As demonstrated by the type A-type B typology, when researchers consider a broad range of attributes while subtyping alcoholics, they obtain categories that apply to both genders. These subtypes are primarily distinguished in terms of risk for and severity of alcoholism. At the same time, however, the number of women or men within each subtype, together with the results of research comparing alcoholic men and women, suggests that important gender differences may exist within each subtype. These differences may be specific characteristics that have etiologic and treatment significance for both men and women.
