Narcissism and Alcoholism: Similarities, Differences, Diagnosis

Both NPD and AUD can be diagnosed by healthcare professionals. If you think you have either or both conditions, it’s best to talk with a mental health professional for a diagnosis. Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy can take place one-on-one with a therapist or in small groups. This form of therapy is focused on identifying the feelings and situations (called “cues”) that lead to heavy drinking (or grandiose thinking) and managing stress that can lead to relapse.

• Remember that you cannot change your partner’s behavior or force them to seek help.
• Someone who has a diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) experiences grandiose, arrogant behavior patterns that are coupled with a lack of empathy and need to be admired.
• Moreover, each mental health condition must be independently diagnosed.
• Today, some of these addictions go unrecognized in a person’s life, like a tendency to binge drink alcohol on the weekends.
• Similarly, an alcoholics behavior and personality can change drastically, especially when under the influence.
• It is not uncommon for two mental health conditions to co-exist (referred to as a comorbidity).

Lastly, don’t be afraid to set boundaries and find support in family and friends. Remember that a person with both alcoholic and narcissistic traits may need to get professional help before they can have a healthy relationship with you again. For a person to recover fully, they’ll generally need treatment that addresses both disorders. While narcissism is a personality disorder and alcoholism is an addiction, narcissists and alcoholics share several characteristics.

Recovery Service for Alcohol Addiction

Narcissistic personality traits can be dangerous to have when it comes to addiction -- these individuals often believe they can handle the effects of drugs and alcohol better than their peers. When they feel this way, it can cause them to become caught up in the cycle of addiction quicker than they realize. https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/choosing-sobriety-gifts-10-great-ideas-to-consider/ Understanding the role that narcissism plays in addiction can help you or a loved one get the help needed before it’s too late. Some narcissists can cover traits of their narcissism well, playing on another person’s anxiety or self-esteem issues to hide the traces of their emotions and behaviors.

Treating both disorders while at a recovery treatment center can help a person remain sober once they’ve completed the program. Alcoholism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder 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. The most reliable way to treat NPD has always been talk therapy, aka psychotherapy.

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If you have NPD and AUD, finding support can be challenging because they are two separate disorders with two separate treatment approaches. With that said, not every mental health issue is easily resolved. Treating each condition independently can sometimes lead people to "choose one over the other," especially if care is not coordinated.

• Treatment of NPD consists of cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and medications.
• These problem drinkers are able to keep their careers or home lives together as they continue with their alcohol abuse.
• Few people will be surprised to learn there are links between ego and alcohol.
• Alcoholism is an addiction where people cannot control their alcohol use.
• For this reason, to effectively help your loved one, you may need to consult an interventionist to have a better chance of convincing them to get treatment.

Treating NPD can be challenging and may require long-term therapy, but working alongside healthcare professionals can help people reduce symptoms. With treatment, those with NPD can live healthy lives with positive relationships. When people have a mental health condition that co-occurs with a substance misuse disorder, such as AUD, doctors may refer to this as dual diagnosis. It is common for personality disorders to occur alongside AUD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 22.6% of people with a personality disorder may also have a substance misuse disorder.

Common Barriers a Person Seeking Addiction Treatment May Struggle With

Individuals with narcissistic traits may struggle to maintain healthy and meaningful connections with others due to their self-centeredness, lack of empathy, and need for constant admiration. Alcoholism exacerbates these challenges by causing erratic behavior, emotional volatility, and broken promises. The combination can lead to deteriorating relationships, as loved ones may struggle to cope with the emotional rollercoaster caused by both conditions. Alcoholism and mental health conditions can be a sensitive subject. A person suffering from narcissism and alcoholism very likely has fragile self-esteem, and it can be difficult for them to even admit that they have a problem.

During cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a person identifies thought patterns that lead them toward abusive behaviors. With the help of a therapist, they work to overcome those patterns. Treatment for an alcohol use disorder can begin with an alcohol detox program.

Ways Narcissists and Alcoholics Are Similar

Loved ones of both alcoholics and narcissists may withdraw emotionally or eventually leave the relationship. The narcissist-like behavior of some alcoholics may only be a result of their addiction—it may not be how they really are when sober. And while there are some links between alcoholism and narcissism overall, the connection isn’t as straightforward as some might think. Many treatment programs utilize a 12-Step approach, and many of those recovering choose to attend meetings after they complete their treatment. Attending meetings can help individuals maintain their recovery... Entitlement is a key narcissistic trait for alcoholics as well.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to remember that alcoholism is a physiological condition, and any attempt to detox from the disease should be done under a physician’s supervision. And yes, there are behavioral remedies you can even try at home. But as for the physiological properties of the disease itself, please see a qualified medical professional. Individuals that have an addiction and another disorder present are struggling with a co-occurring disorder. Co-occurring disorders are not uncommon in the recovery space, as the two disorders often feed off each other while the person is actively struggling. The best treatment option is to address both disorders simultaneously.

They may show off how much they can drink, like a badge of honour. While helping your partner, refrain from enabling their addictive and narcissistic behaviors. This includes not making excuses for their actions, covering up for their mistakes, or taking responsibility for their problems. Encourage them to take accountability are alcoholics narcissists for their actions and seek help. 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.

• This study highlights the importance of individual differences in alcohol-related outcomes in a high risk population of college students.
• Alcohol can become an outlet for an individual with a personality disorder who feels numb, dull, or excited about the intensity of their emotional experiences.
• The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
• Encourage them to take accountability for their actions and seek help.

You can take 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. In fact, some research suggests that alcohol misuse might be more common among people who have narcissistic tendencies.

Treating Alcoholism and Narcissism

Leaving an alcoholic narcissist can be a challenging and delicate process. Seek support from trusted friends, family, or professionals, such as therapists or counselors, who can provide guidance and assistance. Develop a safety plan, gather important documents, and consider involving legal authorities if necessary.

The complete sonnets and poems of Shakespeare (Shakespeare, 1912) recanted the Greek story of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, while ignoring a chance for a real relationship. Psychoanalysts as early as Sigmund Freud (1914) described a developmental stage in children in which their egos lack concern for anyone else's needs, which he referred to as primary narcissism. According to Freud, individuals severely traumatized during this developmental period never leave the ego-driven state, even as adults, leaving them incapable of caring for others. Karen Horney (1937) theorized that the narcissist's self-esteem is never strong because it is never based on genuine accomplishments.

Personality and Individual Differences

At the Blackberry Center, our dual diagnosis program is tailored to each individual to treat their unique circumstances and symptoms. We specialize in guiding patients through the process of recovery step by step. From the very first day of alcohol detox and all the way through the discharge process and beyond, you will be able to tackle the causes of addiction head on with full support along the way. In a nutshell, grandiose narcissists may feel proud of their excessive alcohol use, and the problems it can cause, if it makes them stand out. Meanwhile, vulnerable narcissists deal with inner shame that can make them more likely to develop alcohol abuse problems later on as a way to cope.