6 Alcoholism Types Explained

different types of alcohol abuse

This article discusses the types and symptoms of substance use disorders, as well as how it's diagnosed and treated. Certain medications have been shown to effectively help people stop or reduce their drinking and avoid a return to drinking. Brief Interventions are short, one-on-one or small-group counseling sessions that are time limited. The counselor provides information about the individual’s drinking pattern and potential risks. After the individual receives personalized feedback, the counselor will work with them to set goals and provide ideas for helping to make a change. Motivational enhancement is conducted over a short period of time to build and strengthen motivation to change drinking behavior.

Caron Outpatient Treatment Center

Previous efforts to identify alcoholism subtypes focused primarily on individuals who were hospitalized or otherwise receiving treatment for their alcoholism. Thus, a substantial proportion of people with alcoholism were not represented in the samples previously used to define subtypes of this disease. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your health care provider or mental health provider. You're likely to start by seeing your primary health care provider. If your provider suspects that you have a problem with alcohol, you may be referred to a mental health provider.

Medical Professionals

  1. There’s no one way to describe a ‘typical alcoholic’ since alcoholism develops differently from person to person.
  2. If you have insurance coverage or other means to cover the costs, you can build your own care team.
  3. However, remember that relationships with health care providers can take time to develop.
  4. The Navigator can help you find therapists and doctors with addiction specialties to team with your primary care provider.
  5. A health care provider might ask the following questions to assess a person’s symptoms.

Some may be more inclined to develop alcoholism due to their genetics and family history, while others may develop alcoholism due to environmental and psychological factors. While understanding the different types of alcoholism is crucial, effective treatment is equally important for navigating this substance use disorder. Several different medications are given while a person is going through detox; these drugs help safely manage a person’s withdrawal symptoms. The exact type of medication given during detox depends on the recovering what drug makes you foam out the mouth person’s drug of choice. Evaluate the coverage in your health insurance plan to determine how much of the costs your insurance will cover and how much you will have to pay.

Physical Symptoms and Health Problems

However, these numbers can vary depending on your alcohol tolerance and other biological responses. However, we do not guarantee individual replies due to the high volume of messages. This infographic shows the routes that four different people might take on their way to recovery from AUD. These two options can be used in combination and tailored to individual needs. In some people, the initial reaction may feel like an increase in energy. But as you continue to drink, you become drowsy and have less control over your actions.

Symptoms of a Substance Use Disorder

different types of alcohol abuse

Young adults tend to drink less often than older alcoholics, but they binge drink more. The young adult subtype also often abuses other substances besides alcohol and rarely seeks treatment. Treatment for alcohol use disorder can vary, depending on your needs. Treatment may involve a brief intervention, individual or group counseling, an outpatient program, or a residential inpatient stay.

Consider talking with someone who has had a problem with drinking but has stopped. Alcohol use disorder can include periods of being drunk (alcohol intoxication) and symptoms of withdrawal. Outpatient treatment is a less intensive program that usually involves fewer hours and days per week.

Examples of these medications include Naltrexone (Vivitrol), Acamprosate (Campral), and Disulfiram (Antabuse). It allows you to focus on recovery in an environment free from triggers and distractions. This post discusses five distinct categories of people who suffer from alcoholism. By exploring each category in depth, you’ll better understand the complexities surrounding alcoholism. You’ll also know why it requires special treatment for successful recovery. Still, people dealing with AUD can achieve and maintain sobriety with appropriate treatment and support.

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