The resulting typologies may potentially have meaningful implications for alcoholism treatment. Several tests have been used to identify alcoholic subtypes. These tests categorize alcoholics according to their personalities, their motivation for treatment, and the existence of co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Dr. Allen reviews typology schemes based on these characteristics, as well as a hybrid model that classifies alcoholics along various sets of criteria. Researchers have not yet evaluated sufficiently, however, how effective these typologies will be in selecting and planning the appropriate treatment strategy for each patient.
Alcoholism is a complex disorder with many different causes and outcomes.
Some studies suggest that all alcoholic subjects can be assigned to one of two types that differ consistently in several factors related to the causes, symptoms, and adverse consequences of alcohol use. Dr. Samuel A. Ball explores a model developed by researchers at the University of Connecticut in which socalled type B alcoholism appears to represent a more severe form of the disorder than does type A alcoholism. Most alcoholism typologies are based on differences in patient characteristics. However, an alternative approach, which was sparked by the managed care movement, focuses on variations in treatment service. The goal is to contain costs while ensuring the optimal allocation of resources.