Types of Alcoholism

Alcoholism can be subdivided into several types of alcohol consumers--each portraying characteristic unique to their group and sometimes sharing some of the same traits as other groups of drinkers. Find out more about some of the distinct characteristics associated with the different types of alcoholism.

Hazardous Drinking

• Hazardous drinkers consume alcohol well in excess of the safe daily drinking limits (two drinks a day for men and one for women), and they cause harm to themselves, others and their relationships with others.

Binge Drinking

• Binge drinkers consume large amounts of alcohol at one time. Binge drinkers may abstain from drinking for weeks or months at a time, but their return to drinking often sees them drinking well in excess of safe daily limits.

Physical Dependence

• The bodies of psychically dependent drinkers need alcohol to stave off the onset of severe withdrawal--with symptoms including shakes, sweats and seizures. Physically dependent drinkers have extremely high tolerances to alcohol.

Psychological Dependent

• Psychologically dependent drinkers use alcohol to induce a desirable mindset. They may consume alcohol as a way to escape stress, relieve social anxieties, to relax or to simply combat boredom--drinking to achieve the desired mindset becomes automatic for them when placed in these situations.

Healthy and Social Drinking

• Healthy and social drinkers tend to practice more responsible drinking than most other types of drinkers and will often consume smaller amounts of alcohol at a much slower pace than other drinkers. They tend to drink for heart health, special occasions or to supplement a meal.