It takes only a few drinks to increase your BAC to levels Types of Alcoholics at which it is illegal to drive. And remember, the effects of alcohol on your ability to drive begin at even lower BAC levels after just one drink. Blood alcohol content (BAC) is the percentage of alcohol in your blood and is normally determined by a chemical test of breath, blood, urine or saliva.

• Functional alcoholics consume alcohol daily or at least several times per week.
• The young adult subtype refers to individuals who develop alcohol dependence early in life.
• One serving of pale lager (like a Pilsner) typically has 4–6% ABV and around 150 calories.
• This subtype is comprised of high-functioning alcoholics who are able to maintain relationships and careers despite their alcohol addiction.
• The study included people both in treatment and not seeking treatment.
• All types of alcoholics can face serious physical and mental health problems due to drinking.

Recognizing Signs of Alcohol Use

Early intervention often requires careful conversations and motivational interviewing to help them confront their reality. Although many people in this group do eventually “mature out” of heavy drinking, some carry the habits into later adulthood where the damage becomes more severe. When someone you love is struggling with alcohol abuse, it’s hard to know where to turn. They are impulsive risk-takers who deliberately get drunk and are often boisterous and extroverted. Some thrill-seeking drinkers can be aggressive and seek out fights when they are under the influence of alcohol.

• Approaches that include behavioral therapy, structure, and accountability (such as inpatient programs or legal consequences) tend to work best.
• Understanding the six types of alcoholics is key to tackling the complex issue of alcohol abuse.
• They have the highest rates of attendance at self-help groups, detoxification programs and specialized rehabilitation programs, and the highest rates of treatment in inpatient programs.

Specific Guides

The more risk factors a person exhibits, the more likely for a person to abuse alcohol. Alcohol addiction, no matter what type of alcohol you may be, is a deadly disease unless you obtain treatment for it. Continuing to drink will only put you at greater risk for destroying your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Despite sharing the same disease, alcoholics have their own experiences and origins of disease. This category of alcoholism is more than a loss of control; it is a dire call for immediate and structured intervention.

What are some signs that someone may be a functional alcoholic?

• Understanding what drives individuals toward alcohol use is vital for tackling alcohol addiction effectively.
• Chronic severe alcoholics also have a higher likelihood of abusing other substances alongside alcohol.
• In this section, we will explore some common treatment options and support systems available for individuals struggling with alcoholism.
• Each subtype is unique and offers a bit more insight into alcohol abuse.

Alcoholism is a complex and chronic disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is characterized by an uncontrollable and compulsive desire to consume alcohol, despite the negative consequences it may have on one’s physical health, mental well-being, and relationships. Young people, who have less experience with alcohol or drugs and less experience with driving, are at high risk. Drivers under age 21 are approximately 4 percent of the driving population, but 7 percent of the impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes. This is one reason the driver license revocation penalties are more severe for young drivers who drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

• The Functional Subtype refers to individuals who are typically middle-aged, well-educated, and employed.
• Other support groups, such as SMART Recovery, provide alternative approaches to achieving and maintaining sobriety.
• When they drink, their maximum number of drinks is 17, the highest of any subtype of alcoholic.
• They also have a high prevalence of co-occurring substance use disorders, compounding their struggles and increasing the risk of overdose.
• It is characterized by a compulsive need to consume alcohol despite its negative consequences on one’s physical and mental health.