Types of Drinkers

The categories of alcohol consumers describe classifications determined by individuals' alcohol intake patterns and their relationship with alcoholic beverages. These groupings are frequently utilized to gain insights into and tackle the various behaviors and perspectives people exhibit towards drinking.

As motivations differ among alcohol consumers, researchers have distinguished four separate categories of drinkers. Each category possesses a distinct motivation, while typical age ranges and gender distributions may also differ.

Four types of drinkers encompass those who consume alcohol for enhancement, to conform or fit in, to enhance sociability, and to cope.

The key distinctions between different types of alcohol consumers are their underlying motivations for choosing alcoholic beverages. For instance, enhancement drinking connects with thrill-seeking, assertiveness, and heightening excitement not necessarily in social contexts. Conversely, conformity drinking suggests an individual opts to drink to blend in. Such individuals may dislike alcohol but will partake at special occasions simply to avoid standing out.

Social drinking is straightforward and describes situations where individuals choose alcohol to amplify enjoyment and boost their social interactions. Finally, coping-motivated drinking refers to instances when individuals turn to alcohol to manage psychological challenges and reduce their associated symptoms. This consumption pattern is also common among individuals with abuse histories.

1. Drinking for enhancement

Drinking for enhancement describes consuming alcohol to generate excitement. Put differently, an individual consumes alcoholic beverages to heighten feelings of excitement, thrill, and adventure beyond social reasons. For those who drink for enhancement, alcohol isn't merely a "tool" for increased sociability, but about experiencing the rush that accompanies consecutive drinks.

Teenagers and young adults most commonly drink for enhancement. The age spectrum for this drinker category spans from 15 to 25.

Currently, no definitive statistics exist regarding the exact gender distribution of enhancement drinkers. Nevertheless, this consumption style appears more frequently among outgoing males than females. Individuals who drink for enhancement typically participate in heavy drinking episodes.

A 2018 study by Wilsnack et al., featured in Alcohol Research: Current Reviews indicates that this drinking pattern's prevalence among American men reaches 33% compared to 17% for women. In England, gender disparities in this consumption pattern between men and women stand at 35% and 27% respectively. In China, 32% of excessive drinkers are males versus 4% of females.

Individuals characterized as outgoing, spontaneous, and confrontational often drink for enhancement. These teenagers and young adults gravitate toward edgy and dangerous activities primarily because their fundamental aim is thrill-seeking. Consequently, enhancement drinkers may also operate vehicles dangerously, violate regulations, and pursue other hazardous behaviors.

2. Drinking to conform

Drinking to conform indicates an individual ingests alcohol solely to blend in with others. Alcohol isn't the preferred selection for someone who drinks to conform. This person opts for alcoholic beverages only to integrate and prevent appearing different. Typically, this category of drinker consumes alcohol during social gatherings (though this differs from social drinking).

Conformity drinkers are generally adults who consume alcohol moderately. They are commonly 35 years of age or above. Males demonstrate a higher likelihood of drinking to conform. As noted previously, definitive data regarding the prevalence of conformity drinking across genders is absent. However, statistics reveal that men tend to consume alcohol more regularly. One survey showed that 34% of women reported consuming 12 standard drinks compared to 56% of men.

In contrast to other drinker types, people who consume alcohol for conformity purposes typically drink less. For instance, they might hold a wine glass at an event to avoid standing out. Or they might occasionally sip champagne, despite not enjoying it. Furthermore, certain conformity drinkers may choose to consume alcohol to impress a particular social circle or because they perceive it as fashionable.

3. Social drinking

Social drinking represents a common consumption pattern where individuals partake in alcohol to celebrate, enjoy themselves, and boost their social interactions. Drinking serves as a social activity in numerous cultures. For certain individuals, enjoying time with friends or attending weddings and other special occasions seems incomplete without alcoholic beverages. This category of person drinks occasionally. However, this doesn't suggest they participate in excessive alcohol consumption episodes. Many social drinkers consume alcohol in moderation.

Most social drinkers fall into the young adult demographic, specifically individuals 18 to 25 years of age. Males show a greater tendency to drink for enhancing their social capabilities than females. Additionally, according to information on excessive alcohol consumption and its health implications for men from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during the previous 30 days, approximately 58% of adult males reported alcohol consumption, compared to 49% of females.

Nevertheless, a 2021 article authored by Aneri Pattani for KFF Health News also indicates that although men consistently demonstrate higher likelihood of consuming alcohol for various motivations, the gender disparity in alcohol consumption continues to narrow.

While the casual consumer typically drinks moderately, this consumption pattern isn't necessarily beneficial for an individual. This approach to drinking normalizes alcohol intake and assigns it significant importance in a person's social interactions. Over time, this may progress to more hazardous drinking behaviors and increase the likelihood of developing alcohol addiction.

