Most medical and rehabilitation experts divide alcoholism into five distinct types, often called subtypes. This rehabilitation guide discusses each type and how a person is evaluated and diagnosed.

The Young Adult

According to most studies, this subtype accounts for 30 to 32 percent of alcoholics. Age is the primary means of evaluating the young adult alcoholic. Many are alcoholic by the time they’re in their late teens or early 20s. While they may not drink as often as other alcoholic types, they tend to drink heavy or binge when they do drink .

Young, Antisocial Adults

These individuals often have an anti-social personality disorder that complicates their alcoholism treatment. These individuals account for about 20 percent of all alcoholics, and their average age is in the mid-20s. Their drinking often began in their early teens and became chronic before 20. They typically drink alone. The dual diagnosis of a personality disorder leads to this evaluation.

Functional Adult Alcoholic

This person is evaluated and placed in this category because he or she is able to hold a job and maintain a fairly normal lifestyle. This type also tends to have more education and a higher income than other types of alcoholics. About 20 percent of alcoholics fit into this category.

Family-related Alcoholics

Those in this category come from families with a history of drinking problems. Most start to drink in their late teens but don’t become alcoholics until in their early-to-mid 30s. Another 20 percent of alcoholics are in this category. The family connection is the key to evaluation.

Chronic Alcoholic

Roughly 8 to 10 percent of alcoholics fit this most severe classification. Most are men and this type has the highest rate of divorce. Many cannot hold down jobs, and chronic alcoholics often combine drinking with the use of marijuana and other legal and illegal drugs. This type also has the highest rate of death associated directly to their disease. When a person becomes a chronic alcoholic, they are less likely to seek addiction treatment.

If you find yourself in any of these categories, and want help for your drinking problem, effective treatment is available. Consult your doctor or call a rehabilitation center in your area to learn more about your options for alcohol treatment.