggles with alcohol addiction. Classifying alcoholism into subtypes can also help identify and remove barriers to professional assessment and treatment.

Understanding Alcoholism: 5 Different Types of Alcoholics

These medications can help reduce cravings, block the effects of alcohol, and treat withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and insomnia. This type of treatment allows you to receive help in an outpatient setting while still attending to your everyday responsibilities. This is a great option for people with mild to moderate addiction and those who have already gone through inpatient treatment. It typically includes medically monitored withdrawal, which helps reduce symptoms of withdrawal. Treatment typically includes individual and group counseling, medication, and other therapies.

Living with a Functioning Alcoholic

Type 1 alcoholism and Type 2 alcoholism are but two distinct aspects of alcoholism that exist along a spectrum. The genetic backgrounds of people with alcoholism shouldn’t be expected to be the same in those with mild or severe abuse of alcohol, while the genetic backgrounds of those with moderate abuse of alcohol differ. Type 1 alcoholism affects men and women, although the predisposition 5 types of alcoholics for this type of alcoholism requires a specific genetic background to be present, along with certain environmental factors. A study in Sweden in 1987 was the first to classify alcoholics as either Type 1 or Type 2, describing in detail alcoholism’s neurogenetic adaptive mechanisms. The typology developed from findings of adoptees and their adoptive and biological parents.