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4. Drinking to cope

Drinking to cope signifies an individual opts to ingest alcohol to escape their concerns. This category of drinker utilizes alcohol as a "tool" to diminish negative emotions and feelings including stress, anxiety, depression, and others.

Coping drinkers are typically adults, indicating they're 25 years of age or older. Regarding gender aspects, anxiety and depression appear to be increasing among adolescents, particularly among females, according to a 2020 research by Aaron M. White published in Alcohol Research: Current Reviews. Moreover, it seems that females demonstrate a greater likelihood of turning to alcohol as a coping strategy than males.

Although some individuals drink to cope, this alcohol consumption pattern can be particularly hazardous due to how alcohol becomes addictive over time. Indeed, drinking for coping purposes correlates with an elevated risk of developing alcohol use disorder compared to drinking for enjoyment.

The explanation why women tend to drink for coping lies in their higher likelihood of experiencing childhood trauma including sexual assault compared to men. This might contribute to increasing alcohol consumption.

Emotional drinkers tend to consume alcohol more intensely. Consequently, they face greater vulnerability to alcohol-related issues than drinkers with alternative consumption patterns.

Despite the temporary appeal of several drinks to dull stress, anxiety, and traumatic memories, the long-term repercussions can be devastating. Alcohol fails to address underlying issues. Therefore, it holds tremendous importance for coping drinkers to actively pursue treatment for underlying mental health conditions, trauma, or other difficulties they attempt to forget through alcohol consumption.

What method did professionals use to classify drinkers?

Professionals categorize drinkers as moderate, heavy, and binge drinkers. Alcoholics are divided into a young adult subtype, a young antisocial subtype, functional alcoholics, an intermediate familial subtype, and chronic severe alcoholics—these types of alcoholics represent distinct patterns of dependence.

Why separate classifications? The explanation is straightforward, drinkers and alcoholics aren't fundamentally identical. The key distinction between alcoholism and drinking is that the latter does not have a physical addiction to alcohol.

They consume alcohol in ways that can adversely impact their well-being and lifestyle, but lack a compulsive requirement to drink. Conversely, alcoholics have physical dependence on alcohol and might experience urges and withdrawal symptoms when alcohol consumption ceases.

According to a 2022 article entitled "Dietary Guidelines for Alcohol" from the CDC, moderate drinkers are adult men who restrict intake to two drinks or fewer daily and adult women who consume one drink or less per day.

Alternatively, heavy drinkers are males who ingest at least 15 drinks weekly and women who consume a minimum of eight drinks on a weekly basis. Binge drinkers are men whose alcohol consumption reaches at least five drinks in a single session and women who consume a minimum of four drinks per occasion.

Regarding alcoholics, the young adult subtype represents the most prevalent category including individuals with an average age of 25 who initiated drinking early and also developed alcoholism at a young age. Young adult alcoholics typically engage in binge drinking. Young antisocial alcoholics also begin drinking early, but additionally face elevated risks of developing psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and others.

Functional alcoholics are adults who sustain personal and professional responsibilities, despite their alcohol dependency. These individuals resist acknowledging their problem because they can still operate and fulfill their obligations. The intermediate familial subtype also encompasses adults who are typically married and face high risks of mental illness.

Chronic severe alcoholics constitute the least common, yet most dangerous category of alcoholics. They commence drinking early and establish alcohol dependence by 29 years of age. Not only do they face the highest likelihood of mental illness, but they experience more alcohol-consumption days annually than any other group. Many heavy drinkers don't perceive themselves as alcoholics, according to a 2014 article authored by Patrick J. Skerrett for Harvard Health Publishing. Indeed, drinkers aren't necessarily alcoholics, but they encounter higher risks of developing alcohol use disorder, as evidence confirms.

Which people typically consume alcohol?

Typical alcohol consumers are young adult males with higher socioeconomic status, who are also unmarried or dating multiple individuals. Many alcohol consumers are also adults experiencing psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

Alcohol consumption is particularly common among young adults aged 21 to 25 years. Approximately 62% of individuals within this age range are current alcohol consumers. This represents the highest percentage across all groups, according to Statista's data on current, binge, and heavy alcohol use in the United States in 2021, by age group.

A 2016 research by Susan E. Collins published in Alcohol Research: Current Reviews demonstrates that individuals with higher socioeconomic status (SES) and those living in higher SES regions show greater alcohol consumption levels. Simultaneously, people with higher SES experience fewer alcohol-related negative outcomes than their counterparts with lower socioeconomic standing.

Lastly, according to research by Salvatore et al., featured in the July 2014 edition of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, singlehood correlates with heavier and more frequent alcohol consumption, unlike romantic relationships, which reduce alcohol intake. Notably, individuals with unstable relationship situations, meaning those dating several partners, tend to consume more alcohol than those who are single.

