At some point in your life, you will either become friends or become acquainted with a person who suffers from alcohol abuse and alcoholism, especially given how popular this drug is in our country. However, as it turns out, people do not simply follow a set pattern of behavior if they suffer from this illness. In fact, Dr. Howard B. Moss and a team of researchers from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has identified five different categories of alcoholism based on social standards, age, and behavior in general. Let’s take a closer look and find out some more information. Can you identify all 5 types?
1. Young Adults (31.5%)
Unfortunately, the most common variety of alcoholics (out of the entire 100% of patients) comprise young adult alcoholics, who also suffer from comorbid mental problems and substance use disorders. Typically, these young people will have low rates of alcoholism among family members. However, these victims rarely seek out medical attention for their condition.
2. Young Antisocial Adults (21%)
Next up, the second most common group of alcoholics constitute young antisocial people who are typically in their mid-20s and had early onset issues with alcohol (e.g. early exposure and alcohol abuse). Typically, 50% of these victims have family members who also suffer from alcoholism and also suffer from a mental illness (including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder). 75% of these alcoholics will also smoke cigarettes and marijuana joints.
3. Functioning Alcoholics (19.5%)
In a different twist, the third most common groups of alcoholics include middle-aged adults who are well-educated and have stable careers and family lives. Typically, one-third of these people have multigenerational cases of alcoholism. Meanwhile, 25% of these people will also suffer from depression, while 50% smoke cigarettes.
4. Intermediate Family (19%)
In similar cases, the fourth most common types of alcoholics include middle-aged adults who also have multigenerational cases of this sickness. Typically, 50% of these men and women suffer from depression, while 20% of these victims also cope with bipolar disorder. 1 in 5 victims consume cocaine, and majority of these people also smoke cigarettes. Roughly 25% of these alcoholics will seek out therapy for their sickness.
5. Chronic Alcoholics (9%)
Overall, the most uncommon varieties of alcoholism occur among middle-aged adults who previously suffered from alcohol problems at an early age. Nearly 80% of these victims have multigenerational cases of this sickness, and they suffer from particularly high rates of mental illnesses including bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. Chronic alcoholics will also consume marijuana, cocaine, and opioids. Typically, these people are the most common alcoholics in rehabilitation treatment programs.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse or Alcoholism
Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are unfortunate aspects of reality. Imagine the pain a person experiences on a daily basis as they cope with their attachment to a dangerous substance like alcohol. As easy as it may be to attempt to walk away from a substance that has taken its hold over you, though, you have to remember that anything is possible, if you put your mind to it. Addiction is not your fault and never will be.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug addiction or alcoholism or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you overcome your attachment to dangerous drugs and alcoholic drinks.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
