There is a very prominent stereotype in the United States of what a typical, everyday alcoholic looks like. However, studies from the National Institute of Health (NIH), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), and the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) put that belief to rest. These organizations conducted a national, clinical study originating from numerous studies on alcoholics. The study found that there are five subtypes of alcoholics:
- – Young Adult Subtype
- – Young Antisocial Subtype
- – Functional Subtype
- – Intermediate Familial Subtype
- – Chronic Severe Subtype
Different types of alcoholics suffer for various different reasons. Some groups do not even realize that their drinking is a problem; they believe it is just a part of who they are. No matter your age, family, or status, alcoholism can create life-long problems that damage your health and relationships, no matter the subtype.
Young Adult Subtype
This group tends to begin drinking at an early age (around 19) and also develops an alcohol dependence early (around 24). 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. Members of this group are 2.5 times more likely to be male than female.
Functional Subtype
Making up 19.5% of alcoholics, this is the group that are holding down jobs and relationships. This group suffers from moderate rates of depression, but lower rates of most other co-occurring disorders. They have the highest education levels and income of all types of alcoholics. 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.
Chronic Severe Subtype
This group normally begins 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 antisocial personality disorder, the second highest rate of any subtype. This group also is very likely to experience addiction to cigarettes, marijuana, cocaine, and opioids.
At 449 Recovery, helping each client overcome every challenge on the road to recovery is our greatest goal. We believe that healing is best obtained in an environment that will encourage it. The endless monitored detoxification, in conjunction with long term treatment programs at 449 Recovery are provided in a caring and structured atmosphere. Our goal is to execute practices that will leave a lifelong impact on the recipients. We aim for no one to leave unchanged, but for everyone to lead a happier and healthier lifestyle. Procrastination is the enemy of success, so please give us a call at (855) 435-7449 to gain more insight about our all inclusive alcohol and drug addiction treatment program today!