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. Most people of this subtype are employed, although their income level is likely to be lower than the functional subtype. Almost all of these individuals suffer from clinical depression, antisocial personality disorder, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorder.

How to consume alcohol without increasing your cancer risk

Most young antisocial alcoholics are also male (about three-quarters of the group). In the U.S., the young adult alcoholic subtype comprises 31.5% of all alcoholics. This demographic’s average age is 24, with most being male, single, still in school, and with family histories of alcoholism. The young adult subtype is less likely to have a full-time job but is more likely to be in college than other groups. This subtype drinks less frequently than others but is very likely to engage in binge drinking when they do.

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Therefore, Psychology Today reports that they often deny they have a problem with alcohol and are less likely to seek professional help. The young adult alcoholic may not seek help for their problematic drinking, as drinking to excess at this age is often considered “normal” and part of a phase of life. Family members and adults may assume that the young adult will then “grow out of it” and do not see the drinking as a potential ongoing or long-lasting issue. These treatment options can help you or your loved one take the first step toward sobriety and live a healthier, happier life. If you are looking for the right treatment option for yourself or someone you know, it is important to speak with a doctor or mental health professional about the best action plan. The 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reveals that 28.6 million adults aged 18 and older (11.3 percent of this demographic) experienced alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2022.

The Role of Genetics in Substance Abuse

Nearly half of them have a close family member who is also an alcoholic. They have an average age of 38 years, began drinking at almost age 17, and developed alcohol dependence at an average age of 32 years. Intermediate familial alcoholics drink on an average of 172 days a year, consuming five or more drinks on 54% of those days with 5 types of alcoholics a maximum of 10 drinks. But they started drinking much earlier than young adult alcoholics — usually by the age of 15 or 16. Researchers found that 21.1 percent of alcoholics fall into this category. Their alcoholism usually manifests by the time they are 18 or 19, and more than half come from families with alcoholism.

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Unlike young adult alcoholics, antisocial alcoholics don’t drink socially with peers. Instead, antisocial alcoholics drink alone and typically struggle with co-occurring mental health problems. 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. The largest percentage of alcoholics fall into this group, as NIAAA publishes that 31.5 percent of all alcoholics in the United States fit this subtype.

• Daily drinking can have serious consequences for a person’s health, both in the short- and long-term.
• Intermediate familial alcoholics drink on an average of 172 days a year, consuming five or more drinks on 54% of those days with a maximum of 10 drinks.
• This group is typically in their late teens or early 20s, and either just of legal drinking age or slightly younger.
• These medications can help reduce cravings, block the effects of alcohol, and treat withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and insomnia.
• They often seek help at self-help groups, rehabilitation programs, and detox programs.

Young Antisocial Alcoholics

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