Are There Different Types Of Alcoholism?

Alcoholism affects millions of individuals each day throughout the US alone. While alcoholism runs rampant in many areas of the world, it is important to understand the different types of alcoholism that infiltrate the lives of individuals. Consuming alcohol does not affect each individual the same, which is why it is necessary to have a thorough and complete understanding of different types of alcoholism and how to confront and overcome addictions head-on.

What is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism causes individuals to crave and desire the consumption of alcohol, steadily increasing as the addiction becomes more severe. When an individual becomes addicted to alcohol, they often feel the need to drink it even if it negatively impacts their lives. Over time, the addiction becomes more severe and manifests with physical reactions and symptoms that only subside by consuming more alcohol and slowing weaning off consumption altogether through both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism

Alcoholism is not always easy to spot, especially among those who prefer to drink alone or still function in a job and managing a household each day. Some of the most common psychological signs and symptoms to watch for in individuals struggling with an addiction to alcohol include:

• The inability to focus. Alcoholism causes individuals to spend more time focusing on obtaining alcohol and less time focusing on their jobs, relationships, hobbies, and goals.
• A loss of interest in hobbies and activities that were once a source of joy for an individual can be a sign of alcoholism or underlying depression and anxiety.
• Social isolation in favor of drinking alone or binge drinking.
• Feeling the urge to drink alcohol and becoming angry when there is no alcohol available is a sign of alcoholism.
• Becoming quickly irritable when alcohol is not available or when alcohol has run out for the night during the middle of consumption.
• Denial of alcoholism is also extremely common among those who struggle to go one day without consuming alcohol. Individuals who are addicted to alcohol feel the need to consume it as it helps to mask pain and the root cause of becoming addicted to a substance. Alcoholism is often triggered by trauma, depression, anxiety, and stressful life situations.
• Hiding alcohol from others or consuming alcohol in private without the knowledge of others is most common in those who have an addiction to alcohol that is becoming increasingly severe.
• Feeling preoccupied with thoughts of drinking or how and when to consume alcohol becomes more commonplace among those who are struggling with an addiction to alcohol becoming worse.

Additionally, alcoholism has the ability to trigger physical symptoms in those who are severely addicted to drinking. The most common physical signs and symptoms that are most common in those with a severe addiction to alcohol include:

• Drinking to excess even when an individual is already intoxicated is a common sign of alcoholism in those struggling with a severe addiction.
• Blacking out is not uncommon in those who tend to overindulge in drinking.
• Shakiness in the hands and other extremities is noticeable and often dissipates once the individual begins to consume alcohol again. Shakiness in the body is a clear sign of a severe addiction to alcohol if there are no additional underlying medical ailments or illnesses that cause this side effect.
• Breaking out in sweats is also possible for those who have a severe addiction. Sweating occurs when an individual goes an extended period of time without drinking or does not have access to alcohol.
• Feeling nauseous is also possible among those who are severely addicted to alcohol when there is no alcohol to consume.

Casual Alcoholism

Individuals who drink daily partake in casual alcoholism. Drinking early in the morning, during brunch, or even before work are all signs of casual and severe alcoholism. Oftentimes, those who are “high-functioning alcoholics” are capable of attending work and holding down a job while managing their household, even if their addiction to alcohol has become more severe over the years.

Social Alcoholism

Drinking with friends or when spending an evening out together is common for most adults of drinking age. However, social alcoholism and binge drinking are becoming more popular than ever while increasing the risk of becoming quickly addicted to alcohol itself. Binge drinking when in social situations (or while drinking alone) requires women to consume 4 or more drinks in a 2-hour period, with men consuming 5 or more.

Seeking Treatment

Seeking a detox and treatment center is one of the best ways to face alcoholism regardless of the type of abuse an individual partakes in. Alcoholism can be treated and helped, even if an individual has become severely addicted and finds it difficult to stay away from alcohol altogether.

Treatment centers and facilities for alcoholism offer both inpatient and outpatient programs, depending on an individual’s needs and the type of detox treatment they require in order to overcome their addiction.

Inpatient treatment centers require individuals to live at the location of the rehab center in order to properly detox with medical staff and licensed professionals nearby at all times. Inpatient rehabilitation treatment facilities offer counseling, group sessions, and the ability to regain control of one’s life through the implementation of a routine and by setting goals. Most inpatient rehab programs last anywhere between 30 days and 6 months. Inpatient rehab programs are optimal for those who are in need of additional mental and emotional support while going through detox and relearning how to live free of alcohol.

Outpatient programs do not require individuals to remain on the premises of the rehab facility throughout the duration of their program but do offer counseling and group therapy to help provide proper coping skills to overcome an addiction.

Our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call 866-754-9113 for more information and to begin receiving treatment today.