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. Several studies using this approach indicated that alcoholic subtypes defined by single dimensions could indeed be differentiated in predictable ways on a variety of other dimensions (see Babor and Dolinsky 1988). The study also demonstrated, however, that various typological criteria other than gender—such as psychopathology, sex-linked physiological characteristics, and socially defined gender roles—could better explain these differences. Making up just 9.2 % of all alcoholics, chronic severe subtypes are the rarest of them all..
Ways to Treat Risk Factors of Alcoholism
The sooner chronic alcoholism is identified, the better it could be treated and managed. Such severe consequences could be avoided, and alcoholics can start their lives in recovery. Members of this group began drinking at an average age of 17 and developed a dependence on alcohol at age 32. Of the five NIAAA alcoholic subtypes, this group has the highest employment rate, with 68% working in full-time jobs.
Understanding The Terminology
It also can determine whether a certain type of treatment will be more effective than another. Only 17% of functional alcoholics have ever sought help for their alcohol dependence. Those who do tend to make use of 12-step programs and private health care professionals. About 31% of functional alcoholics have a close family member who also has alcohol dependence. They have moderate rates of major depression (24%) and smoking cigarettes (43%), and low rates of anxiety disorders, other substance use disorders, and the lowest rates of having legal problems (fewer than 1%).
Intermediate familial alcoholics
The term alcoholic refers to a person with a condition known as alcohol use disorder (AUD). The disorder makes a person who has it experience an intense desire for alcohol even when it adversely affects their health. However, referring to a person with this condition as an alcoholic has negative connotations that can be harmful and hurtful. Nevertheless, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Jellinek’s work provided typology research with a new impetus that ushered in the post-Jellinek era of typology development. In 1893 Kerr, who also was an honorary member of the American association, published the influential textbook Inebriety and Narcomania, which divided inebriates into two groups, periodic and habitual (Kerr 1893).
- Around one-quarter of intermediate familial alcoholics seek treatment for drinking-related problems.
- It focused on 1,484 NESARC respondents who met all diagnostic criteria for alcohol dependence and included people who were in treatment for their AUD as well as people who were not.
- The chronic severe subtype is the least prevalent, accounting for only about 9 percent of alcoholics.13 However, this group is the most severe, with heavy drinking occurring almost daily.
- Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease affecting millions of people worldwide.
Is there a cure for alcoholism?
This type of alcoholic can balance their personal and professional responsibilities while living with addiction. Often, they don’t seek help for their drinking until they experience significant health problems. Those within this group most likely would have fit into the Young Antisocial 5 types of alcoholics type earlier in their lives. Generational alcohol abuse is extremely common in chronic severe cases along with the highest rates of mental health disorders out of any type. On top of alcohol abuse, many people in this category abuse tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, or opiates.
Outpatient Treatment
Yes, recovery from chronic severe alcoholism is possible but may require intensive treatment and ongoing support. It’s important for individuals struggling with this type of addiction to seek professional help as soon as possible. Tailoring treatment to the different subtypes of alcoholics is crucial for successful outcomes. The five subtypes of alcoholics – Young Adult Subtype, Young Antisocial Subtype, Functional Subtype, Intermediate Familial Subtype, and Chronic Severe Subtype – each have their own specific characteristics and behaviors. The Intermediate Familial subtype is characterized by individuals who have a family history of alcoholism and often start drinking at an early age. These individuals may experience periods of heavy drinking, but they may also have periods of abstinence or controlled drinking.
Why Is Alcoholism Typology Important?
Understanding what is considered an alcoholic, the different types of alcoholics, and how to identify alcoholism can help shed light on the diversity of this condition and provide insights into tailored treatment approaches. They have the highest divorce rate — 25.1 percent — of all the alcoholic types. Only 9 percent have gone to college, and only 43 percent are employed full time. They drink more heavily than any other type of alcoholic, consuming alcohol 248 days of the year on average and drinking five or more drinks 69 percent of the time. Nearly 32 percent of alcoholics fall into the young adult category, making it the most prevalent subtype in the U.S.
