Alcoholic is the general term for someone who has a chronic disease of uncontrollable drinking and has a preoccupation with alcohol. In 2001-2002, Dr. Howard Moss from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) put together a national survey that included 1,484 adults that focused on their alcohol dependency. The statistics that came from the study to dictate each of the 5 types of alcoholic categories, are eye-opening.
THE YOUNG ADULT
- The largest group of all the alcoholic subtypes.
- 32 percent of alcoholics consist of young adults.
- Average age is 25, although they most likely became dependent around the age of 20.
- Young adults consist of mostly binge drinkers who consume alcohol about 104 days a year with an average maximum of 14 drinks on the days they binge drink.
- Males are 2.5 percent more likely to become young adult substance abusers than females.
- 75 percent have never been married.
- 37 percent are still in school.
- 54 percent work full-time.
THE ANTI-SOCIAL ADULT
- Accounts for 21 percent of the total amount of alcoholics.
- 54 percent have antisocial personality disorder (ASPD).
- People with ASPD are 21 times higher to develop alcohol dependency in their lifetime.
- Average age is 26, although they most likely became dependent around the age of 18.
- Anti-social adults consist mostly of binge drinkers who consume alcohol about 201 days a year with an average maximum of 17 drinks on the day they binge drink.
- This category has highest maximum drinks of any other.
- 76 percent of this category are male with 10 percent of these males having a college degree.
- 13 percent are still in school.
- 47 percent work full-time.
FUNCTIONAL ALCOHOLICS
- Makes up 20 percent of all alcoholic categories.
- Average age is 41 years old, although they most likely became dependent at around 37.
- Functional alcoholics are apt to drink every other day and consume alcohol about 181 days a year with an average maximum of 10 drinks on the days they drink.
- 40 percent are women and almost 50 percent are married.
- Nearly 26 percent have a college degree.
- 5 percent are retired.
- 62 percent work full-time.
INTERMEDIATE FAMILIAL ALCOHOLICS
- Consists of 19 percent of all alcoholics.
- 47 percent of intermediate familial alcoholics have a close family member that is also an alcoholic.
- Average age is 38 years old, although they most likely became dependent around 32.
- Intermediate familial alcoholics tend to drink around 172 days of the year with an average of maximum 10 drinks on the days they drink.
- 64 percent are male.
- 38 percent are married while 21 percent are divorced.
- Almost 20 percent have a college degree.
- 68 percent work full-time.
CHRONIC SEVERE ALCOHOLICS
- This group makes up the most dangerous type of alcoholics.
- This very rare category only has 9 percent of alcoholics.
- Average age is 38 years old, although they most likely became dependent around 29.
- Chronic severe alcoholics has the highest rates of drinking by consuming an average of 248 days out of the year, binge drinking 172 of them, with an average of maximum 15 drinks on the days they drink.
- 65 percent are males.
- 29 percent are married, 9 percent are separated, and 29 are divorced.
- 9 percent have a college degree.
- 43 percent are employed full-time with 8 percent being both unemployed and disabled.
Researchers at the NIAAA found that 8 million US adults represent the alcoholic population that fit into these categories. These categorical statistics are helpful to loved ones trying to get an addict into treatment.
Serenity Oaks Wellness Center is here to help an alcoholic get into treatment. Finding out which category of alcoholic your loved one is, can assist the members of our staff to give them the best treatment for their personal situation. Call us today: 844-720-6847
