On what basis does the writer classify drinkers?

Question

(1) According to some addiction treatment experts, there are four types of drinkers. (2) The first type is the abstainer who rarely uses alcohol. (3) Sometimes known as a “teetotaler,” this person might sip wine at a special celebration but then go a few months without any alcohol at all. (4) The second type of drinker is the social drinker. (5) This man or woman drinks regularly, in amounts varying from a couple drinks a month to five drinks per week. (6) The important distinction is that these people know when to stop and do not use alcohol to self-medicate. (7) While these first two types of drinkers have less risk of becoming alcohol dependent, types three and four are at much higher risk. (8) The third type of drinker is far too common on college campuses: the binge drinker. (9) Although binge drinking usually occurs in a social setting, this user regularly consumes large, dangerous amounts of alcohol that can actually be fatal. (10) The fourth type of drinker is dependent on alcohol; frequent drinking to excess causes worsening problems in both his or her relationships and professional life. (11) As one recovering dependent drinker says, “I had one tool in my toolbox to fix all of life’s problems—alcohol.” (12) If you or a friend falls into one of the last two categories, you might consider checking out an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in your area.
(1) According to some addiction treatment experts, there are four types of drinkers. (2) The first type is the abstainer who rarely uses alcohol. (3) Sometimes known as a “teetotaler,” this person might sip wine at a special celebration but then go a few months without any alcohol at all. (4) The second type of drinker is the social drinker. (5) This man or woman drinks regularly, in amounts varying from a couple drinks a month to five drinks per week. (6) The important distinction is that these people know when to stop and do not use alcohol to self-medicate. (7) While these first two types of drinkers have less risk of becoming alcohol dependent, types three and four are at much higher risk. (8) The third type of drinker is far too common on college campuses: the binge drinker. (9) Although binge drinking usually occurs in a social setting, this user regularly consumes large, dangerous amounts of alcohol that can actually be fatal. (10) The fourth type of drinker is dependent on alcohol; frequent drinking to excess causes worsening problems in both his or her relationships and professional life. (11) As one recovering dependent drinker says, “I had one tool in my toolbox to fix all of life’s problems—alcohol.” (12) If you or a friend falls into one of the last two categories, you might consider checking out an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in your area.

A) frequency and amount of alcohol consumed
B) gender of drinker
C) type of alcohol consumed: wine, beer, or liquor

Answer 1

A) frequency and amount of alcohol consumed