What is the common reason why people choose to drink?

The primary motivation individuals select alcohol consumption is for enjoyment and to enhance social interactions. Yet, the most frequent reason people initially consume alcohol stems from peer influence during youth or household exposure to alcoholic beverages.

Alcohol consumption patterns evolve with age. Some individuals reduce alcohol intake as they grow older, while others increase it. Research published in PLoS One identified the most common explanations for increasing alcohol consumption with age as more social events and reduced responsibilities. Though most participants indicated drinking for enjoyment, celebration, or social purposes, other individuals stated they increased alcohol consumption for therapeutic benefits. Interestingly, medicinal applications of alcohol weren't among provided options for increased alcohol intake.

Regarding motivations for alcohol selection, previous positive encounters also contribute significantly. Past experiences with alcohol may influence individuals' expectations. Consequently, a person might recollect how alcohol produced positive emotions, sensations, or experiences previously. As a result, their inclination toward alcohol consumption increases.

Consuming alcohol has evolved into a social standard. Alcohol use receives encouragement in contemporary society. Numerous individuals drink because they encounter alcohol through their social connections or family dynamics.

Additional motivations for alcohol consumption include stress alleviation, convenient access to alcoholic drinks, to deaden discomfort, and also to manage psychological issues and their symptoms.

Which individuals are allowed to consume alcohol?

Individuals who are 21 years or older can consume alcohol, according to the Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) regulations. Prior to the implementation of the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, the legal drinking age fluctuated between states, as a 2022 article entitled, "Age 21 Minimum Legal Drinking Age" from the CDC clarifies.

Broadly speaking, no safe quantity of alcohol exists that a person can consume. Health authorities neither promote nor recommend alcohol consumption. Nevertheless, moderate consumption represents a less risky option for adults who elect to consume alcoholic beverages.

Moderate consumption involves restricting intake to two drinks daily (for men) or one drink daily (for women) on days when alcohol is consumed. It's generally not advised for non-drinkers to initiate alcohol consumption for any purpose.

Though alcohol consumption isn't promoted, it presents fewer risks for certain populations. These include individuals who aren't pregnant (or attempting conception) and healthy men and women without medical conditions or medication requirements for health issues.

Conversely, individuals younger than 12, those who are pregnant, have health conditions, utilize medications, face elevated risks, or are recovering from alcohol dependency should completely avoid alcoholic beverages.

What are the risks of drinking alcohol?

The hazards of alcohol consumption can be immediate and prolonged. Short-term hazards encompass injuries and accidents whereas long-term hazards include damage to internal organs, elevated risk of various health conditions including cancer, and higher mortality rates.

Initially, it's crucial to acknowledge alcohol may offer certain benefits. A 2021 article entitled, "Alcohol use: Weighing risks and benefits" from Mayo Clinic indicates moderate alcohol consumption can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and incidents such as ischemic stroke. Additionally, moderate alcohol intake might reduce diabetes risk. Some individuals tend to experience pleasant emotions when consuming alcohol. However, the potential advantages of alcohol consumption are minimal and don't extend to all individuals.

The drawbacks of alcohol consumption are considerably more abundant, particularly with excessive or persistent and heavy consumption. As previously noted, the hazards and adverse effects of alcohol consumption can be immediate and prolonged. Immediate hazards include injuries, aggressive behaviors, dangerous sexual activities, alcohol toxicity, pregnancy loss, and fetal death.

Conversely, prolonged hazards of alcohol consumption include elevated blood pressure and increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, digestive issues (heartburn and nausea), and liver disease. For example, alcohol destroys liver cells and causes cirrhosis or scarring. Extended alcohol consumption can result in alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Alcohol consumers are also more prone to miss meals, potentially causing anemia. Subsequently, this leads to inflammation, ulcers, and additional complications.

Simultaneously, heavy and persistent alcohol consumption heightens the risk of cancers affecting the mouth, breast, esophagus, throat, liver, voice box, rectum, and colon. It's also worth noting alcohol consumption can severely disrupt hormone profiles and exacerbate problems linked to hormonal imbalances.

Consuming alcohol compromises immune function, thereby increasing vulnerability to illness. Alcohol impacts brain function too and may cause difficulties with memory, decision-making, problem-solving, focus and concentration, attention, and performance. Additionally, alcohol increases dementia risk and psychological issues including depression.

Heavy and persistent habitual drinking can generate relationship difficulties, professional and academic problems, and also result in dependence and addiction. Nevertheless, one reduces their likelihood of experiencing both immediate and prolonged alcohol-related dangers by reducing or eliminating alcohol altogether.