ALCOHOLISM: TYPE A and TYPE B Blogger: Being Sane Takes Too Much Work

ALCOHOLISM is the commonly used term for the combination of a physical dependence on the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages and a number of behavioral and internal changes that typically accompany alcoholic dependence. Alcoholism and alcohol dependence are so closely associated that doctors and other health professionals commonly use the two terms interchangeably. Prior to 2013, alcoholism/alcohol dependence was viewed separate from the dysfunctional behavior patterns found in some people who abuse alcohol but don't have a physical need to consume alcoholic beverages. However in May 2013, the American Psychiatric Association created a single diagnostic category in recognition of the fact that the symptoms of alcoholism and non-dependent abuse often coexist to one degree or another. This category is called alcohol use disorder. Researchers and addiction specialists know in all affected individuals, alcoholism does not manifest itself in the same way. Based on several underlying criteria, researcher Thomas F. Babor in the 1990's introduced a classification system that divides alcoholics into two main groups. Those groups being Type A and Type B. Researchers from the Public Health Institute and the University of California, San Francisco used data from a nationwide project called the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Condition to determine that the Type A/Type B theory adequately describes the impact of the condition in the general U.S. population. The study was published in May 2014 in the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence. TYPE A is roughly classifiable. It is environment-based forms of alcoholism. Environmental component that can include one or more of a wide range of personal, family-related, social, cultural or ecological influences. This type typically arises later in life. TYPE B has a greater adverse impact than TYPE A. It is genetics-based forms. It typically arises early in life. TYPE B are more likely to have coexisting issues with their physical and mental health. Also with other forms of substance abuse. When this type does not receive appropriate intervention, they have a 100% greater chance of developing a diagnose of alcoholism within 3 years. Even with appropriate interventions, this type still have high chances of developing drug addiction and drinking alcohol in excessive amounts. The authors of the study in May 2014 that was published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, believe that the development of widespread treatments targeted at TYPE B traits could substantially help affected individuals during alcoholism recovery. To help prevent the onset of alcoholism in large numbers of people, the researchers also believe, there should be widespread TYPE B screenings.