Narcissism and alcoholism: Is there a link?

Narcissistic personality disorder is just one of several personality disorders that can be dual diagnosed with alcoholism. However, there is some evidence that having narcissistic personality disorder can make you more vulnerable to alcohol abuse, according to a study from the National Institute of Health. 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. Research has shown that there is an overlap between alcohol use disorder and personality disorders, including NPD. One study found that among individuals who reported alcohol use, 9.1% were diagnosed with NPD at some point during their lives [1]. Various studies on alcoholism narcissism psychopathology and other co-occurring mental health disorders revealed that the best way to treat the condition is to do it simultaneously.

Alcohol lowers inhibitions, leading to outrageous, dangerous or abusive behavior. Denial manifests for alcoholics in many ways, such as saying they can stop drinking anytime they want, lying about when they drank, or refusing to acknowledge that their drinking has costs. Relapse is a common experience among people who are recovering from AUD. You can take https://ecosoberhouse.com/ steps to prevent relapse, such as recognizing your triggers and joining a support group. If you do relapse, try to seek help again — it’s still possible to make a full recovery. 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.

Narcissists May Be More Likely to Struggle with Alcohol Use Problems

Others are viewed as either enabling their drinking or as potential threats to their freedom to drink. That would feel like weakness, which is anathema to narcissists, sullying the image they desperately seek to cultivate. Similarly, addiction can cover inner conflicts and uncomfortable feelings. narcissism and alcoholism The longer the feelings are unaddressed, the more daunting it can become to look inward and face them. From a narcissist’s point of view, he or she has no problems and can do no wrong. Bragging and a damn-the-consequences-swagger are essential parts of many narcissists personae.

As a result, these individuals require others to affirm their importance and value. Once they receive this affirmation, they experience grandiosity and may behave in an arrogant and entitled way. However, without affirmation, the same individual may feel depressed and ashamed. Therefore, the presence or absence of external validations of their value determines whether a person may have the traits of grandiose narcissism or vulnerable narcissism. It is important to note, however, that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) does not distinguish between types of narcissism. The idea of vulnerable versus grandiose narcissism comes from the psychodynamic idea that people with narcissistic traits believe they need to be perfect to be okay.

The Continuous Affects of Narcissism

Our Medical Affairs Team is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience who actively contribute to the development of our content, products, and services. They meticulously evaluate and review all medical content before publication to ensure it is medically accurate and aligned with current discussions and research developments in mental health. 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. Along with denying the existence of their drinking problem, alcoholics refuse to take responsibility for their harmful behaviors.

Not all narcissists have problems with alcohol, but it isn’t uncommon for people with personality disorders to develop alcohol-related problems. 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.

What is a Narcissistic Alcoholic?

But addiction makes us all more narcissistic—willing to lie, steal, cheat, and even exploit others to get our high.” If you’re suspecting the person in your life is a narcissist, there are some common signs of narcissism you should pay attention to. However, many signs can overlap between alcoholism and Narcissism, and it’s important to know if it actually is both, or just one that is causing the severity of the other’s symptoms. You can call us 24/7 at American Addiction Institute of Mind and Medicine to discuss options and how to help your loved one.

• Being close with an alcoholic narcissist can be emotionally draining, and it’s crucial to take care of yourself.
• In order to receive a diagnosis of NPD, someone needs to display the above symptoms over several years.
• The experience of having nothing to do, and no one to impress, fills them with dread because it brings with it a risk of self-reflection.
• People can misuse alcohol without having AUD or being addicted to alcohol.