Doctor explains the relationship between narcissistic personality disorder and alcoholism

While alcoholism is an addiction and narcissism is a personality disorder, the two share many characteristics that may cause trouble in their personal, social and work lives. Think about a typical alcoholic personality, the way that people with alcoholism relate to others and see themselves.

When two disorders are occurring, it is always vital to obtaintreatment for both disorders at the same time. Treating onlyalcohol use disorderand not narcissistic personality disorder — or vice versa — will increase the chances of future substance abuse and the need for more professional treatment. For more information about co-occurring disorders such as narcissistic personality disorder and alcoholism,call to speak toone of the understanding staff members at The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab. Narcissism is a personality trait where people may feel a need for admiration, show a lack of empathy, or be self-involved. It is typical for people to display occasional narcissistic traits, but a pattern of narcissism could be part of narcissistic personality disorder , a mental health condition. 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.

Being a Narcissist When Drunk

Below, we’ll dive into just how strong the link between narcissism and alcoholism is, the similarities and differences of these disorders, and what to do if you or someone you love shares these traits. If you are in a relationship with an alcoholic narcissist or have one in your family, you already know how challenging it can be to deal with them. Because of their lack of self-accountability, choosing the right rehab program is an important factor in maintaining a long-term recovery. Inpatient rehab takes place in a residential facility where 24/7 care is provided. This type of treatment is well-suited for individuals who have struggled with their co-occurring disorders while dealing with problems at work or home.

• Though it is against our prediction, it isn’t completely surprising that vulnerable narcissists expect to experience problems.
• About half of people with personality disordersalso have some sort of addiction, so a parent with narcissistic personality disorder is more likely to have an alcohol use disorder.
• The information provided by AddictionResource.net is not a substitute for professional treatment advice.
• You must ask yourself what you are willing to accept from them and what you are not.
• Both narcissists and alcoholics tend to view others as either enablers or as potential threats (who interfere with their campaign of self-aggrandizement or their freedom to drink).

Al-Anon is a group for people who struggle with someone in their life with AUD. Alcoholics will give many excuses for their alcohol consumption rather than take responsibility. Often, they will blame everyone but themselves for their extreme alcohol consumption. They may lose everything and everyone in their lives before they will give up alcohol. Recovery starts with a single step and continues for a lifetime. Someone with NPD may turn to alcohol when they do not get the praise they want.

Debunking the 4 Most Common Myths about Addiction and Recovery

In order to minimize the negative effect the behaviors of an alcoholic narcissist have on your life, it is essential to establish firm boundaries. Some people who have narcissistic tendencies do misuse alcohol.

People who display addictive behaviors in addition to narcissistic traits may require a substance abuse treatment program that is equipped to treat co-occurring disorders. When narcissists do not get the praise and attention they seek, they often act out in extreme ways. When they do this, it can cause them to seek out drugs and alcohol in an attempt to deal with their emotional distress. However, this will often only provide temporary relief and cause them to continue using. In today’s day and age of selfies and posting every detail of your personal life on social media, the word “narcissism” gets thrown around a lot.

Where to find support if you’re experiencing NPD or AUD

Consider the similarities with the list we shared earlier on abusive personality disorder signs. For each regression model, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ gender, social desirability, and alcohol use (in the models where it wasn’t the outcome) were entered at Step 1.

• Often, the well-meaning supply finds himself/herself believing that maybe they WERE wrong, after all.
• Whether or not this person decides to seek treatment, don’t overlook your well-being and your right to a healthy, happy life.
• Often, narcissists are in codependent relationships anyway, but when you add drug or alcohol addiction to the mix, the toxicity level is off the chart.
• Alcoholics will say they can stop drinking anytime they want.
• Many people use the terms “alcohol use disorder” and “alcohol misuse” interchangeably, but they refer to two different things.
• Alcoholics are opportunistic and resourceful at getting their drinks, no matter the cost.

Many alcoholics are empathic and kind, i.e. not narcissistic, when they’re sober. A narcissist’s behavior is consistent throughout their life, whether or not they’re using alcohol. Narcissists thrive off of attention and are highly focused on themselves. Likewise, an alcoholic might appear self-absorbed because they put their loved ones’ needs aside for the sake of drinking.

Substance Use and Mental Health Helpline

Narcissistic personality disorder is just one of several personality disordersthat can be dually diagnosed with alcoholism. However, there is some evidence that having narcissistic personality disorder can make you more vulnerable to alcohol abuse. Someone who has an alcohol use disorder but is not a narcissist may lie or use addiction as an excuse, but they ultimately don’t feel like their addiction makes them any more special than anyone else. In fact, the majority of people with alcohol addiction suffer from some type of mental illness like anxiety or depression. They also suffer from guilt, shame and regret over their drinking and what it’s done to their life. Narcissism is a personality trait that in some people can be part of narcissistic personality disorder and alcoholism is a substance use disorder, but the two are linked and share similar qualities. Narcissists can become alcoholics and alcoholics can be particularly narcissistic when drunk.

One in 10 children live in a home with a parent who has a drinking problem. Michelle Pugle is an expert health writer narcissism and alcoholism with nearly a decade of experience contributing accurate and accessible health information to authority publications.