Is There a Connection Between Narcissism and Alcoholism?

Is There a Connection Between Narcissism and Alcoholism?

People in this group were also less likely to see their alcohol use as a problem. People who think that they may have an addiction or a personality disorder should consult a doctor or mental health professional for advice and treatment. Talk therapy can be an effective treatment for people with narcissistic personality disorder. It can help them learn ways to develop empathy for others, assess their capabilities realistically, and improve their ability to regulate their emotions. People who are experiencing problems with alcohol, drugs, or sex should contact a doctor or mental health professional.

To family, it can appear that their loved one is putting these newfound friends ahead of them (similar to what a narcissist would do). Alcoholism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/alcohol-and-dopamine-how-does-it-affect-your-brain/ have some overlapping behaviors. Understanding how these two separate disorders are similar may offer some insight into the type of addiction treatment that would be most beneficial.

Age of Most People With Alcohol Disorders

The current study contributed to the literature in the following ways. Third, this study differentially evaluated the relationship between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism and alcohol outcomes. The findings of this study have potential implications for future treatment and research.

The impulsiveness factor is another way that these conditions are linked. A person that is more prone to impulses will also be less likely to think twice about binge drinking or using drugs. Similarly, while narcissists can benefit from professional counseling, they’re often resistant to it. They, one, must be willing to go to therapy and, two, must be willing to be vulnerable in therapy in order for professional counseling to work. But those that find a good therapist who can form a trusting bond with the narcissist can help them feel accepted, even with their flaws. When working with highly trained and compassionate professionals, alcoholics receive holistic treatment.

Why Narcissists Are at Risk of Alcohol Addiction

Both grandiose and vulnerable narcissism were predictors of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. Following up with an outpatient or 12-step program can be incredibly helpful as well. When a narcissist abuses drugs and alcohol, they are also far more likely to cluster other personality disorders. When people with narcissistic personality disorder abuse drugs, they typically have a substance of choice. If you think that you or a loved one are dealing with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), you should be vigilant about understanding its links to drugs and alcohol.

• Then we’ll look at the effects of narcissistic collapse on the narcissist and others and explore coping strategies for others dealing with a narcissist in a collapse and recovery strategies for narcissists after a collapse.
• At Step 2 the types of narcissism, vulnerable and grandiose, were simultaneously entered into the model.
• In reality, these behaviors are often a mask for an individual’s fragile self-esteem and self-image.
• However, it is more likely that the alcoholic is trying to surround themselves with others that support these extreme drinking habits.
• Those close to both narcissists and alcoholics experience deprivation, abandonment, shame, rejection and feeling used.
• From a narcissist’s point of view, he or she has no problems and can do no wrong.
• Unfortunately, many addicts are experts at hiding their addictive behaviors.

Even if their behaviors hurt others, alcoholics do what they feel they need to continue drinking. For this reason, it’s crucial to treat co-occurring disorders simultaneously. Treating only one (alcoholism or narcissistic personality disorder) increases the chances of relapse. In summary, whether alcohol is to blame or not, having a person with narcissistic traits in your life can be exhausting and upsetting. Whether or not this person decides to seek treatment, don’t overlook your well-being and your right to a healthy, happy life. This study concluded that people with grandiose narcissism are more able to evaluate and recognize their problems with alcohol than people with vulnerable narcissism.

Treatment for Alcoholism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder

For NPD, it may involve individual or group counseling using cognitive behavioral therapy, schema-focused therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. For AUD, group approaches such as AA and other twelve-step addiction programs are common. All personality and substance abuse disorders are diagnosed based on narcissism and alcoholism a strict set of criteria described in the DSM-5. While there is room for interpretation, a person with NPD and/or AUD must meet a minimum standard before a diagnosis can be delivered with confidence. Exhibiting narcissistic behaviors when drunk, for example, doesn’t inherently mean that a person has NPD.