High-functioning alcoholics – a separate type? The search for common features in current alcoholism typologies

Abstract

The presented paper is a review of selected alcoholism typologies, some of which include the relatively well-functioning type. The analysis covers widely known typologies, deeply grounded in addiction psychology, as well as other research, all of which consider the shared characteristics of high-functioning alcoholics. Thus, the aim of the paper is to provide an overview of these classifications of alcoholics, focusing on the groups whose traits are consistent with the image of high-functioning alcoholics described by Moss et al. (2007). It was found that the majority of classifications include a subtype showing features similar to high-functioning alcoholics (such as older age of alcohol use initiation, later onset of alcohol dependence, mild course of alcohol dependence, higher psychosocial functioning, low prevalence of familial alcoholism, low rates of comorbid psychiatric disorders, and lower level of withdrawal symptoms compared to other groups). However, there are significant differences in each of the mentioned typologies. Further research should expand on the subject, aiming to find particular personality and temperamental traits, personal resources and factors associated with undergoing addiction therapy/ treatment, its course and maintaining abstinence in high-functioning alcoholics. Moreover, negative consequences of alcohol abuse in high-functioning alcoholics should be assessed. Such research could have both practical (supporting the diagnosis and effective therapy) and theoretical implications (allowing for the development of a conceptual framework for highfunctioning alcoholics and the extent to which they differ from other types).

Keywords

• alcohol dependence
• high-functioning alcoholics
• typologies of alcoholism