Narcissism and Addiction: A Dangerous Combination

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are closely linked and can occur together as a dual diagnosis. NPD increases the risk of alcohol abuse as a means to escape difficult emotions. While diagnosis and treatment can be challenging, studies have shown that the successful treatment of a mental illness can lead to alcohol recovery in two out of every three cases.

• A grandiose narcissist may drink to show off and gain admiration from their peers, while a vulnerable narcissist may use alcohol as a coping mechanism to overcome their insecurities.
• They may always demand your attention, leaving little room for you to focus on your needs and desires.
• A dual-diagnosis treatment program can provide you with the comprehensive care you need to overcome both conditions.
• If someone has AUD as well as a personality disorder, it’s recommended that both are treated at the same time to improve their chances of recovery.
• The person then seeks out alcohol or substances to mediate these feelings, leading to more feelings of shame, and so on.
• Medications for AUD can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal side effects, whereas therapy can be beneficial for reducing distorted thinking about alcohol and developing stronger coping skills.
• However, research and clinical observations show that narcissists are susceptible to developing a drinking problem.

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This means that vulnerable narcissists tended to recognize the existence of alcohol problems. An overall mean score of narcissism was calculated for the two subscales (i.e., grandiose and vulnerable narcissism). Internal consistency in the current study was alpha of .84 for the grandiose narcissism subscale and .79 for the vulnerable narcissism subscale.

What’s the outlook for people with NPD?

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. Exhibiting narcissistic behaviors when drunk, for example, doesn’t inherently mean that a person has NPD. Alcohol can influence narcissistic behaviors, such as arrogance, self-importance, and feelings of superiority that aren’t otherwise present when sober. Making a dual diagnosis of NPD and AUD can be challenging and something that only a qualified mental health professional can make. Along with denying the existence of their drinking problem, alcoholics refuse to take responsibility for their harmful behaviors.

Why do Narcissists Drink Alcohol?

An individual may be an alcoholic narcissist, someone who has NPD and then develops alcohol addiction and dependence. But their alcoholic personality leads them to act in ways that are similar to a narcissist. Some individuals have both Narcissistic Personality Disorder and an active addiction. Coping with someone with a dual diagnosis narcissism and alcoholism can be more difficult than if that person suffered from only narcissism or untreated alcoholism. Although experts believe that genetic factors can make people up to 50% more inclined toward alcohol use disorder, addiction has many possible causes. These include environmental factors, social factors, and emotional factors.

Toxic Dynamics in Relationships with Alcoholic Narcissists

A narcissist is unwilling to wait for the prescribed time period to see if the recovery is effective. Instead, they expect immediate results and others to comply fully with their miraculous healing in a very short time period. Unfortunately, because the narcissist has grandiose beliefs about self, they rarely learn during treatment thus making their prognosis poor.

• A fly, captivated by the plant’s charm, lands on the rim and begins to sip the nectar.
• Personality disorders like NPD are those in which a person has a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning, and behaving.
• Research suggests that narcissistic individuals may be more likely to develop addictions than those who don’t have narcissistic traits.
• This can lead to a cycle of destructive behaviors, strained relationships, and an inability to take responsibility for one’s actions.
• Research supports the link between some narcissistic traits and alcohol use.
• Though NPD is only one official diagnosis, doctors further classify the condition into 2 types.
• As a result, these individuals require others to affirm their importance and value.

If you think that you or a loved one has NPD or AUD, knowing the symptoms can help you better understand both conditions. The fly noticed itself slipping deeper into the pitch, but a few more sips seemed okay – after all, the fly has wings and could fly out any time. When alcohol becomes a daily habit, we find ourselves slipping further down the pit. These are the difficult questions that the partner of a narcissist and addict has to explore and answer for him or herself. After detox, you can begin a rehab program that is tailored to your specific needs. 12-step programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous, can be effective for some people.

• When it comes to diagnosing narcissism and alcoholism, mental health professionals may use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a guide.
• The combined selfishness of narcissism and addictive behavior is overpowering, relentless, callous, and frequently abusive.
• A 2018 study examined the link between narcissism and alcohol use based on a survey of 345 college students.
• Both grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism show a strong link to substance use disorders.
• They will con a way to buy alcohol, drink in secret, and find a way to cover their drinking.

The main treatment for NPD is talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy. However, research from 2014 tells us that genetics might play a part in whether some people develop NPD. It seems that many people who have NPD might also have AUD, but it’s not clear why. It’s worth noting that the DSM-5-TR doesn’t use the term “alcoholism,” but the term is still used colloquially to refer to AUD. In order to get a diagnosis of AUD, you have to fit certain diagnostic criteria as set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).

• 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.
• Alcohol can temporarily alleviate the vulnerable narcissist’s feelings of inadequacy, giving them a false sense of confidence that negates their niggling self-doubt.
• Alcoholism can have a profound impact on an individual’s personality and behavior, potentially exacerbating narcissistic tendencies.
• There is something delicious about our first taste of alcohol, although not in a literal sense.

While narcissism is a personality disorder and alcoholism is an addiction, narcissists and alcoholics share several characteristics. Recognizing these commonalities can help you understand and cope with people who have Narcissistic Personality Disorder, untreated alcoholism, or both. Enabling behavior can perpetuate the cycle of alcoholism and narcissism by shielding the alcoholic narcissist from the natural consequences of their actions. This can hinder their motivation to seek help and change their behavior.

Ways Narcissists and Alcoholics Are Similar