Based on etiologic elements, alcoholic process elements (e.g., level of tolerance or loss of control), and damage elements, Jellinek (1960a, b) proposed five types, or species, of alcoholism: alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and epsilon (table 1).
Gamma – The alcoholic loses all control when consuming alcohol AND has a severe physical dependence. People in this stage typically wake up with severe physical withdrawal symptoms after a night of drinking, and may immediately begin looking for more alcohol when they wake up.
Alcohols bind with other atoms to create secondary alcohols. These secondary alcohols are the three types of alcohol that humans use every day: methanol, isopropanol, and ethanol.
Some of us sought out sordid places, hoping to find understanding com- panionship and approval. Momentarily we did—then would come oblivion and the awful awakening to face the hideous Four Horsemen—Terror, Bewilderment, Frustration, Despair. Unhappy drinkers who read this page will understand!
Type 1 alcoholism occurred in both men and women, usually starting at an early age, affecting individuals with few social and legal problems, and causing either mild or severe alcohol dependence.
Type II alcoholism is associated with an early onset (i.e., before age 25) of both alcohol abuse and criminal behavior and an inability to abstain from alcohol. The most common personality characteristic of type II alcoholics is high novelty seeking. These people consume alcohol primarily to induce euphoria.
We are guided by empathy, integrity, kindness, compassion, community, self-reflection, and of course, the five pillars of sobriety: movement, connection, balance, process, and growth.
The first is a low frustration tolerance. Alcoholics seem to experience more distress when enduring long-term dysphoria or when tiresome things do not work out quickly. Alcoholics are more impulsive than most. Secondly, alcoholics are more sensitive.
Some of the most common symptoms of alcohol abuse are: Experiencing temporary blackouts or short-term memory loss. Exhibiting signs of irritability and extreme mood swings. Making excuses for drinking such as to relax, deal with stress or feel normal.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) often seems to run in families, and we may hear about scientific studies of an “alcoholism gene.” Genetics certainly influence our likelihood of developing AUD, but the story isn't so simple. Research shows that genes are responsible for about half of the risk for AUD.
Alpha alcoholism is characterized by undisciplined drinking that disturbs the person's interpersonal and family relationships and work life, with a reliance on the effects of alcohol to relieve physical or emotional pain, but without a loss of control or an inability to abstain.
The genes with the clearest contribution to the risk for alcoholism and alcohol consumption are alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2; mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase), two genes central to the metabolism of alcohol (Figure 1)20.
The conclusion of the study was that people who have to be hospitalized because of the negative health effects of their alcoholism typically have an average life expectancy of 47 to 53 years for men and 50 to 58 years for women.
Passive drinking, like passive smoking, refers to the damage done to others as a result of drinking alcoholic beverages. These include the unborn fetus and children of parents who drink excessively, drunk drivers, accidents, domestic violence and alcohol-related sexual assaults.
Most Dangerous Types of Alcohol
Everclear – This type of grain alcohol is 190 proof in its purest form, making it the most dangerous kind of alcohol a person can consume. Even two shots of Everclear can land a person in the emergency room – easily.
The 4 types of alcohol are isopropyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, undistilled ethanol, and distilled ethanol.
The short answer is yes: blood testing can show heavy alcohol use. However, timing plays a significant role in the accuracy of blood alcohol testing. In a typical situation, blood alcohol tests are only accurate six to 12 hours after someone consumes their last beverage.
Type 1 alcoholics are characterized by a late onset of drinking problems and few social complications, while the type 2 alcoholics have an early onset of drinking problems and multiple social complications.
Known Specific Risk Factors
Having a mental health condition such as bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety. Experiencing peer pressure to drink, especially as a young adult. Having low self-esteem or self-worth. Experiencing high levels of stress.