Overview
This second category in the types of alcoholics is also a large one, accounting for 21 percent of the total alcoholics in the study. The average age of members of this group is 26 years old, but unlike the young adult, these types of drinkers began drinking much earlier, starting at 15 and developing alcoholism by the age of 18. Half of this group has family members who are alcoholics. Half also have an antisocial disorder, making it difficult for them to seek or accept help for alcoholism. Members of this group also have an increased likelihood of drug use, especially of marijuana, cocaine and opioids. Eventually, 33 percent of this group’s members will look for help in recovering from their alcoholism.
More Information
Young antisocial alcoholics are also young (average age 26 years), and they have the earliest age of onset of drinking (average 16 years) and the earliest age of alcohol dependence (average 18 years). Young antisocial alcoholics drank an average of 201 days in the last year, binge drinking (consuming five or more drinks) on an average of 161 (80 percent) of those days. When they drink, their maximum number of drinks is 17, the highest of any subtype of alcoholic.
About 76 percent of this type of alcoholic are male. Only 7.6 percent have received a college degree, although another 13.4 percent are still in school. Approximately 47 percent are employed fulltime. Family incomes average around $32,000, the lowest among the subtypes (alongside the chronic severe subtype).
Over half of young antisocial alcoholics (52.5 percent) have a close family member who is also alcohol-dependent. In addition, they also have high rates of psychiatric disorders:
Functional alcoholics make up the third category in the different types of alcoholics. A functional alcoholic is one who drinks on a daily basis, usually ingesting at least five drinks throughout a single day. The average age is much older than the other groups, and most members are middle-aged. They’re considered functional because, despite their excessive drinking, they still manage to maintain relationships and hold down a job.
This group comprises about 19 percent of all alcoholics. Although members of this group continue to function in society while drinking, functional alcoholics still have the same medical issues as other alcoholics due to their high volume of drinking. About 19 percent of functional alcoholics end up getting help.