What is Considered an Alcoholic?
Most people benefit from regular checkups with a treatment provider. Medications can also deter drinking during times when individuals may be at greater risk for a return to drinking (e.g., divorce, death of a family member). One size does not fit all and a treatment approach that may work for one person may not work for another.
Alcohol use disorder
Groups can vary widely, so it’s important to try different ones to find a good fit. Because denial is common, you may feel like you don’t have a problem with drinking. You might not recognize how much you drink or how many problems in your life are related to alcohol use. Listen to relatives, friends or co-workers when they ask you to examine your drinking habits or to seek help.
Detoxification helps you withdraw from alcohol safely and comfortably. This process begins with medical evaluation and stabilization before beginning the detox process. And Hsiao-Ye Yi, Ph.D., of the Alcohol Epidemiologic Data System at CSR sfbt worksheets Inc., in Arlington, Virginia.
Removing Barriers to Treatment
- The terms “alcoholism” and “alcoholic” carry a heavy stigma that can discourage individuals from seeking help.
- In some people, the initial reaction may feel like an increase in energy.
- The causes of substance use disorder are unknown, but risk factors have been identified.
- For more information, please visit the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator®, an online tool that helps individuals find the right treatment for them—and near them.
Understanding the various types of alcoholics helps tailor treatment and support to meet their specific needs and get help. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, please explore our comprehensive resources and inpatient and outpatient treatment options at Caron. Common mental health conditions that co-occur with AUD are depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma- and stress-related disorders, other substance use disorders, and sleep disorders.
E-Health Alcohol Treatment Tools*
Intermediate familial alcoholics are similar to functional ones but are more likely born with a genetic predisposition to alcoholism. Of the alcoholism subtypes, functional individuals are less likely to relapse. Genetic, environmental, and psychological factors influence the risk of becoming an alcoholic.
Treatment options such as inpatient, outpatient, detoxification, support groups, and MAT can all help those struggling with AUD. Treatment typically includes individual and group counseling, medication, and other therapies. BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat. 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.
