An analysis of the clinical relevance of type 1 and type 2 alcoholics

Predictions inherent in the proposed Type 1/Type 2 continuum of alcoholic subtypes were indirectly explored in 31 sons of primary alcoholic fathers. The fathers' alcoholism was rated on a 0-5 scale utilizing characteristics typical of the Type 2 extreme of the continuum. If a predisposition to Type 2 alcoholism is genetically transmitted, then we would have predicted that the sons of Type 2 alcoholics would be more likely than the sons of Type 1 men to show an earlier onset of drinking, as well as more alcohol and substance intake and associated problems. The results did not support any consistent trend in the correlation between the FHP fathers' alcoholic characteristics and the sons' problem picture. Potential explanations for this finding are discussed including the possibility that the Type 2 extreme might represent a separate diagnostic entity, the antisocial personality disorder, and not alcoholism itself.