Types of Alcoholics

Alcoholism is a disease that affects people in different ways. However, there are several different categories of alcoholics. Each type of alcoholic suffers from the consequences of this disease, and should seek treatment.

For anyone who is struggling with drinking, understanding the different categories may help with the fight to stop drinking.

The Young Adult Alcoholic
A lot of young adults who drink often have a problem with over drinking. This could be because of peer pressure or thinking that is normal to overindulge in alcohol, but either way, young adult alcoholics make up 31.5 percent of alcoholics in the US.

This group of alcoholics tend to be college students away from home, and away from their parents, for the first time. College students have either just become legally old enough to drink or they are close to legal age for drinking alcohol.

For a lot of college students drinking is frequently a part of the college experience, and culture. At this age, over-indulging and alcohol is encouraged by other peers.

Often times they will seek treatment for the drinking because young adults think it’s normal. But for any young adult who cannot control their drinking once they starts, has powerful alcohol cravings, experiences withdrawal symptoms when they are not drinking, and has built up a tolerance to alcohol and needs to consume more to get the same level of buzz.

The Antisocial Alcoholic
This group of alcoholics are most commonly college age too. Antisocial alcoholics typically grow up drinking, starting at as early as 14 years old or in some cases younger.

Of the alcoholics that fit into this category, half of these young adults grew up in families where there was a problem with alcohol. Albeit a parent or family member.

Some of these alcoholics have an antisocial personality disorder, which is a coexisting disorder that causes them to not care how their behavior may be hurting those around them. This disorder also causes destructive behaviors which is something to be concerned about.

Antisocial alcoholics may not have coexisting antisocial personality disorder, but they may have a co- occurring disorder like major depression, general anxiety disorder, or an addiction to another substance which could include marijuana, opiates, or cocaine.

The Functional Alcoholic
As the name suggests, Functional alcoholics, are able to function in everyday life while they continue to show signs of alcoholism. This means that they are able to go to school, and even hold down a job.

These alcoholics are generally middle-aged and are able to do well in their careers. Overall, these types of alcoholics are good at keeping themselves together long enough to go to work in order to make it home so that they can drink. Because of this, functional alcoholics may think they have their drinking under control or that they don’t need help.

The Chronic Severe Alcoholic
In this category are the “typical” alcoholics that many people think of when they hear the term alcoholic. Chronic severe alcoholics is when the problem is so severe that they cannot keep a job.
Chronic severe alcoholics have loss friends and family due to their condition and realize that they have run out of options. At this stage they are aware that they need help in order to make the correct changes in life to stay alive.

Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter which type of alcoholic you or a loved one may identify with, help is out there. Speak out and get the help needed. Help find someone who is able to provide you the assistance you need to fight your alcohol addiction and live a healthy, productive life.