Narcissism and Addiction: Understanding the Link

The treatment of NPD and AUD should ideally be delivered simultaneously, especially if there is severe addiction or depression. With that said, there are challenges to delivering appropriate care for the dual diagnosis. For AUD to be diagnosed, a person must meet one of four possible criteria for alcohol abuse, three of seven possible criteria for alcohol dependence, and two of 12 possible criteria for AUD symptoms. By way of example, a person must meet five of nine possible criteria for NPD to be diagnosed, ranging from grandiosity to a lack of empathy. In addition to support, therapy can also help you develop coping mechanisms and stressors.

• These traits can put a significant strain on personal and professional relationships, potentially leading to isolation for the alcoholic narcissist.
• Even if their behaviors hurt others, alcoholics do what they feel they need to continue drinking.
• This can make treatment more challenging than it would be to treat each issue separately.

Understanding Cravings and Relapse

• In this article, we review associations between the Dark Triad of personality (narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) and addictive behaviors, both substance-related and non-substance-related.
• Even so, with a combination of therapy, support, and persistence, around a third of people with AUD will maintain sobriety for at least a year and sometimes for decades.
• On the other hand, individuals with high self-esteem may also be at risk of addiction, as they may feel invincible and believe they can handle any substance without consequences.
• They also tend to have a low tolerance for stress and will often give up and walk away than deal with it.

Being in a relationship with an alcoholic narcissist can be a challenging and emotionally draining experience. The combination of alcoholism and narcissism can create toxic dynamics that significantly impact both the individual and those around them. In this section, we will explore the toxic dynamics involved in relationships with alcoholic narcissists and the development of codependency and enabling behavior. When exploring the connection between alcoholism and narcissism, it is crucial to understand the cyclical relationship that exists between these two conditions. Alcoholism can serve as a coping mechanism for individuals struggling with underlying narcissistic tendencies, and at the same time, alcohol can reinforce and exacerbate narcissistic behavior.

Substance abuse can be used as a defense or a coping mechanism.

Research and clinical observations show that narcissists are susceptible to developing a drinking problem. Alcohol can also help fuel their grandiose ideas, making it easier for them to see themselves as smarter and more powerful than everyone else. For an alcoholic narcissist, drinking becomes a layer of defense, serving as a buffer against criticism and blocking awareness of deficiencies and failure. This type of narcissism is marked by hypersensitivity to criticism and insecurity, often appearing shy or reserved.

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They may also shield the narcissist from the consequences of their actions, such as legal or financial problems. This behavior reinforces the narcissist’s sense of entitlement and reinforces their belief that they are above the rules. While not all alcoholics are narcissistic, and not all narcissists are alcoholics, there are some similarities between the two conditions.

Professional Insights

• With NPD, for example, there are no drugs specifically used for the treatment of the personality disorder, but antidepressants or anxiolytics may be prescribed if depression or anxiety is present.
• 12-step programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous, can be effective for some people.
• Substance use and addiction might be more related to stimulation seeking and impulsivity.
• When dealing with the complex and challenging combination of alcoholism and narcissism, seeking help and recovery is crucial for both the individual and their loved ones.

For non-substance-related behaviors, using social media to feel admired might be a central mechanism. Drinking is related to grandiose narcissism and self-esteem contingency (such as need for approval) (23). Grandiose narcissism predicts drinking behavior independently of impulsivity, which indicates that other mechanisms might be relevant (24). This becomes even https://ecosoberhouse.com/ more apparent when grandiosity is accompanied by vulnerability, for which increased feelings of shame explain the association with problematic alcohol use (21). In this article, we review associations between the Dark Triad of personality (narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) and addictive behaviors, both substance-related and non-substance-related.

Ripple Effects: Impact on Relationships and Social Functioning

Narcissistic personality disorder is just one of several personality disorders that can be dually diagnosed with alcoholism. However, there is some evidence that having narcissistic personality disorder can make you more narcissism and alcoholism vulnerable to alcohol abuse. Based on existing research, we can’t say that alcoholism causes a personality disorder like narcissism. Personality disorders usually start when someone is a teenager or young adult.

The Link Between Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Alcoholism

• Divorcing a narcissist who is also a drug addict can be challenging, but it’s important to prioritize your safety and well-being.
• Recognizing these commonalities can help you understand and cope with people who have Narcissistic Personality Disorder, untreated alcoholism, or both.
• The very traits that define narcissism can make individuals more susceptible to substance abuse and addiction.
• When two conditions like narcissism and alcoholism occur together, sometimes people believe that one disorder causes the other, but co-occurring disorders are more complex than that.
• A narcissist exhibits destructive behavior due to a lack of empathy and authentic emotions.
• For instance, inpatient alcohol rehab in Pennsylvania offers a structured environment where individuals can receive intensive therapy and medical support.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 22.6% of people with a personality disorder also have a substance use disorder (SUD), which can include alcohol use. In fact, some research suggests that alcohol misuse might be more common among people who have narcissistic tendencies. Patience and support are therefore needed to ensure the best possible outcomes. Without treatment, people with NPD have trouble maintaining positive relationships and are vulnerable to abusing drugs and alcohol to cope with difficult emotions. Again, if care is not coordinated by a qualified mental health professional, the overlapping treatments can lead to drug interactions, unintended side effects, and the possible abandonment of treatment.

There are no medications to treat NPD, but if you also experience depression or another mental health condition, a doctor may prescribe medications to treat the other condition. However, NPD includes other traits, such as needing constant praise and special treatment, reacting negatively to criticism, and manipulating others. People with NPD might be unwilling or unable to recognize others’ feelings and needs. By Michelle PugleMichelle Pugle, MA is a freelance writer and reporter focusing on mental health and chronic conditions.